Rochdale's famed peregrine falcons lay first egg of year

The nesting peregrine falcons with their first egg of 2019

The first peregrine falcon egg of 2019 has been laid today (Friday 22 March).

One of around 1,500 breeding pairs across the UK, falcons have nested at the clock tower of the Grade-I listed building for more than a decade and are regularly seen soaring above the town centre as they hunt for food. 

A live webcam tracks the birds’ progress as they raise their chicks at the top of the historic Town Hall clock tower, reflecting the birds’ natural habitat to breed and hunt prey. A nesting area was built for the birds, helping to provide them a safe haven to sleep, breed and raise their young.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture, said: “This is cracking news and it’s great to see our feathered friends enjoying life at the top of Rochdale Town Hall. The webcam delights thousands of nature lovers, who love the bird’s eye view it gives them, as they follow all the thrills and spills live from the falcons’ nesting area.”

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.

You can view the birds’ progress at:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/falcons