Live stream launched to watch St Albans' rare Falcon pair

The birds, affectionately named Alban and Boudica after a public vote, are just one of five Falcon pairs in Hertfordshire, have been seen on and around the Cathedral since early spring for breeding.

With the species normally breeding for life and staying loyal to their nest site, a camera has been set up to live stream, giving people a chance a glimpse at the iconic birds of prey.

The birds appeared in early May last year and began breeding high up on the historic building in a nest traying installed just for them.

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The team from Wilder St Albans who installed the nesting tray and camera. (Image: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust)

Another public vote saw the pair's chick named Artemis.

"Our team from the Wilder St Albans project, a collaboration between Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and St Albans City and District Council, linked up with local ornithologist and licensed bird-ringer, Barry Trevis, who constructed the tray with help from local bird photographer, Kevin Garrett," said Heidi Carruthers, engagement officer at Herts and Middlesex Trust.

"The tray and bags of shingle were then carried up high on the Cathedral to an area that the Peregrines were known to be favouring.

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"The shingle was placed inside the tray to provide the correct substrate for the Peregrines to be able to make their shallow nest 'scrape', simulating the birds natural nesting sites usually found on cliff-top ledges and providing them with a safe place to lay their eggs.

"There has been so much interest in the birds, it’s great to know that this year we’ll be able to get a close up view of their antics and I’m hopeful that we will see chicks too."

Peregrine Falcon fact file

• The species holds the record for being not only the fastest bird in the world, but also the fastest member of the animal kingdom with a diving speed in excess of 200 miles per hour
• The St Albans pair are thought to be one of only five pairs breeding in Hertfordshire, with others in Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City and Wymondley
• Numbers of the species fell to critical levels in the 1960’s, but today they are protected by law and the Wildlife and Countryside Act, with it now being an offence to disturb the birds in any way

After raising a chick last year, it is hoped the Falcons will do the same this year. (Image: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust)

Barry Trevis, who has been studying breeding Peregrine Falcons across Hertfordshire to help ensure the species’ safety, said: "The new webcam, which was carefully installed prior to the birds breeding, is an excellent tool in helping us to monitor the breeding success of the birds.

"Should they be successful, we will look to ring the chicks which can help provide information on the birds, giving us valuable insights to their survival rates and movements."

Kevin Walton, canon chancellor of St Albans Cathedral, added: "It is a great excitement to be able to see, watch and hear these Peregrine Falcons making their home here.

"Jesus said, 'In my Father’s house are rooms' – and at St Albans Cathedral all God’s creatures are welcome."

To watch the live stream, visit www.stalbanscathedral.org/peregrine-live-cam.