First falcon chick of the year hatches

The first peregrine falcon chick of 2019 has hatched

The first peregrine falcon chick of 2019 has hatched today (Thursday 2 May).

Four eggs were laid throughout March, with hatching usually taking place throughout the first week of May. Once hatched, the chicks are likely to take their first flight within six weeks.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/127017/rochdales-peregrine-falcons-have-laid-four-eggs

One of around 1,500 breeding pairs across the UK, falcons have nested at the clock tower of the Grade-I listed Town Hall 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 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.

Three chicks hatched last year and were named Kevin Beakon, Striker and BuckBeak, following on from the four chicks that hatched in 2017 which were named Perrie, Freddie Falcon, Millennium Falcon and El Superfasto.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/119627/peregrine-falcon-chicks-named
• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111411/sarah-pugh-and-abbie-taylor-winners-of-name-the-peregrine-falcon-chick-competition

You can view the birds’ progress at:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/falcons