19 June 2025 – Wildlife watchers have cause for celebration as a Peregrine Falcon chick took its first flight last night (18 June) from the Norwich Cathedral spire - an exhilarating moment that quickly turned into a rescue mission.
The first of the fledglings took to the skies yesterday evening after a clutch of four eggs was laid in late March. Of the four eggs laid, two chicks survived, one male (MA) and one female (MB).
The female fledgling’s first flight was witnessed by thousands of conservationists and bird enthusiasts worldwide via 24-hour live-stream nest cameras, set up by national bird of prey conservation charity the Hawk and Owl Trust in partnership with Hawke Optics.
After fledging from the nest at approximately 6:40 pm, unfortunately the young Peregrine landed on the ground but managed fly up to reach the first-floor ledge. A decision was made to retrieve her and return her safely to the bell tower. Fortunately, there were willing helpers on site with prior Peregrine experience who were readily available to support the young bird during this critical stage of development.
Liberty Wells, Outreach and Conservation Ranger at the Hawk and Owl Trust, commented, “It’s always remarkable to witness the moment Peregrine Falcon chicks take to the skies for the first time. When we believe intervention is necessary to support a young Peregrine’s survival, we will not hesitate to act. Last night was a true team effort to ensure the chick’s wellbeing, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their support. From our Watchpoint at Norwich Cathedral, visitors have been able to follow their first weeks of life building up to this point. With over 74,000 people already tuning into the live nest camera and hundreds of visitors to the Watchpoint this year, it’s clear that these birds have captured the imagination of the public once again.”
The Watchpoint trailer is parked outside of Norwich Cathedral on the close green and will be open from 10am to 4pm, three days a week throughout June.
About Peregrine Falcons
Peregrine falcons are crow-sized birds with blue-grey backs, barred white underparts, and distinctive yellow talons and beaks. Capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph when hunting, they are the fastest animals on Earth. They nest in shallow scrapes called “eyries”, often on high ledges like cathedral towers, laying 3 to 4 eggs per year. While they don’t mate for life, they frequently return to successful breeding sites. Once threatened by persecution, Peregrines have adapted to urban life, with 1,769 breeding pairs in the UK, including 200 in cities, where artificial light helps them hunt migrating birds at night.
Hawk and Owl Trust live stream locations
Through live streaming, research, and information trailers, the Hawk and Owl Trust’s Peregrine Project ensures that active breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in the UK continue to increase.
Peregrine Falcons can also be seen nesting in other locations that the Hawk and Owl Trust have been live streaming, including in Bath. Late spring to early summer is the best time of the year to tune in to one of the Hawk and Owl Trust’s webcams as you follow the journey of the birds through their hatching season.
The Hawk and Owl Trust is encouraging people to donate while watching the live streams to support the birds and initiatives like the ‘Peregrine Project’ in the future.
To find out more information about the Peregrine Falcon species and view the Norwich Cathedral live stream, visit https://hawkandowltrust.org/live-cameras/norwich-cathedral-peregrines.
