Falcon lays egg in cathedral spire

Birdwatchers following the peregrine falcons at Salisbury Cathedral were delighted to discover that a female has returned to its spire to lay an egg.

Workers at the cathedral have installed a webcam in the 225ft-high tower balcony to monitor the falcon and its egg.

The bird has been visiting the nest regularly over the past few weeks and can be viewed on the webcam hunkering down in a new nesting box.

A pair of falcons, named Fiona and Bruce after the TV presenter, laid four eggs there last year. Cathedral staff said it was “highly likely” the new mother is Fiona.

Phil Sheldrake, species recovery officer with the RSPB, said: “It’s great that we have an egg – and quite a bit earlier than last year.

“We can’t be sure it is the same female as last year, though it is highly likely. Sadly, she’s not ringed.”