(Update: After a crack was seen in the 4th egg this evening May 13th, webcam watchers were wondering if it has finally hatched, but this now seems unlikely. For up to date news, check out the 'comments' link at the bottom of this page)
In the hope of encouraging that last egg to hatch, I'm going to state that it's unlikely now to hatch at all! Statements like these always seems to come back to haunt me but, whilst five days from our other chicks hatching is a long while, there's still a little hope, although its rapidly diminishing. The clip below shows our male peregrine (tiercel) bringing food in to the nest this morning, which the female (falcon) duly feeds to the hungry and rapidly growing chicks.
Following these are some screen grabs kindly posted to Flickr by our webcam watchers.
This lunchtime I held a Skype call with a group of 6 to 7 year old children from Green Class at Brigg Infants School, and they asked some amazing questions. One of them (Ben) started off the session by asked how long peregrines live for. Although I could say the average life span of a peregrine is around 8 to 10 years, some individual birds are known to have lived for up to 17 years, whereas around half of all chicks rarely make it to one year old. After our classroom chat I went away and checked our own statistics, finding that the last year in which not all of the laid eggs had hatched out was back in 2007, when only two of the clutch of four eggs actually hatched out. So the stats are on our side, even if the clock isn't!
Peregrine Falcons first nested on Derby's Cathedral, England, in 2006. Our Peregrine Project is now run by a partnership between Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Derby City Council, Derby Cathedral and the Cathedral Quarter. Here is what's happening in 2024. . .
198 comments:
Think I have just about given up on the last egg, its a shame but if it doesn't hatch then it is meant to be.
Hope the other three thrive.
Thanks Nick for starting new thread.
What wonderful work you do at the Cathedral with our Peregrines also with the youngsters, am sure everyone will have enjoyed the Skype session, they certainly do ask some very relevant questions, even when they post on here.
Egg certainly looking still very intact, but next few days will tell.
Hello Green Class
Thank you for welcoming me into your classroom at Brigg Infants today.
I hope I didn't look too scary on your huge whiteboard!
You all asked some great questions, and I am determined that between us we can answer Isobel's question: "Where do Derby peregrines go to drink and bathe?"
I set you a challenge to guess the date and time of the first peregrine youngster to fly off from the nest ledge. If you each write down your answer and give it to Mrs Naylor with your name on it, she will work out who chose the closest one. And as I promised, the winner will receive a a copy from my own library of "Animals Under Threat - the Peregrine Falcon".
If any of you want to write or draw something we talked about today - or maybe a picture of us all talking on the computer, I'll make sure everyone here gets to see a selection of them. (I can't promise to show every one, but I'll do my best!)
Thanks again
Nick Moyes
James F from Oak class, I'm still watching to see the last chick hatch. Fingers crossed.
Morning all
Peaceful on the Scrape.
Interesting read on Nick's session with the children.
I wonder if anyone asked him, what the Falcon will do with unhatched EGG?
Kate
Is it just me or is one of the Falcons eye lids closed this morning?? Does she have some sort of eye infection?
Morning anonymous
No infection, you probably caught her 'cat napping' i,e they close their eyes when having a little sleep.
Kate
Morning all, and congratulations Nick M on your successful Q&A session with Green Class, also thanks to Mrs Naylor for encouraging them to learn more about these marvellous birds.
If, and I suspect this is sadly the case, egg number 4 doesn't hatch will you retrieve it if still in scrape when the 3 chicks are ringed? I've seen on some sites they do so to ascertain whether the egg was infertile or if there was something amiss with the embryo.(as if you haven't enough to do!). Meannwhile remaining chicks seem to grow stronger and bigger by the day.
Morning all, and good nite from me. I didn't realize another thread had been started and was wondering where all the usual commenters were. I have left a few messages as to the goings on while you were all asleep. The chicks eat like little piggies and are now flat out in front of mom. They move around a lot more now. Too bad about the last egg but I think 3 is it. I will read all the new posts in the morning. Nite for now.
Pic of the egg on Flickr, not sure if there is something stuck to it or if it may be hatching.
Lunchtime for the chicks.
Another shot of the egg looks as though it could be something stuck, but we can hope, can't we??
Feeding as well at this time.
Kate
Good day all, the Tiercel is up above plucking his latest catch. You can see him in cam 3. The feathers are floating down and the falcon keeps looking up. A few feathers have drifted in to the scrape.
The lonely egg looks like it might be on its way...cracks all over it! Close up pic on Flickr.
I have everything crossed!
Mrs P flew off and MrP came in and just stood there examining the chicks like they were new to him. He never tried to cover them at all. Mrs P is back with supper and the chicks are hungry.
Just knew it, knew it, knew it...we have partial eclipse!!
Hang in there little one, nice and easy does it. If it has strength enough to create an exit hole, then it should also survive the jostling of it's much larger siblings ( if indeed it makes it fully out ) Mrs.P kept it safe and her good nurture may yet pay off.
Soooo want this chick to be special.... I'm so anxious I could burst...
Hang on.. can't see the hole in the shell now and wondering if I'm going potty or not. Thing is, you think you see something, then the next moment you begin to doubt again.
No more speculation from me then, I must calm down and simply wait and see. It's either meant to be or it isn't. Either way, whatever little soul is inside, it's captured many hearts and has therefore had a purpose.
Hi lorraine
You really must take it steady CHOL:):)
We have been hoping since we saw egg again this morning that so looked like a crack doh!!!!!!
