Two Peregrine Falcons pictured nesting in the boxes on the spire of Norwich Cathedral. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Photo gallery: Norwich box helps falcons swoop from heavenly heights

Ben Woods Wednesday, March 2, 2011
12:00 PM

It is one of the fastest creatures on the planet – travelling at speeds of 120mph to mount deadly attacks on its prey.

Falcon Facts

•Peregrine falcons are mainly found in the south-west of England, Scotland and Ireland. They are also seen throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and Australasia.

•Their favourite habitat is moorland areas with rocky crags, costal cliffs and they have been found nesting on bridges and power stations.

•A pair of peregrine falcons are currently nesting at a granary site in King’s Lynn

•The birds, which can live up to 15 years, tend to hunt pigeons, wading birds and ducks.

•They can be identified by their dark crown and grey upper parts. Females are larger than males.

•The population of peregrine falcons was decimated during the sixties and seventies due to poisonous pesticides. Since the pesticides were banned, the birds have increased in numbers to nearly 1,500 pairs across the UK.

For years, they have delivered death-defying swoops from cliffside nests around the British coastline – and now people in Norfolk can see peregrine falcons soaring high above the streets of Norwich... with a little help from an unusual new nesting box.

The birds of prey have been given a special nesting platform on Norwich Cathedral after they were spotted flying near the landmark last year.

Secured on the cathedral’s spire, 250ft above the city streets, the platform provides a perfect spot where the pair can breed and  hunt.

Meanwhile, members of the Hawk and Owl Trust, who worked with Norwich Cathedral to create the platform, have set up cameras above the site so people can watch the birds on TV screens in the visitors’ centre.

Nigel Middleton, Hawk and Owl Trust conservation officer for the eastern region, said: “For me, this is conservation in action.

“Already the birds are behaving  like they are going to start  breeding.

“The male is flying around the spire and being very vocal, whilst the female is watching to see if she is impressed with his display.

“And it was only the other day that I was standing here when I watched the male swoop down and take a pigeon out of the sky.

“This epitomises how well wildlife can interact with people and adapt to new surroundings.”

The platform was installed by volunteers from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service two weeks ago on the South East middle window of the spire.

It is painted to match the colour of the cathedral and has a rubber-covered metal frame to stop it damaging the building.

The Hawk and Owl Trust hopes it will become a permanent attraction so they can install a visitors’ centre where people can talk to volunteers and view the falcons through telescopes.

Phil Thomas, estates manager for Norwich Cathedral said: “We are really pleased to be working with the  Hawk and Owl Trust on such an exciting project.

“After careful consideration with regards to the siting of the nest box and consultation with the cathedral architect we are delighted that it has been adopted by a pair of peregrines so quickly and hope they become a successful breeding pair for the future.”

Team members at the cathedral and the Hawk and Owl Trust are hoping that the peregrines will begin  to lay eggs in the middle of  April.

Click on the link in the top right-hand corner of the page to see a photo gallery of the birds on their new nesting platform.