The Sheffield peregrines laid their first eggs of the year last Thursday at St. George’s Church, setting a new record in the city.
The falcons have laid three eggs, with the first being laid on 18 March. This was the earliest recorded egg to have been laid since the Sheffield Peregrines blog was established in 2012.
The eggs were spotted by a CCTV camera that overlooks the bird’s platform at St George’s with the purpose of live-streaming their activity and giving us egg updates.
Chris Greenwood, writer for the Sheffield Peregrines blog and trustee of the Sheffield Bird Study Group (SBSG), said: “Last year there were only two eggs but both hatched and both chicks fledged. We have three eggs so far this year. I think there’s a good chance we’ll get a fourth.”
The nest platform was installed on the tower at St. George’s Church in 2012, after a pair of peregrines had been seen around the tower in 2011 and observed by birders and many university staff who worked in the area.
From the platform, they have a great vantage point to look out over the city and find their next meal. They almost exclusively feast on other birds, from sparrows to waterfowl and pigeons.
Mr Greenwood said: “It is a privilege to have them living and thriving amongst us in the concrete jungle, especially when you consider that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.”
A family of peregrines flying
Peregrines typically lay 3-5 eggs in a clutch. According to Mr Greenwood, there’s a chance there will be a fourth. If there is no fourth egg by Saturday morning, it is likely that there will be no more.
Sheffield has a thriving and longstanding birdwatching community and SBSG will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Since the year 2000, there has been a significant growth in urban nesting peregrines across the UK, with pairs in many towns and cities, which has been sparking more interest in Sheffield over the years.
It won’t be long now – our Peregrines usually lay their first egg between 19 and 29 March, so keep watching… pic.twitter.com/UNQ4CQ6Hym
— Sheffield Peregrines (@SheffPeregrines) March 15, 2021
Mr Greenwood said: “The birds seem to like the towers, spires and gargoyles of our churches and cathedrals. They seem to replicate the cliff faces and crags they would inhabit in the countryside.”
You can keep up to date with the peregrines and watch the live stream at https://sheffieldperegrines.wordpress.com/.