Time is running out to name falcon chicks (From Worcester News)

Time is running out to name falcon chicks

6:28pm Thursday 22nd May 2008 in Local

WORCESTER's peregrine falcon chicks are continuing to attract large crowds as they grow.

According to bird charity the RSPB, which has an information tent at the base of St Andrew's Spire in Deansway - where the family is nesting, the chicks still have two-and-a-half weeks to go before they are ready to fly.

The birds hatched more than a fortnight ago and Worcester News readers have the chance to name them.

Ross Lawford, peregrine falcon officer for the RSPB said: "People come to visit us rain, sun or showers and are really taking an interest in what the family of birds are doing.

"The parents have been out hunting for longer periods of time and today they were both away for about 45 minutes, when before they would only leave them for around 10 or 15 minutes.

"After two weeks the chicks can maintain their own body temperature."

To enter our competition, all you have to do is fill out the form in today's or tomorrow's Worcester News and either hand it in to the RSPB stall beneath St Andrew's Spire or post it to us.

You can also text your entries. Start your message with FALCON, leave a space, then send your message to 80360.

Messages cost 25p plus your normal operator text charge. The competition closes at midnight tomorrow.

The service is provided by Newsquest Media Group.

Volunteers from the charity will be at the spire unil tomorrow to collect your suggested names.

The winner(s) will receive a framed print of a peregrine falcon and an RSPB Handbook of British Birds and also appear in your Worcester News.

• Watch the falcons live via webcam here.