Egg appears in home of Winchester Cathedral's new peregrine

As previously reported, the new female appeared recently closely followed by the death of Winnie.

It is thought that the new peregrine killed Winnie.

William's new partner is called Mel. On Winchester Cathedral's website, it said: “Mel is named after Melesina Trench (1768 –1827), Irish writer, diarist, poet and social campaigner who’s Latin epitaph is still visible opposite the North Transept today. 

“Mel was first sighted at the cathedral in February 2024 and since then has been displaying signs of nesting behaviour with William, the established male peregrine.”

READ MORE: Winchester Cathedral reveal name of new peregrine

The egg that has appeared at Winchester Cathedral (Image: Winchester Cathedral webcam)

An egg has now appeared, which can be spotted on the cathedral's webcam.

The news was shared on the Wild Winchester Facebook page by Keith Betton, chairman of the Hampshire Ornithological Society.

He posted: "Mel has just laid an egg".

On the website, posted on Tuesday, April 2, it also states: "There has been much anticipation in the last week, with people wondering when (or indeed if) Mel will lay eggs. She has not run out of time yet, but almost everywhere else female Peregrines are now sat on eggs.

"We have seen William encouraging Mel to visit the tray and they have displayed to each other and mated, but no eggs have appeared. Matters were not helped when a rogue male Peregrine appeared in the skies above the Cathedral and Mel got very agitated and chased him off several times."

Keith previously said: "I like a short name that is memorable, and it is good that the cathedral has found a way to make a connection with something in the grounds. Maybe William will become known as Will? Will and Mel sounds good to me. Others might disagree of course!"

After the news of Winnie's death Mr Betton, said: “I have known Winnie since she first nested in Winchester in 2011. She was a fantastic mother – she reared five chicks in 2020 – something that very few peregrines ever do, and she was an ambassador for her species, being watched not only by us, but by thousands of people around the world. 

“I am sure this new female will stay and William will have a new partner. I hope you will all welcome her just as you welcomed William after the death of Chester. The cathedral will come up with a name for her – that’s not our job.

SEE ALSO: Winchester Cathedral peregrine Winnie dies

Mel the peregrine (Image: Steve Grundy)

“Peregrines have bounced back from the dark days when they were super rare but they are still special birds and we are so lucky to have them in our city.

“Winnie – you’ll never know just how many people adored you. I know I did.”

He has been contacted by the Chronicle for a comment about the appearance of the egg.

To watch the cathedral's peregrine cameras, visit winchester-cathedral.org.uk/explore/peregrines/.