Peregrines nesting on minster thought to have young on way

A PAIR of peregrine falcons nesting on York Minster are believed to be nurturing a clutch of eggs.

Since November, the birds of prey have occupied the North Tower, attracting wildlife lovers and capturing visitors’ imaginations.

Staff at the Minster could not confirm conclusively that the birds had now produced eggs but wildlife artist Robert Fuller, one of many nature enthusiasts who observes the nesting birds, is more certain.

Mr Fuller, of Thixendale, North Yorkshire, said: “I saw the male hunting over the main tower of the Minster. He caught a pigeon, partially plucked it ready to present to the female and then circled the tower calling until the female came out. He passed the pigeon to her and then flew into the nest in order to take over incubating. This means the pair are definitely sitting on eggs. These eggs are very late, normally peregrines lay eggs in early April, if not before, so at last the speculation over whether they would lay is over. I just hope the young go on to hatch successfully.”

Scheduled maintenance work of the North Tower has had to be postponed to avoid disturbing the nesting birds.

PICTURE: ROBERT FULLER ARCH PREDATOR: One of the peregrines on York Minster with prey. The pair, who have enchanted visitors to the historic building, are thought to have produced eggs.