Pair of rare falcon chicks are first in city to be 'ringed' (From Worcester News)

Pair of rare falcon chicks are first in city to be 'ringed'

7:30am Friday 30th May 2008 in Local By Claire Fry, @clairefryWN #WENews

A PAIR of rare falcon chicks have become the first in Worcester - and possibly in the county - to be ringed'.

The young peregrines, which are three-and-and-half weeks old, were safely taken from their nest at St Andrew's Spire yesterday so a metal band could be placed around their legs for future identification.

The process, which is painless to the birds, was carried out by two professional ringers', who hold a special licence to disturb the nest and handle the birds of prey.

They waited for the adult birds to leave the nest before removing the chicks, ringing them inside the spire, and then returning them.

Ray Bishop, member of the Wychavon Ringing Group, said: "This is the first time that any ringing has been done of peregrines in the county as far as I am aware, certainly this is the first ringing on the Worcester peregrines.

"The birds were of a good age and were able to take the rings. They weren't phased by the activities and they have resettled on the nest very comfortably so it went very well."

Matt Smith, also a qualified ringer, said he did suffer some scratching in the process, however.

"It was quite painful putting on the rings, and they did draw a bit of blood from me," he said. "I haven't rung a peregrine before but it was a good experience."

Mr Smith, who works at the University of Worcester's National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, said the process would allow them to track the birds in later years and see how far they travel.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has set up a marquee at the base of the spire where visitors can find out more about the peregrines, and also watch them through binoculars and via a live nest camera, which was set up in partnership with Worcester City Council.

Ross Lawford, peregrine falcon officer for the RSPB, said it was a great experience to get so close to the chicks.

"I have followed the adult birds for a few years now.

"It was fantastic to get close to the chicks and see them rung," he said.

Chris Dobbs, landscape architect for Worcester City Council added: "Just to see the young birds sat there in front of you is an incredible experience."

Peregrine falcons are the fastest animal on earth, capable of speeds of 180mph.

Although their numbers have increased over recent years, there are still thought to be only 1,400 breeding pairs.

• Watch the falcons live via webcam here.