Peregrine Falcon Chicks Hatch at St Albans Cathedral

Three Peregrine Falcon chicks successfully hatched at St Albans Cathedral.

At first, two white chicks were spotted around 2am on Saturday 9th May, with another hatching later in the day, while one egg remained in the nest. The four eggs are considered a record for the pair of Peregrine parents in St Albans, having laid three eggs a year since 2023, and two eggs in 2022- one of which failed to hatch.

The falcons began receiving public attention since their first chick hatched in 2022, and the curiosity surrounding the family has grown since a live webcam was installed on their nest tray the following year. Live Peregrine Watch events, run by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB St Albans Local Group, have given the community the chance to watch the birds through telescopes and binoculars.

The Very Revd J Kelly Moore, Dean of St Albans, said “we are absolutely delighted to welcome the first Peregrine chicks of 2026 here at St Albans Cathedral. These remarkable birds have become much loved members of our Cathedral community and it is a joy to see their family continue to gro year after year,”. 

Lea Ellis, Engagement Manager at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust also says “I’m thrilled to see the three Peregrine chicks hatch in quick succession , and I expect there will be any people like me, who will be glued to the website in the coming days with the hope of seeing a further sibling join them on the nest tray. It is not unusual for the eggs to hatch hours or days apart, so as with watching all wildlife, patience is a virtue!”.

Further Peregrine Watch events can be found here, while the Peregrine webcam livestream can be found here.