The Arrival of the Peregrines
Installing the Nest Box and Camera
In late 2022. plans were made to install a nest box on the north face of the tower, their most common feeding place. A louvered window in the bell chamber was identified as the best position and on 10 February 2023 the box was hauled into position and secured by a team of volunteers under the supervision of Peter Merchant, an authority on Peregrines and recognised by the RSPB as an expert in breeding and rehabilitation. Peter, a multiple recipient of the RSPB Presidents Award, designed and built the nest box specifically to fit the opening in the window and without the need to drill or deface the walls or structure of the church. While installing the nest box, the female visited the tower and perched above the team.
With the benefit of a Sustainable Development Grant, the video camera was positioned on the 13th December 2023 when team members, the camera supplier and the local broadband company, met at the church to install and configure the equipement.
The first Peregrine, a lone juvenile male, was first sighted on December 31 2021 by two local photographers. He continued to roost and feed on the church over the winter and summer. Then, on September 15 2022 during an organised village bird walk, two birds, a male and female were observed together for the first time on the south face of the church tower. They have been constant visitors ever since.
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Unfortunately, the Peregrines did not breed in 2023, possibly because “Fred” was still an immature bird. However, they have visited the nest box continuously during 2023, despite considerable renovation works being carried out on the church, and we have every reason to look forward to chicks in 2024 and beyond. Some facts about Peregrines can be found here.
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