Residents waits with bated breath as Stamford's peregrine pair return to their nesting site at a local church to welcome the arrival of their eggs.

Peregrines nested on the All Saints tower for the first time in 2021, rearing two chicks.

The birds generated great interest in the local community and so, over the following winter, two cameras were installed overlooking the two turrets favoured by the birds. These cameras were funded by generous donations from members of the church congregation.

Pea gravel, which provides the perfect nesting substrate, was added in both locations to encourage them to breed again. Sure enough, the birds chose to nest in front of one of the cameras, giving the community a privileged view of Peregrine family life over the course of spring and summer 2022, when they reared three chicks. 

They have returned in 2023, much to the delight of the local people, and the live stream camera is busy with visitors as the pair was for their first egg to arrive.

Peregrines often lay their eggs in late-March, early-April, and will often have between 2 and 4 eggs.

They usually mate for life and return to the same nesting site, and this pair have been consistent since the cameras were set up.

The male will put on an aerial courtship display to attract a mate to a selection of nesting sites. The female chooses, and will only accept a new mate if the first is killed.

The live stream is now back up and running in readiness for spring 2023. You can also view the footage in the church, which is open daily. Regular Peregrine watches will be held on Fridays later in the spring and summer. 

Find out more on the All Saints' Church website.