I thanked you a few days back re Plymbridge, also mentioned Exeter Cathedral two out of the four hatched.
Kate
Ooooh there is a big hole in the egg...! The chick is coming!! It got bits hanging out..
Camera 4 is perfect to see it.
I am so happy and don't think I have ever been so excited or grateful.
Like Lorraine said, if it's strong enough to hatch, hopefully it can survive all the huddle and bustle of its much bigger siblings :-)
Again, I have everything crossed!
It certainly looks like a crack to me, whether it is hatching or has got broken remains to be seen. I hope if it does hatch that the little one will survive.
Me too Phoebe!
In the last 2 hours it's gone from a few cracks and "pecks" to a full on crack all the way around.
Mrs P is asleep right now and not too interested in the egg...here's hoping!
That is the way they hatch so here's hoping! Fingers crossed. I know this Falcon is an expert in her rearing skills.
Thanks team, for the timely zoom in on Cam4 just now - a great clear view to monitor the next few hours.
Well that was noisy, zooming in and out.
Great news about the 4th chick! I had thought it wasn't meant to be. Can't wait to see the little Easter Bunny! He will so much smaller than the others but yes, if he survived all of this he or maybe she will be strong too.
The little one is nearly here.....posted a pic on Flickr.
I really, really hope the little one will survive if/when it's hatched. The others are so big now.
As you are all saying Mrs P is a dab hand at this chick rearing now....here's hoping!
Only just got home to see the fantastic news, I can't believe it - miracles do happen after all. Haven't been able to see the egg yet as they are all dozing at the moment with Mr P also on scrape.
Am just anxious for its future with its siblings being so large now & hope it doesn't get crushed at feeding times. But with us all rooting for him/her (providing our blood pressure will stand it!) and with Mrs P's nurturing skills hopefully all will be well.
What will happen when ringing time is due with one being so small? Anyway am now off to watch & hopefully catch a glimpse of developments. SO excited!
Has anyone actually seen the hatching tonight and, if so, what time did this happen?
I should be peparing for my book launch tomorrow, so have only a limited time to try to retrieve camera footage if anyone can help me.
I have not seen hatching, just what appears to be a crack in the egg.
OK Phoebe. I saw that too and got some images like those on Flickr. Keep us informed of what yo see (must get on).
Nor me Nick, still not entirely sure if the egg is merely damaged, with exposed embryo showing, or if indeed part hatched and still in with a chance. The falcon seems content to keep the mystery under wraps a while longer.
Keep your eyes peeled everyone and make a note of the time if you see any clear images of an actual chick.
Mrs P has been sleeping for some time but the chicks are starting to get restless so we may see a feeding time soon and at that time see the egg.
If it does hatch we will see the discarded shell.
Not quite sure if this is it but at 23.18.44 under falcon's right wing there appears to be some movement from what had seemed like the 4th egg. Bit puzzled as to why falcon isn't showing any interest as she has previously done when any of the eggs were hatching.
I noticed that too Heather, but it could easily be one of the other chicks or its wing. As Abby-Lynn said, the next feed might show more.
Egg visible and it looks the same as last seen, unhatched.
Hi Phoebe, Just seen falcon move as well and it appears we've all been seeing things (more wishful thinking I'm afraid). Does seem this one destined not to hatch but they're doing a sterling job raising the other three.
Hi Heather, it is very unlikely to hatch now and if it did it probably wouldn't survive the tussle of the other three.
Gutted :-(
Genuinely thought tonight would be the night. Had so many good signs. Under the wing still so can't see anything.
Odd that they would still brood if they knew the egg wouldn't hatch. Who knows!
I'm still hoping.
Hi again Phoebe, yes I quite agree with you it's probably for the best and if it did hatch would have slim chance of survival against its larger siblings. Oh well we must be grateful for the three,(Sheffield have only had 2 of their 4 hatch). Off to bed now, all this birdwatching is quite tiring!
Me too, need my sleep. All will be revealed by morning.
It is 3:13 am and Mrs P flew off, Mr P flew in and he is trying so hard to cover the chicks and it is very hard for him to do. I made the picture full screen on my computer and I see no cracks in the egg. Mrs P just came back and with a lot less effort she covers the chicks.
3:55 and chicks have been fed. Mum left with remains, dad came in and tried again to cover the chicks and he didn't quite get finished when Mum came back and he left in a hurry.
Another feeding done. For such tiny little birds they sure can eat a lot. The egg still doesn't have any cracks. Just wishful thinking on everyones part. Dad tried covering them just now & when she got back she covered the chicks but not the egg.
Morning all
So looks as though all our hopes dashed
EGG now outside,it probably used its last bit of strength,and owuld have been so weak that it would not have survived being the'runt'.
Let us hope the three will have a strong healthy life.
Now we can concentrate and wondering which day will be 'ringing' day last year was 22nd. May.
Thanks for all the Eve.night posts.
Kate
Morning all, Breakfast time now. He looked like he was trying to pull the egg in when he tried to cover the chicks a bit ago. But she hasn't had it under her for most of your night. It is funny, it is 6:45 am there and 10:45 pm here. Chicks are certainly well fed.
Morning everyone, 6.39 Mr P arrived with fresh prey, chicks not the least bit interested and Mrs P flew off perhaps to stash it somewhere or have some breakfast herself. Anyone else noticing camera 4 keeps stop/ starting ever few seconds?
Will be interesting to see what happens to the now abandoned egg and if it will be ejected from scrape.
