Rochdale’s peregrine falcons lay first egg in their new nesting box

The first peregrine falcon egg of 2024

The first peregrine falcon egg of 2024 was laid last night (Monday 25 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 in 2008, helping to provide them a safe haven to sleep, breed and raise their young.

The falcons have returned to the clock tower this year following restoration work on Rochdale Town Hall over the past three years.

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.

Peregrine falcons do not begin full incubation until after a few eggs have been laid, so it is normal for them to spend time away from the first eggs to be laid.

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:

https://www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/falcons