There are unknown number of eggs in the nest

The birds have chosen to return to Plymbridge Woods, near Plymouth, to nest - despite previous attempts on their lives and those of their chicks.

Last year, thousands of people visited the woods to see the peregrines rear three young chicks.

And, unusually, the peregrines have returned to their nesting site at Cann Quarry, where they have laid an unknown number of eggs.

We have a large group of people who are all rooting for the birds and are willing to put their time in to make sure they breed successfully Gus Ferguson, National Trust Warden Find out more about the birds at BBC Devon

"It's quite unusual they have come back to precisely the same spot as last year," said Reg Fairburn, Plymbridge Peregrine Warden.

"A peregrine falcon will usually pick a different nest site, but this year they've come back to the exact same nest so they must feel particularly secure."

And this year, for the first time, viewers on the internet will be able to keep watch on the nest via a live webcam.

Once again the National Trust, in conjunction with Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, has organised a 24-hour peregrine monitoring scheme.

A team of dedicated bird watchers is manning the viaduct overlooking the quarry with telescopes and binoculars, ensuring that the birds come to no harm.

"We have a large group of people who are all rooting for the birds and are willing to put their time in to make sure they breed successfully," said National Trust Warden Gus Ferguson.

Falcons nesting in the quarry have been poisoned in the past.

Keen interest

In 2000, an adult female and two young chicks died after pigeons baited with an agricultural pesticide were left at the quarry.

The police suspected pigeon fanciers trying to protect their birds from becoming prey.

Last year, about 5,000 people visited the quarry to see the birds at close quarters.

With an unknown number of eggs laid, bird watchers are already showing a keen interest.

"Generally the incubation period is between 28 and 35 days, so we are expecting them to hatch in the first or second week of May," said Mr Fairburn.