Hi Heather, yes, Cam 4 is stop/starting again. After she flew off with the prey she came back with a different one and fed the chicks. Did you hear him whistle to her when he was on the other side of the scrape? It sounded so mournful. they do mourn their lost chicks so maybe they mourn the unhatched egg too. They are such a lovely couple.
Hi Abby, yes I did hear him making that noise when hiding unusually at back of scrape. They are such expert parents and I will always remember how they tried to save that little one a few years ago when it was possibly injured & kept falling over - one of our more traumatic viewing experiences which seemed to last forever. Then there was the one last year which possibly expired from heststroke.
But this is nature and it's such a privilege to have an insight into their world. Wonder how the pigeon family are doing, haven't seen them recently, possibly keeping low profile!
Yes, this is nature. Hard to take sometimes. Right now they are both on the scrape. Him sitting on the edge, she is preening and cleaning her feathers. I remember the little one who didn't make it last year. She finally took it away. I am off to bed now. It is great getting up in the morning reading all the new stuff going on.
The falcon is off the chicks, they are all huddling the egg, no doubt she will be back with food.
Yes they were fed and I felt so sorry for the smallest one. He just wasn't getting any. He kept bobbing up and down with the other 2 but they were in front of him. He finally worked his way to the end and finally got fed. I really thought it wasn't going to get fed. He always seems to be last to be fed as the other 2 lean on him so he can't be seen sometimes. The tercile brought a small pice to the scrape and is right along side her almost eating what he brought. she is just looking at him.
Aw, he is feeding her now.
Thanks for all the info since this morning.
I think the Mums ( and Dad) are so understanding, trying to ensure they teach the weakest, that it has to learn to stand up for itself, or it will not survive out the big wide world, but, it so painful to watch isn't it?
Just come on watch. Still finding Camera 4 stop/starting as it was doing last night and this morning. (Abby noticed this at 7.22 too). This is on my iPad, haven't checked on computer. Wonder if anyone else experiencing this problem. Nick M seemed to fix it previously by sorting out aerial & ethernet cable.
Every year there seems to be one little chick last in the "pecking " order to receive any food, sometimes missing out completely, but with such experienced patents it always seems to thrive.
My iPad and computer were intermittent a half hour ago. For the past 5 minutes ok. I am looking forward to a couple weeks from now when all 3 will be little bullies when it comes to food and will push their way in. Then they are all pretty full at the end of a feed. But they get fed so often they won't starve if they miss one but I still feel for them.
Well, both are intermittent again. The falcon hasn't moved in awhile.
Abby- Lynn I've found that camera 4 is stopping and starting all the time now, sometimes ok for a few minutes sometimes just freezes. Sure the Nicks will get it sorted. keep watching for a pip in that little egg, but as Nick says looks unlikely. They had the same at Sheffield, except they had 4 eggs and only 2 chicks. Hope ours go well. Have you seen the ones at Nottingham too?
Hi. When I woke up this morning (8:00 am Toronto time and Derby around 1:00 pm) I saw small hole on one end in 4th egg. Sorry no picture. Few hours later I think I see small pinkish bottom under Mom. Maybe I'm wrong :(
Olga. Toronto.
Hi Linda - I haven't seen the ones at Nottingham. Will check them later. Mum has her head tucked in and the chicks are moving around a lot under her.
Cant sleep so thought I'd get up and potter about and have for a look at the falcons. Mum is settled down over everyone and cant see the egg, probably will start feeding them when it's light I would think so we will see more then. Bit of cheeping going on. Hope you did see a chick.
Cam 4 has been intermittent all night. Not much happening on the scrape.
Chicks in plain view. Only 3. Dad babysitting while mom flew away.
Mom came back with an early breakfast.
Hi AbbyLynn I have a pic moment with 4 chicks. But eggshell remains round.
Olga.
Hi Olga - Now Dad came in with food and was feeding mom until a chick popped itself out and dad is feed the chick with a wee bit going to mom. I doubt the egg will hatch. It has been too long. Plus she doesn't really shelter it much anymore. This little chick shouldn't be hungry next feeding time.
I try to enlarge photo and looks like shadow of one wing, not head
Olga
What time did you put the picture on Flickr? I want to take a look at it.
Morning all
My thanks as always.
Egg still clearly intact, will put recent pic on flkr, in a mo.She has just drawn it in and tucked it under,I wonder as the day progresses and the three chicks get bigger when she will push the Egg to one side.?
Kate
Hi Kate. Dad has them now. Have a good day all. It is time for me to hit the bed a wee bit early for a change.
Good morning everyone. Have done a bit of research regarding how long they'll brood infertile egg(s) & found following from Nick M in April 2008.
" Some birds sit on addled or infertile eggs for weeks after expected hatching date. If 2 of 4 eggs hatch the parents will start feeding these immediately while continuing to brood other 2 eggs. Gradually ignore unhatched eggs and focus attention on the 2 chicks"
Hope this is of some help, any sightings of the egg cracking are,I suspect, that it has just become damaged. I'm sure they will soon push the unhatched egg to one side. Not sure how old MrsP is but perhaps sign she is becoming less fertile with age (or more likely it just got chilled).
we arwoching the pergrgrinfalcns we r veree hapee the at 3 egs hav hashacht
Hi Eddie from Oak Class.
So glad you are able to watch the baby chicks. It's more interesting now that they've hatched and to see how the parents make sure they give them tiny pieces of food.
