Bird watchers in a flap over 'missing' chicks (From Worcester News)

Bird watchers in a flap over 'missing' chicks

3:36pm Friday 30th May 2008 in Local By Claire Fry, @clairefryWN #WENews

TWO of Worcester's most watched birds have caused a flutter of concern among some bird lovers.

The peregrine falcon chicks, which people have been watching avidly via a live nest-cam since they hatched three weeks ago, have started to explore.

However worried watchers have contacted the RSPB, Worcester City Council and your Worcester News asking where they have gone when they saw the empty nest which is on the St Andrew's Spire in Deansway.

Ross Lawford, Peregrine Falcon Officer for the RSPB said they had nothing to worry about.

"The camera shows us the bird box up on the parapet, and the chicks - which are both growing healthy and strong - are exploring their environment," he added, saying the birds have returned to their nest throughout the day.

There are two nests which were set up by the charity and the city council, but only one can be seen on camera, which is the one the adult birds chose to lay the eggs.

The charity currently has a stand at the base of the spire where people can visit to find out more about the peregrines, and also watch them through binoculars and via the live nest camera.

• Click here for the webcam, where hopefully the nest will be occupied again.

• Watch the chicks being 'ringed' below.