Earliest clutch of eggs yet for peregrine falcons nesting high above Cathedral
THE Derby Cathedral Peregrines have laid two eggs – the earliest batch yet seen.
Peregrines have been nesting on the Cathedral tower since 2006, with March 23 being the earliest date for eggs to have been laid to date.
Nick Brown, who set up the peregrine project for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: “We are delighted to have eggs already.
“Our previous female peregrine, who was replaced last year, never laid an egg before March 23. Our new female seems to be a much earlier layer.
“Peregrines usually lay clutches of four eggs in roughly two-day intervals so we are hoping for a third in the next 24 hours.”
Not only is the timing unusual this year but also the colour of the eggs.
Peregrines usually lay red-brick coloured eggs but this year one of the eggs is much paler. This shouldn’t make any difference to the precious chick inside but it is certainly an unusual year for Derby’s peregrines.
Peregrine falcons are the world’s fastest animal, reaching flight speeds of up to 242mph.
“They love to nest in high places such as towers and cliff edges, anywhere where they can have a great vantage point for spotting and swopping down on prey,” said Nick.
The Derby peregrine webcams will be live once again this weekend, following two years off air – and it is thanks to Nick Moyes, Nick Brown and Derby City Council. You can watch live at derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/derby-cathedral-peregrineproject
The project is a partnership between Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the project, Derby Cathedral, Cathedral Quarter and Derby City Council.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, a registered charity, is the only organisation working to protect all wildlife across the county. They are one of 47 in The Wildlife Trusts Partnership, a nationwide network of local trusts, and manage 47 nature reserves throughout Derbyshire, and advise local authorities and landowners.