The camera recorded the activities in the nest

Surveillance equipment had been set up around their nest in the Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare to ensure that the birds would not be attacked by wildlife criminals.

The camera filmed the nest 24 hours a day after the eggs were laid in April until the chicks left the site.

It was the first time in Wales that the technique was used and live images of the nest were beamed back to the visitor centre at the park.

The birds of prey are a target for egg thieves and pigeon fanciers who claim the peregrines prey on their racing birds.

The Nestwatch scheme was designed to protect the birds as well as educate the public about looking after the birds.

Peregrine falcons: The birds have distinctive slate grey wings and backs They lay three or four eggs from about mid April They fly at speeds of up to 100mph and prey on pigeons and grouse Peregrines were shot during World War II to protect carrier pigeons Numbers were hit again in the Sixties by pesticide use

Ruth Billingham of the RSPB Cymru, which ran the scheme with the RSPCA, the Countryside Council for Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf council said she was pleased that the scheme had successfully protected the birds.

"We are delighted that all three chicks that hatched survived," she said.

"This has been one of the most productive years for the peregrines at Dare Valley Country Park.

"Although the chicks are not now visible on the CCTV system they will stay around their nest at the park for the next couple of weeks.

"They can still be seen with the adult birds getting used to life outside the nest.

Visitors were able to watch the progress of the chicks

"They will learn how to hunt and fend for themselves before gradually becoming independent.

"The three young will then leave the area to find their own territory," she said.

The scheme has been such a success that there are plans to continue monitoring the nest next year.

"We look forward to next year's season when we will protect the nest again," said Ms Billingham.

Peregrines are believed to have occupied the Dare Valley nest site since the 1920s, but over the years have suffered massive declines in south Wales due mainly to poison pesticides and wildlife criminals.