Help name the four peregrine falcon chicks at Salisbury Cathedral

Submissions are now open to name the four peregrine chicks at Salisbury Cathedral. This year the naming process will be based around the Cathedral’s yearlong theme Joyful Noise.

The public are invited to submit their ideas for four names of the peregrines that reflect the theme Joyful Noise, with the final names being announced later in the month. The chicks have now been sexed and ringed on the tower, after turning 3 weeks old, revealing two females and two males.

The brood was weighed, measured and fitted with a small metal ring by Nigel Jones a BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) registered ringer and a larger plastic Darvic ring on Thursday 28 May.

Ringing helps with vital research of these impressive birds. By having unique ring ID’s, the birds are added to the national database can be individually recognised in the wild via their orange rings with black lettering when they fly the nest.

One of last year’s chicks, Afon ring 33J, was seen in Bursledon, approximately 25 miles from the Cathedral back in March.

The first egg was laid this year in the early hours of 26 March, 10 days later than last year’s, with the other three eggs arriving in 48-hour intervals approximately.

On Saturday 2 May at 4.40pm the first egg hatched, with the second and third egg following suit on Sunday 3 May at 7.40am and 10.50am. The final egg hatched late on Tuesday 5 May.

It is believed that the unringed couple are the same as from previous years based on facial markings, and the female could now be 9 or 10 years old. The average lifespan for a wild peregrine is 6 years, but this is due to the high death rate in their first year. If they survive the first year, they can live up to 11-15 years of age.

The Cathedral is working in partnership with the RSPB South Wiltshire Local Group for the third year in a row, to help educate the public on falcons and to monitor the joint Facebook Group, which is used for discussion and to share footage.

Three cameras show live streams from the South Tower balcony on the Salisbury Cathedral website; two set up to catch the action on the nestbox, and one set up at the other end of the balcony, which has been dubbed the ‘larder’ because that is where the adult peregrines often store spare food.

Submissions for naming the peregrines close on Friday 5 June. To submit your suggestions, click here.

This summer will also see the return of Date with Nature, where visitors can speak to volunteers and experts from RSPB South Wiltshire Group, and spot the peregrines on the tower via a telescope. This is a free event that will run for 4 weeks from Monday 15 June to Friday 10 July (Mon to Sat for the first 3 weeks). 11am to 4pm.