They are growing very fast now aren't they and soon they won't look like little white fluffballs anymore as their feathers change to more adult plumage.
I think the next chick will hatch soon.It has got a little crack in it.
Good day all, I got a minute or 2 of the chicks before mom came back and covered them. They sure grow every hour it seems. They can hold their heads up a little better now too.
I just took a look at Nottingham's chicks. Our webcam is much better - thanks to our Nicks. And our flacon and tiercel keep our scrape much cleaner. I saw Mrs P pick up a piece of leftovers from the chicks side and move it to the other side just awhile ago. I am in Canada but still say our. These is the falcons I started watching thanks to a friend in Derby so these are "ours".
Hi Abby
Have not been around too much today , but all looks calm, and yes it is amazing how the chicks seem to grow by the Hour.
Hello Jacob Oak class
We would all have loved the last Egg to hatch, but sadly concensus is that it is too many days between the laying date and now.Hope you will watch over the weekend.
Kate
EGG now being ignored, piccie on flkr.
Kate
Mrs P just retrieved unhatched egg and is now incubating it once more. Seems the nuturing instinct is still prevalent.
Forgot to mention in previous comment I'm still having problems with Camera 4, anyone else experiencing same?
Hi Jacob Oak Class. As Kate said it is too late for the egg to hatch now. You are quite right there does appear to be a crack in it but this may be the result of it being damaged at some point. Whilst it is sad that the 4 eggs didn't hatch we must be grateful that we have 3 lively chicks.
Hi Heather Egg and Chicks all alone at mo.
Yep!! Cam 4 has intermittent probs, sometimes I gett the contious wheel, other times a blank page, and other time piccie but it freezes,
We are so fortunate to have the Other cams to view, it must cause Nick, a nightmare trying to keep them all running smoothly, and really appreciate all that is done to give us viewing time... many thanks all.
Kate
Hi the 2 nicks just wondered when the peregrine watches Start? From Christine x
CAM 4 is working pretty good right now. Goes for 5 minutes and then stops.
Sorry that should have said 15 minutes. So much better than before.
Mom took off about 3 or 4 minutes ago. Dad flew in after about a minute. the chicks are squawking but no food in sight yet. He has tried to cover them a bit but they just don't fit. Mom is sure taking her time coming back. They haven't been fed in awhile. She had left earlier but came back within a minute but no food. Maybe she is hunting and not much out there so early in the morning. She's been gone at least 5 or 6 minutes. Not like her. Wow she just came back with a very large piece of prey. The chicks are just about dancing.
One of the chicks is so aggressive he even grabs the food from her mouth when she is reaching to give it to another chick. The 2 bigger ones got well fed but the little one was stuck behind the egg so long and then leaned on by the biggest one that the little one only got 3 bits of food. Then mom took off with a huge piece of prey and came back with nothing. When she got back the little one was sitting there with his mouth open. Maybe he will have better luck next feed.
Hi Abby, Just seen the rather large prey brought back but felt sorry for the one in the middle as it was unable to get to the front due to unhatched egg right in front of him/ her.
It then was pushed to right hand side but trapped by its other sibling and whilst the other two had a good feed it only got a few beakfulls. You always feel for the one that seems to miss out and Mr P seemed to take off with it pretty quickly. Perhaps it'll have better luck next time! Meanwhile Mrs P back and still brooding unhatched egg.
At one point in the night egg was discarded near her left wing but then she pushed it back under her chest to brood it once more. Seems the chicks never sleep at night constantly moving around- bit like last night for me with insomnia rearing its ugly head again!
More food brought in by Mr P. Chicks being fed but can't see if little one is getting some this time as Mrs P is refusing to move away- hunting is obviously very good this morning.
Well, he brought the prey back and the little one got nothing because it was turned the wrong way. I don't know why it didn't turn around. I don't remember the chicks being this aggressive last year but I don't think I saw them for about 2 weeks after they hatched. The chicks do seem restless at night. Insomnia is awful. I have it very little but when it hits it messes up the next day for you.
Morning Heather and Abby
Missed the last feed DOH! so appreciate your info.
Hope littlest, starts to get aggressive soon,you, so feel, you want to tell it, come on fight for your share.
All looks quiet at moment.
Kate
Don't laugh but I do tell it!! I also get after the mom for not noticing. I bet a lot of people do. Its been quiet since they ate. Cam 4 has worked well for me so far.
Hi Christine, I think the first watch point down on Cathedral Green is Saturday 30th May.
They are getting fed again and the smallest one id in the back again.
I think when it is feeding time I will wait till they are older to watch them. I hate to see one fighting so hard to be fed because the others are up front and he just can't get thru. It bothers me. So I will wait for a few days when it is stronger and can get in there and fight for its food. i know they have to learn that but it is so hard to watch.
Does everyone find that this year they are making us verify that we aren't a robot almost overtime we want to comment?
I was yelling to the little one to move from the middle to the right and sure as egs are eggs (excuse the pun!) he has had a really good feed. They do seem very aggressive as you mentioned Abby - perhaps they are all males and there's too much testosterone in the nursery!
Hi helen hope ur ok! Thank-you for the info hope 2 cu there! X
The tiercel looks most uncomfortable
when left alone with the chicks.
Perhaps he is a 1st time father?
Big feed just now. The camera angles are great these days because apart from the close-ups, you get to see the adults sweep in and out. They have such control landing. We are so spoilt by the quality of the webcams :) Great to hear about the ongoing work in schools, Nick M. Hope the book launch went well.
