Falcons lay two eggs after first clutch destroyed

Two peregrine falcons nesting on top of a cathedral have laid a second clutch of eggs after their first batch was destroyed.

An online video stream captured the moment that an individual broke the eggs on the roof of St Albans Cathedral last month.

The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said it was "extremely unlikely" the birds of prey would lay new eggs.

But against the odds, the pair, named Alban and Boudica, laid a new egg on Sunday and a second on Wednesday.

Chloë Edwards, director of nature recovery at the trust, said: "It shows just how resilient nature can be - given the right habitat and conditions species will continue to thrive."

Peregrine falcons remain loyal to their nest site and the cathedral is now an established breeding ground.

The birds had been expecting chicks from the three eggs that were laid last month.

Ms Edwards added: "We weren't expecting more eggs this year but nature can surprise and delight us - welcome indeed, given the loss and sadness many of us felt."

The peregrine is a species of large crow-sized falcon and can travel at more than 200mph (320 km/h), making it the fastest diving bird in the world.

A total of 519,882 people viewed the live feed in 2024, with the most popular day falling on 9 May, when 12,598 tuned in to see three newly hatched chicks.

The Reverend Jo Kelly Moore, the Dean of St Albans, added: "We are heartened by their return, and we remain fully committed to their safety and wellbeing."

Hertfordshire Police said inquiries were ongoing, having opened an investigation into the incident last month.

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