Over the spring and summer months, the breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons in Hertfordshire captivate our interest and carve a place in our hearts; we wait for signs of them breeding, watch them make their nest scrapes, delight at the appearance of eggs, eagerly await the arrival of those fluffy white chicks and watch them develop as they prepare to fledge the nest.

But what happens to those juvenile birds and where are they now? We put that question to Barry Trevis, Herts Breeding Peregrine Co-ordinator and a licensed bird ringer, who has been studying breeding Peregrine Falcons across Hertfordshire to help ensure the species’ safety. Here’s what he had to say:

“Since the close monitoring of Hertfordshire’s breeding Peregrines commenced, ringing of the chicks has taken place at each of the county’s breeding sites. This involves fitting a ring on each leg, one of which is an orange-colour ring with black digits engraved.  Sometimes this can be readily seen or photographed from a distance.  This allows us to monitor the movements and survival rate of any ringed bird sighted.  Thirty-five chicks have been ringed in the nest since 2020 at the four accessible breeding sites in Herts.

“So far birdwatchers and photographers have reported eight of the juvenile birds around the UK.”

Sadly, the mortality rate for juvenile Peregrines is high, with over 70% of birds not surviving beyond a year. 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. This high-speed lifestyle comes with risks, which include collisions with buildings, windows, power lines – and, as we can see above, even aircraft. The birds also face the threat of human persecution, disease and starvation.

It’s not all doom and gloom however, the numbers of breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons in Southern England are gradually increasing, and the birds are mainly using high buildings such as cathedrals, churches and office blocks in our cities, towns and some villages, along with some more natural sites such as quarries. It is estimated that the national breeding population is now considered to be in excess of 1,700 pairs.

See more of our local Peregrine Falcons

It is likely that two of the counties’ Peregrine Falcon breeding sites, St Albans Cathedral, and One YMCA at Charter House in Watford, will allow us a birds-eye view of the birds via webcams focused on their nesting trays this spring and into early summer. Please follow our news and social feeds to get the latest updates and information.