I think the tiercel looks uncomfortable because he can no longer cover them because they have grown so much. But twice now I have seen him bring food and start feeding the falcon and then the chicks pop out and he feeds them too.
I've just watched a very long feed, all the chicks have a full crop and the falcon made sure each one had its fill. She is so tender and such a good parent. The chicks are thriving.
Wow she's back again with food, I think the tiercel may have brought it for her as I just saw him fly from the scrape. She is trying to encourage them to eat more but they are very full and floppy after the last feed.
Must be nice to feel "full and floppy"!
Oh yes Lesley they don't have a care in the world! Bliss! Pics on flickr.
Poor mum, doesn't get much sleep!
I remember the feeling well!!
Poor mum, doesn't get much sleep!
I remember the feeling well!!
The chicks are being fed. All 3 of them. The biggest one certainly got his share before the other 2 got any. But they started really pushing forward and were even taking it away from each other. Mom just left with the balance, I guess she'll stash it somewhere for later. The chicks are becoming a little more alert now. Taking the time to look around and then they all cuddle together. Keeping warm I guess. you can already see some dark spots on their wings where some feathers will start coming in. Now mom is back and trying to cuddle them under her but of course they don't fit anymore there either.
Dad came in with a small piece of food, ate some then gave some to mom and a couple mouthfuls to 2 of the chicks and flew off again.
Dad's back with food again. Feeding the chicks. At present just one chick is eating. The other 2 aren't even trying to get any. Another one tried for a minute to get some but couldn't get out front. The one getting fed sure did eat a lot. Maybe he is one of the 2 that didn't get as much the first time. They sure can pack away a lot of food. Now they are all trying to get as far as possible under mom. All you see is 2 balls of fluff and one head peeking out.
Morning everyone. Seems our chicks are thriving, haven't been able to catch sight of 'the egg'.
Sheffield had 2 chicks ringed yesterday being nearly 3wks old (2 females). Remaining 2 unhatched eggs were removed for analysis and also samples of chicks down were taken for DNA identification should it become necessary in the future.
Would be interested to know if we will be collecting egg if still in scrape and also samples of down as Sheffield have done.
Morning Heather and Abby
Thanks for overnight info
Good to read things progressing.
Heather I have not looked back at earlier years stats re ringing,,What I do recall is that we usually are very privileged to watch collection on the cams, in my flkr page I noted the other day, last year it was 22.May.
KateKate
I have just been watching the chicks with mom. They are spreading their wings without knowledge of what they are. I also saw the egg in amongst them. I saw the chicks being picked up for ringing last year. What a racket! Mom and dad took off squawking and the chicks were so noisy and backing up to the back of the scrape trying to bite Nick's hands. I think it was Nick. Now they have more dark spots on them than they did 5 hours ago. We will soon see feathers. Morning to you Kate, & Heather.
The 3 chicks are lined up sleeping in front of mom. The egg is very close to the edge of the scrape.
Mom's feeding them and they seem to be so hungry yet I saw them eat so much just hours ago. they can accommodate larger pieces now. Mom sure can put down huge pieces! It is a wonder she doesn't choke sometimes. Dad sitting on the edge watching.
How will they get rid of the egg?
Hi Lesley (and others): to answer your questions; our male bird has been the same one since 2006 so he is very experienced if a bit inept with the small chicks compared to the female. They do make good parents though and generally rear all their young.
The infertile/addled egg will either just get pushed to the edge of the platform or may get accidentally smashed at some point.
Ringing the chicks this year may be difficult because the cathedral is closed every week Monday to Friday for major refurbishment work...we'll have to see what we can manage! Normally we would try to recover the egg for analysis though we've never managed it with previous unhatched eggs which disappeared before ringing time.
Ringing normally takes place when the chicks are about 19-20 days old.
We have had the DNT of adult feathers analysed so I'm not sure that chick down will give us more information than we have already....we'll check with the scientists who did the analysis.
Watch Points on Cathedral Green, organised by Ian Layton will start on Saturday 30th May and run each Saturday until the end of June. More details to follow on the blog shortly.
Hope that covers all questions but you can always email peregrines@derbyshirewt.co.uk if you have more!
Nick B (DWT)
Egg has been pushed aside. I think the little one may be in trouble. Mum just fed the bigger two, but not the little one. it's leaning up against the back of the scrape and was watching her for food but seems not to be able to join the others and she didn't go to it. :-(
Think Mum has retrieved the little one. Saw her looking and its not up against the back of the scrape now. We will see what happens next feed time.
Hi everyone, it's amazing how rapidly the chicks grow. Their actual size is truly revealed at the time of their ringing, when we see Nicks hands gently lift them from the scrape and realize just how big they are in proportion.
I'm glad the Aylesbury chicks (a cute 3) have settled well into their new scrape ( good live cam now in operation there ) and are all thriving. Sue Peregrino will no doubt be extra chuffed I imagine!
Kate, I had a wonderful time in Plymbridge Woods yesterday, watching the resident wild Peregrine family, high up on the quarry rock face, through the powerful scopes aligned on top of the bridge there.
Their photographer, Steve, told me all about the very sad incident that took place last week. As the tiercel arrived back to the nest, the falcon shuffled aside and accidently nudged one of her three chicks out of the nest with her wing. Quick as a flash, she literally flung herself after it and managed to retrieve it in her beak. But it slipped free from her grasp and began to fall again. Yet again, she managed to capture it by the wing, but sadly, it slipped free once more, this time falling all the way down to the woodland floor, where she tried in vain to locate it, but couldn't.
