Cathedral falcon killed by aircraft

A young bird of prey which was an attraction to tourists at a cathedral has died after being hit by a light aircraft.

The rare peregrine falcon chick, named TD, was one of four that hatched on the spire of Norwich Cathedral at the end of April.

A web cam at the church has allowed people to follow a pair of falcons and their chicks for nearly 10 years.

The young, female bird will be returned to the Norfolk cathedral after being taken to a taxidermist and mounted in a glass case. TD’S body will be displayed in the grounds of the cathedral so that visitors can see one of its famous falcons up close.

The peregrines first appeared on the cathedral’s 250ft spire in 2009, and have successfully fledged chicks there every summer since 2012.

The Hawk and Owl Trust set up a viewing point at the site and people can watch the birds on the live webcam from March to July.