The falcon laid her first egg at approximately 3pm on 10th March, the earliest the project has seen an egg laid since it began in 2006. It was spotted by Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project web cam watchers Kate, who is based in Devon.
An egg-cellent start to Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project’s 20th year
We are thrilled to announce that the 20th year of the Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project has begun with the falcon laying her first egg of 2025, a week earlier than last year.
Captured by Kate via Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project webcam at 3.57pm
Speaking about the first egg of the year, Nick Brown, co-founder of the project, said: “Females tend to lay a bit earlier as they get older so we were expecting to see an egg about now. The hope is that the female will lay up to three more eggs, at two to three days intervals to make a complete clutch. Incubation will then last about a month before the eggs start to hatch.”
The Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project is a partnership between Derby Cathedral, Cathedral Quarter, Derby City Council, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the project. It was first set up by Nick Brown and Nick Moyes back in 2006. Since then, the Peregrines have been nesting on the cathedral tower with their activity documented and shared live with the World via the now famous Derby peregrine webcams.
They are the world’s fastest animal, able to reach speeds of up to 200mph when diving down onto prey. They nest in high places such as urban towers and rural cliffs and have excellent binocular vision allowing them to see prey from as far as 3km away.
Marc Whitlock, Wilder Engagement Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, adds: “Thanks to the project partners and our dedicated volunteers, this project has made it possible for the peregrines to raise between one and four chicks every year since the project began, rearing over 55 chicks.
“Each year the Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project brings thousands of people in the city closer to these incredible birds of prey. Hundreds of thousands of people from over 70 countries watch via the peregrine webcams, which have now received over five million hits, and we have hosted over 200 Watch Point events over the years too.
“Peregrines have also proven to be a wonderful way to connect children of all ages to nature and wildlife. We have created some downloadable resources to help teachers and schools embark on an incredible learning journey about the fastest animal on the planet, that lives right here in Derbyshire.
“As we embark on our 20th year of this wonderful project, we look forward to engaging even more people with this incredible species and to many more successful breeding years to come.”