Chichester Cathedral peregrines welcome four chicks over bank holiday weekend

A screenshot from the webcam showing the peregrine parents with their chicks

Over the past few weeks more than 60,000 viewers watched live online as the peregrines began their nesting process.

Peregrines have been very successful nesting on the cathedral, having fledged more than 60 chicks since 2001.

These magnificent birds of prey can grow up to half a metre in length and have a wingspan of over a metre.

They live for 15 to 18 years and are the fastest animals in the world, diving at speeds of just under 250 miles an hour to catch their prey.

The peregrine project is a collaboration between Chichester Cathedral, the Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) and local wildlife enthusiasts David and Janet Shaw who have been observing the birds since 2001.

David and Janet said: “Wonderful news that we have four healthy peregrine chicks on the cathedral once again. It is also gratifying to know that people around the world are getting pleasure from watching the camera on our website – www.chichesterperegrines.co.uk. It is great to be able to watch nature continuing to thrive in spite of the human race being in lockdown.”

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