Eggs laid by Town Hall peregrine falcons

Egg laid by Town Hall peregrine falcon

Rochdale’s peregrine falcons have laid four eggs in their nest in the clock tower of The Town Hall in the space of a week.

The birds are most active at the start of the breeding season from February and March with egg-laying typically occurring by the end of March to early April.

Hatching usually takes place during the first week of May. Once hatched, the chicks are likely to take their first flight within six weeks.

Peregrine falcons have nested outside the clock tower of the Grade-I listed building since 2008. One of around 1,500 breeding pairs across the UK, the birds have attracted considerable public interest and they are regularly seen soaring above Rochdale town centre hunting for food.

As the tallest building in Rochdale town centre, the town hall reflects the peregrine's natural habitat to breed and hunt prey. A nesting area was built for the birds nine years ago, helping to provide them a safe haven to sleep, breed and raise their young.

Reaching speeds of up to 200mph during dives to catch prey, peregrine falcons are the fastest animals in the world. Although they are commonly found living and hunting in open countryside, they are increasingly being spotted in towns and cities where tall buildings provide plenty of nesting opportunities and pigeons to feed on.