Amazingly, Steve captured the whole incident on his camera. He quickly called for help and they eventually found the chick and cared for it overnight, but unfortunately it's injury's were so severe, it didn't recover. I understand both parent birds were extremely distressed for some time afterwards.
Then, they had a face off with two unknown peregrines who tried to muscle in on their quarry site. The tiercel locked claws with one of them and eventually both strangers were angrily "escorted" from the area by the resident birds. Later a buzzard was also spotted and received the same treatment.
Their new website www.plymperegrines.org.uk is now in operation and shows Steve's amazing images of the events above.
Hi Lorraine.
Thank you so much for the detailed BLOG!!!(CHOL:):) how sad,for the family, I hope Mum and Dad soon make it up and the remainder can be reared healthily.
Am off to check the new website many, many thanks,
Kate
I see the egg is still getting the occasional tuck-under from Mum. Hope this 'warming' of the contents doesn't attract flies and make the chicks poorly before Dad ( or their other Dad, Nick! ) removes it from the scrape in due course.
All now quiet and happy in our favourite scrape :)
Oh well, I think I've come to terms now with my attachment to the last egg. The thought "not meant to be" came out like this and made me feel a bit better, so hope it gives a similar closure to any other softies out there (you know you are!)
Not meant to be........
Oh poor Eclipse, you little pet,
Your world of light is not quite yet.
Your sweet delight not meant to be,
Nor gentle grace for all to see.
No matter sad, your time WILL come,
Another day, another Mum,
Whilst here, you've left a living mark,
In death.. a new life to embark.
Many thanks Nick B for your detailed answers to our rather numerous questions. I didn't realise you have DNA of adult feathers analysed so perhaps there wouldn't be any point in doing same with chicks down. Lets hope, maintenance work permitting, that this year's chicks can be ringed. Fortunately the parents haven't been concerned with the noise from the ongoing refurbishment work. Guess you must have "tweaked" Camera 4 as all seems well at the moment! Many thanks for all the Team's behind the scenes efforts.
Lorraine what a terribly sad story about the demise of one of the chicks at Plymbridge Woods. How amazing for the falcon to dive so quickly and catch it not only once but twice in her beak. Will look up the website to see Steve's efforts. What a traumatic day those peregrines had also having to see off another pair of peregrines but a buzzard as well! We find out something new about these birds all the time.
Saw one of the chicks was fed a huge claw this morning perhaps this was the one at back of scrape suffering from indigestion!
One of the parents came in with a large piece of food but kept back a bit from the chicks. Ate some and then fed a few pieces to one then to another and then left with the large piece. Chicks have been alone for a few minutes now. I hope they all survive.
Feed time, but one chick seems to be
asleep and is not bothering to have
any?
I'm watching the feed. The chicks don't sit up for food unless they are hungry, and when they are full sometimes they walk away and turn their backs. It looks quite funny. I'm sure he will get up when he is hungry.
Well they couldn't stuff much more into those crops! They are as big as their heads. I must be like having a ball and chain round your neck pulling your head down. Poor things. It's no wonder they fall over.. hehe
I just saw all 3 of them moving around while mom sits on the edge of the scrape. I thought the littlest one was in trouble but seems to be moving around.
I just checked on the chicks. They are all tucked under mom. The light for some reason makes it look like a fall of snow is covering everything on cam 4. cam 2 is as usual.
Morning all
As you say rapidly growing, by the hour CHOL:):)
Too big to get right under Mum, love the way they try to warm their heads
Kate
Morning Kate - I haven't seen them get fed in all the time I have watched but could have missed it as I had a few emails to catch up on. So maybe soon we shall see them get fed. All 3 were squirming quite well tonight. Another hour or so and I will off to bed. Do you have a long weekend this weekend. This is our long weekend to celebrate the Queen's birthday - altho it was a previous Queen. Every year we have a long weekend. We get Monday off from work and school.
Well, they are getting well fed, all 3 of them. You can see them getting stronger each day. They prey this time was of a bird as big as the falcon or bigger. The little one seemed in trouble before but is fine now. The chicks are 11, 12 & 13 days old now. I'm so glad to see them all eating so well.
Just watched them get fed. The little one was so funny. He wasn't getting any because he was turned the wrong way. He kept backing up till he was almost sitting on the food. Then he turned his head just enough to get fed. He got a large piece and was trying his best to eat it but dropped it twice and one of the others tried to take it away but he dropped it again. Usually if mom is feeding them she will take the piece away when they are struggling but dad just left him struggle with it. They sure are showing dark areas where some actual feathers will start coming in.
Yes Abby, I noticed that too. Every time I see dad feeding them he seems to eat more himself than he gives to them. Typical male!!
You are right. Moms are just all about the kids. Do you have a day off for the Queen's birthday?
The egg was over by the edge of the scrape but now it is under her again. Not much action up till now.
The hole or chip out of the egg was done by one of the adults. I saw them peck at it twice. Earlier and just now when they had a little food.
Hi Abby. (everyone). Seems the parents aren't quite sure what to do with the egg, it moves around the scrape sometimes discarded then being brooded once more.
No we don't have a day off for the former Queen Victoria's birthday. Hope you enjoyed your extra day off yesterday, lucky you!
Pouring with rain/thunder here nr. Bakewell at the moment so hope Derby miss out as the chicks are going to get soaked if falcon unable to completely cover them.
