Watch Points begin on Saturday (and report back)

If you are new to this blog - Welcome! If want to find out more about the peregrines and their three chicks please scroll down to previous posts where you'll find video clips and news about them.
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This Saturday (30th May) sees the start of a series of public Watch Point events on the green behind the cathedral, organised by Ian Layton, our Engagement Officer.
There will be further Watch Points every Saturday up to and including 4th July.
They begin at 10 am and finish around 1.30pm but, as usual, will be dependent on the weather. If it is really very wet - they won't happen. Otherwise they will!

From the Green you get an excellent view of the nest (circled)

So do come along and see the chicks and adults 'for real', especially if you have only watched them on screen. It's a whole different experience! And you should see other birds too if you are lucky as they fly over the city or nest nearby. If you have binoculars bring them. If you don't - fear not - the views through the telescopes are brilliant!

Given some sunshine, the Green is a pleasant place
to stand and watch the birds

They are entirely free though should you wish to put something in a donations box we won't stop you!
The Watch Points are run by our faithful band of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust volunteers who will be on hand to answer your every question and make sure the telescopes are pointing in the right direction.
Hope to see you soon!

Watch Points for local businesses
This year, with help from Cathedral Quarter, an organisation that promotes this part of the city and which is a partner in our project, we are inviting staff from local businesses to see the birds from The Green. These mid-week (usually Wednesday lunchtime) Watch Points will have to be pre-booked so if you run or work for a local business, please get in touch with Ian via peregrines@derbyshirewt.co.uk .

Nick B (DWT)

First Watch Point a Success!
Helen Naylor, one of our regular volunteers, reported back from the first watch Point:
"Today's watch point was very well attended, with some familiar faces and plenty of new ones too! A big welcome to those people who came down to the Cathedral after attending the recent events run by the Peregrine Project at a couple of local libraries in Derby.
We were lucky to have both of the adult birds around for most of the morning, often sitting on the edge of the nest platform together and giving us great views through the telescopes. At times they left the platform, flying right overhead. The chicks were also clearly visible today as they moved towards the front of the scrape. Their juvenile feathers are starting to show through, and were particularly noticeable during several bouts of vigorous wing flapping. Hopefully the weather will stay fine for future watch points!"
Next Watch Point: Saturday 6th June, 10 am to 1.30 pm.