You might think that God had a hand in the issue today of a new set of stamps celebrating Britain’s cathedrals. Because the timing is spot on with new life bnow being breathed into at least two of these large and lofty buildings - Lincoln and Chichester - and St Andrews Church in Worcester too. All three venues are now hosting nesting peregrine falcons. These birds were once in serious decline but are now doing relatively well thanks to a ban on the toxic pesticide DDT and a clampdown on raptor persecution, though the latter still has a long way to go. Peregrines are the world’s fastest animal – they can reach speeds in excess of 100mph when diving in pursuit of prey. They are deserving of the much-abused term, awesome. They are powerful and, like many birds of prey, imperious and menacing in a breathtaking kind of way. Their traditional nesting sites are the cliffs and ledges of exposed coasts, or inland on tall places were food is plentiful. But despite past hardships they are not that difficult to find. They can be seen swooping between the high crags of the Lake District or nonchalantly scouring the seaward side of the Isle of Wight’s lush southern downs. And now, they are in Worcester, Lincoln and Chichester too. These venues are three of the eight peregrine viewing schemes being run by the RSPB with the birds also ensconced bang in the middle of Cardiff and Manchester city centres. Hen harriers, white-tailed eagles, ospreys and red kites are other raptors featured in RSPB Aren’t Birds Brilliant! (ABB!) projects. All you’ll need is a means of getting there because when you do, you’ll find binoculars, telescopes and even nestcams laid on for the best views of these still-hounded wild birds. But be warned: you may have to wait your turn. In Worcester alone, more than 500 people are flocking daily to see the peregrines and their four chicks. The RSPB is running more than 60 ABB! schemes this year giving visitors unprecedented views of wild birds. But these fabulous creatures won’t be there for long so take the opportunity to see them while it’s there.
Click here to find the ABB! closest to you.
How wonderful to watch the Peregrines on live video at Chichester Cathedral. I've been watching them grow and don't they grow fast, they are very well fed. They are so well looked after and its wonderful to see a full grown Peregrine and also seeing both of them together. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work.