Hi Heather: the good thing about the nest platform is that it is tucked in on the East side of the tower and is therefore protected from wind and rain coming from the west. Only when we get (rare) East winds and rain does it (and the birds) get a serious soaking!
The weather for the next few days does look very showery and cool but that shouldn't stop the rapid growth of the chicks.
The unhatched egg is indeed stimulating very mixed behaviour by the adults and especially the female, who still has the urge to incubate it from time to time.
Nick B (DWT)
Hi Derby, Bakewell and everywhere. This is Chesterfield.
Flaming British weather! Typical. Will the unhatched egg have gone bad inside?
Hi Lesley: it could have done for sure.....we will try to collect it if we manage to ring the chicks this year - logistical problems (the cathedral is under major refurbishment and is totally closed all through the week days) may yet prevent that happening.....we will have to wait and see.
Nick B (DWT)
Thanks Nick.
So the parents are not likely to peck it open and eat it?
Goodness! Did anyone else see the size of the piece the little one just ate?
Hi Nick, thank you for your comments - I seem to remember now that you did mention sometime ago that the East side of the tower is well protected from the elements (except when you had to lower that hot water bottle to melt the snow, that was hilarious and sheer genius!).
Hi Lesley, isn't it amazing what the chicks can consume now, not just meat but feathers and one even had a talon the other day. I too was wondering if the parents would open the egg up and,more worryingly, feed it to the chicks. It must surely be off by now as Nick mentioned.
Is the little one alright, it doesn't seem to sit up like the other two
Sometimes the little ones eat like the big ones. I saw how big the piece was. The little one has had me worried a few times but it sure can jump up for food more now. I think another week and they will all be the same.
Wow!!! I've been away for a few days and just checked on on the little family....I cannot believe how big the chicks have got!!
They seem to have quadrupled in size in shuch a short time. Amazing to see.
Been reading about the little one, hope it's ok. Will be watching with eager eyes to them grow even more!
Mr and Mrs P doing such a great job :-)
Awhile ago 2 of the chicks backs were to the open scrape and they were really squirming around because I think they were getting wet. But mom has turned a bit and they are sheltered from the open part and are sleeping quietly.
A few minutes ago dad flew in and mom left. The chicks immediately went up to him to see if he brought food. they are so funny. You can tell which one was first, second and third born. The oldest can move around so much better. The youngest is still the smallest.
They just had a small meal. The chicks are so aggressive! I don't recall the chicks last year being this aggressive. The biggest one ate 2 of the feet. How he got them down I don't know. They looked as long as he is tall. They all ate but the biggest one got the most. They take food away from each other and I don't remember seeing that last year either. As someone else said the other day, maybe they are all males.
Breakfast has arrived curtesy of MrP who has left it to MrsP to strip carcass. Chicks are certainly fighting for every morsel, attacking one another beak to beak, even the little one who is really standing up for him/ herself now.
Interesting to see they are now preening themselves, learning new skills everyday. Poor Mrs P looks so comical at night sat atop this continuing moving mound of chicks - they only ever seem to stop wriggling after a good feed.
Hi Abby. You beat me to it, obviously much faster on the keyboard! Yes I agree this aggressive behaviour seems rather unusual from previous years, and it was me that suggested that they might all be males ( too much testosterone in the nursery). Not that I'm suggesting all males are aggressive!
Forgot to mention in my last post if anyone has seen "the egg", couldn't see it at last feed.
Also, and I hardly dare mention it, any sightings of the nesting pigeon/dove family?
I too was wondering about the dove family Heather. Especially when the large prey she brought in earlier certainly could have been a dove. They just ate again and I got a laugh out of the smallest one. Must be a female as she is smarter than the boys. She stayed behind them and when one of them got a piece that was hanging out of their mouth she would grab it and they didn't fight her for it as she is behind them and they are watching up front for the next morsel. But yes they are all more aggressive than the chicks last year.
The last Anonymous was me.
Morning all
Chuckled at your anonymous Abby,
Egg is still there on cam2 at the right back.
Hmm!! cant see the nesting dove doh!!
Kate
Goodness me, I'm sure the chicks are
bigger this morning than they were at 10pm last night!!
Hi all, I just looked and no, I don't see the dove and yes I see the egg on cam 2. I was hoping the dove family would be ok. Thought our Mr and Mrs P would leave them alone. I will check again tomorrow. I am off to bed. Let me know how things go during your day while I am sleeping.
Maybe this has been said somewhere already but maybe this year's chicks are more aggressive over food simply because they are hungrier? Been very cold at night for May and although they have feathery down to protect them, small creatures lose heat much faster than big ones. Just a thought. Impossible to know of course - or how successful the hunting is this year compared to last year too. All interesting.
I have said a few times that I found this year's chicks more aggressive than last year's. This is only the second year for me. I do find that they don't seem to be fed as often altho they are fed a lot most feedings. One in particular seems to be able to handle large pieces. It is very interesting to watch them. Earlier they were all huddled together and one kept lifting his head and opening his mouth - in hopes something might fall into it?
Web cam 4 not coming in for me right now.
No cam 4 for me either!
Sorry, cam 4 is fine now!
Cam 4 is fine for me too.
Chicks not being brooded for awhile now with MrsP on scrape ledge. Another stage in their steep learning curve perhaps, or maybe she just wants to get a good night's sleep!
