It's that time of year again as St Albans' very-own feathered friends have returned to the cathedral, delighting viewers across the world.
This morning (March 17), the Abbey was "thrilled" to announced the launch of its famous Peregrine Falcon stream for 2026.
The annual camera feed shows the impressive birds of prey during the highs and lows of their nesting season.
According to the cathedral, the Peregrine's, nicknamed Alban and Boudica, have already been observed at the nest box "displaying courtship behaviour".
"Breeding is never certain," a statement on the cathedral's website reads, "but the signs are encouraging as the season begins".
The pair of Peregrine Falcons, who began capturing the public’s attention when their first chick hatched in 2022, are now breeding for the fifth successive year.
One of only five breeding pairs in Hertfordshire, they have become a powerful symbol of urban wildlife success.
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust said the falcons were first spotted on the cathedral in early spring, remaining loyal to their nesting site.
Lea Ellis, engagement manager at Herts and Middlesex Trust said: "More and more people are getting excited about following these majestic high flyers, with more than half a million views recorded on the vathedral’s webpage last year and an increased number following the Peregrines' journey in the media and on socials - proof that these magnificent birds have truly captured hearts.
“The trust is continuing to connect with communities encouraging them to 'choose the wild life' and take action to protect and restore nature. This fantastic webcam gives everyone a chance to appreciate the 'wow' factor and have a unique opportunity to see just how amazing nature is, and it's happening right over our heads!
"I’m hopeful that we’ll see more chicks successfully hatching this year, whilst getting a boost of wellbeing at the same time."
Read More:
- Police 'tried everything' to help jailed London Colney shoplifter
- Pair of St Albans retail units hit the market amid city centre construction
The Peregrine’s nesting tray, which the webcam focuses on, replicates their natural cliff-top nesting habitat and was purposely installed high up on the cathedral, to an area that the birds were known to be favouring back in March 2022.
The shingle enables the birds to make their shallow nest 'scrape', which is what they would do in a natural nesting site, and provides them with a safe place to lay their eggs.
A powerful bird of prey with blue/grey plumage, a white face and a contrasting black moustache, the Peregrine Falcon is extremely quick and agile. It holds the record for being not only the fastest bird in the world, but also the fastest member of the animal kingdom with a diving speed in excess of 200 miles per hour.
The number of breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons in Southern England is gradually increasing and are mainly using high buildings such as cathedrals, churches and office blocks in our cities, towns and some villages, along with some more natural sites such as quarries.
Despite this, the St Albans pair are thought to be one of only five pairs breeding in Hertfordshire. Other pairs have bred in Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City and Wymondley.
Very Revd Dean Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, added: “It is a joy to see Alban and Boudica, our Peregrines, back at the Cathedral once again. The live cam allows thousands of people to share in this remarkable glimpse of the natural world, and we remain committed to ensuring the birds are safe and able to thrive here.
"Shaped by the story of Alban, this Cathedral has long been a place of sanctuary, and we are proud to see it offering an ongoing home to these remarkable birds.”
The webcam can be viewed at stalbanscathedral.org/peregrine-live-cam
Share