THE first peregrine chicks at Winchester cathedral have hatched.
On April 28, two chicks hatched under the watchful eyes of Winnie and William.
On Winchester Cathedral's website, Keith Betton, chair of Hampshire Ornithological Society, said: "Winnie and William have their first chick – exactly on time.
"Winnie will keep them warm for the first two weeks and then when they are getting bigger, she will leave them more and more. The next six weeks will be busy!
"By late May they will be moving about the nest gulley and in June they will take their first flights! It’s an exciting time."
Winnie, who had at least 25 chicks with her late mate Chester, returned to the ledge of cathedral at the start of February.
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However, for the first time in years, Winnie, who hatched another three Peregrine chicks in 2021, was flying solo after her mate Chester died in May last year.
Winnie found a new male in mid February, who has since been named ‘William’ by the Winchester Cathedral team.
Winchester Cathedral have two cameras set up to monitor the peregrines.
The cathedral are hosting a talk about the peregrines on June 10, at 7pm. Visit the website to book.
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