Easter Surprise: First Peregrine Falcon Chick Hatches at Worcester Cathedral
Worcester, UK — April 20, 2025
In a heartwarming Easter Sunday moment, the first of four peregrine falcon eggs laid at Worcester Cathedral hatched around 07:30 BST, delighting thousands of global viewers tuned into the live nest cam.
The mother falcon, affectionately named Peggy, has returned to the cathedral’s nesting box each year since 2022, alongside her mate Peter. This season marks the third consecutive year the pair have successfully bred atop the historic landmark.
A Growing Falcon Family
The most recent clutch of four eggs was laid throughout March, with the final egg arriving on March 20. The chicks are expected to hatch in close succession over the coming days, according to the cathedral’s biodiversity adviser, Chris Dobbs.
“You wouldn’t really want any more because that’s a lot to feed,” Dobbs noted when the fourth egg was laid.
Revival of Urban Wildlife
Before Peggy and Peter’s arrival in 2022, peregrine falcons hadn’t nested at Worcester Cathedral for over a decade. Since their return, the pair have successfully fledged multiple chicks each year from a custom-built nesting box designed by the cathedral’s own works team.
The falcons’ story has captivated a global audience — with the 24-hour live stream of their nest drawing nearly 500,000 views in 2024 alone.
What’s Next for the Chicks?
With one chick hatched and three more eggs to go, viewers around the world continue to monitor the nest cam with excitement. The coming weeks will be crucial as the parents take turns hunting and caring for their young, leading up to the fledging period later this spring.