Cathedral gives birds eye view of peregrine falcons

A cathedral has turned on cameras to allow people to get a bird's eye view of a family of peregrine falcons for the 2026 nesting season.

The birds of prey have nested on the roof of St Albans Cathedral since 2022.

Last year, more than 500,000 people tuned in to watch the falcons, which are one of five breeding pairs in Hertfordshire, via a webcam available on the cathedral's website.

Lea Ellis, engagement manager at Herts and Middlesex Trust, said the interest from the public showed the birds had "truly captured hearts".

"This fantastic webcam gives everyone a chance to appreciate the 'wow' factor and have a unique opportunity to see just how amazing nature is, and it's happening right over our heads," she said.

"I'm hopeful that we'll see more chicks successfully hatching this year, whilst getting a boost of wellbeing at the same time."

In the last four years, the breeding pair have successfully raised 10 chicks, with sightings of their offspring in Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hampshire - and most recently in the Hertfordshire village of London Colney.

Last year a number of eggs were destroyed at the cathedral, before an "unusual" second clutch of eggs was laid and three healthy chicks hatched in June, the trust said.

The Very Revd Jo Kelly Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, said: "It is a joy to see Alban and Boudica, our peregrines, back at the cathedral once again.

"The live cam allows thousands of people to share in this remarkable glimpse of the natural world, and we remain committed to ensuring the birds are safe and able to thrive here."

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