One chick still continues to keep opening its beak not sure if a) hungry, b)digesting food from crop or c)trying to expel pellet- if in fact they do any of the latter two things. Bit of a steep learning curve for me too even though I've watched them over several years each year I seem to learn something new thanks to our amazing viewing cameras.
See from camera 3 MrP preparing breakfast while MrsP back to brooding chicks after leaving them to their own devices for a short time last night.
Egg seems to be well and truly ignored at back of scrape now.
Morning Heather
All being fed just now.
No sign of the 'Dove/Pigeon..wonder if (I forget ) who saw big Prey yesterday was correct in their assumption.. Doh!!!
Looks a nice day and for a change weekend also
Kate
Good morning Kate and Heather. Yes I saw a very large Prey yesterday. I always worry the little one won't get enough to eat but seemed well enough fed this am. I noticed that after the feed they all went into the corner like last year. If it got too hot Mrs P sheltered them with her wings while they were in the corner. She just came back and I think she will cuddle them now.
Sounds like the renovation people are getting close to the scrape. Mrs P seems rather worried?
We saw the baby peregrines sat in the corner.When we looked on camra 4 we thaught the chicks had flew off but ... when we looked on camra 2 we saw the chicks in the corner.The chicks were squashed.The big peregrine was watching the little chicks.The chicks have grown alot.They are very big.
Just tuned in to another feed and never seen the chicks so well behaved! Almost appears to be an orderly queue going on - aww, the little pets all look plump, perky and best of pals!
Can hear the odd clang that seems to be coming from above, so guess it must be sounds from the renovation work. Doubt the birds will be disturbed though, when you consider their complete ease whenever the bells ring.
Chicks now all full to bursting and only just made it to the corner before falling in an exhausted sleepy heap. Aww, now the little pets look as if butter wouldn't melt....
Good day all, they are being fed again. I was the one that saw the large prey a couple days ago and thought of the dove right away. My name came thru as anonymous by mistake. We kind of knew the dove shouldn't have nested there. Or maybe she got away. I find with the feeds most times 2 of the chicks are fed the most. sometimes the little one turns away after waiting for a bit. Just not as aggressive as the other 2. Altho one night I saw it taking food out of the mouth of the others. They are now spreading their wings a bit.
Hi all: I think the banging noises that you can hear are coming not from the cathedral itself but from a big building site just across Full Street at the back of the cathedral.
Nick B (DWT)
Would a Peregrine kill another Peregrine Falcon?
Ah, that's where the noise is coming from then, ta Nick...
Hi Lesley Gerrard, Oh yes indeedy, a peregrine will attack and kill another peregrine for sure, especially if it tries to enter another's territory or worse, it's scrape. There are probably YouTube videos of this, if your strong enough to watch, but I have only seen a fight that ended with both intact, just, when they were trying to take ownership of a confined nest site. My heart was pounding and I'm not about to view it again!
Thank you Lorraine.
No, I don't think I will view it!
Thank you Lorraine.
No, I don't think I will view it!
Forgot to mention, a peregrine will often tolerate one of it's own previous years juveniles, as do the Derby pair, when they sometimes return to their home nest area.
I've checked quite often for the dove and nope she isn't there anymore.
Cam 4 not working right now.a
Cam 4 not working right now.a
Can only see one chick?? Think its the little one.
Oh, its ok; the other 2 are on the other side!!
Two are down the bottom end... on closest to camera... 13.08 onwards ... dinner time. Mrs P fed lone one first then moved food down to other two
Had a shock when couldn't see the chicks just now, but then remembered they start moving about a lot more at this age, looking for a cooler spot in the other side of the scrape.
Cam 4 has just a few tiny pixels in the centre, but it always corrects itself sooner or later!
The tiercel has brought himself a HUGE catch in and is presently de-feathering on Cam 3 tower view. Is it a duck? Thankfully it appears to be already despatched ( must have taken some doing! ) so didn't have to watch an epic struggle.
Actually, now I've switched to full screen, I think it's the falcon who's feasting, not the tiercel.
No, not a duck, just saw it's feet and not webbed. Saw some black and white stripes on it though. Thinking now that it could be some sort of water fowl ( long legs ) Whatever it is, it's now significantly reduced in size and Mrs.P still isn't full. I bet she flies off with it soon and stashes it elsewhere, for later.
Cam 4 ok again now.
She's just flown with it to the scrape and chicks greedily enjoying the plump catch. Still can't see it clearly enough to identify.
Not a Magpie?
Where is little chick? Not getting any again!
Can now see a grey/blue colouring, like on a jay perhaps. Nearly all gone now anyway, so will probably never suss this one.
Little chick is hidden from view in the corner, but the others will collapse in a heap soon and titch will then get it's turn!
Strange, the falcon usually feeds all the chicks, but she's decided to stop feeding now and has flown off with the remains, so the smallest chick will have to wait till next dinner bell after all!
Just logged on to see the evening meal being prepared and then brought to scrape. I thought at first there were only two chicks being fed then another head appeared and moved to the middle and got a good feed.
Camera 4 is playing up again, stop /starting then freezing altogether. Interesting to see they have moved to the other end of the scrape but can't say I blame them as the other end is looking a bit messy (also rather gruesome!). Will be interesting to see if they return there later on.
Happy Spring Break everyone:)
Talking of which, my own dinner bell has just sounded, so off to have a nosh myself now and catch up on the other soaps ( Alfie and Kats epic departure! )
Laters.........
Same to you Heather - hope we get some sunshine!
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