See the falcon chicks before they fledge (From Worcester News)

See the falcon chicks before they fledge

5:26pm Monday 9th June 2008 in Local By Claire Fry, @clairefryWN #WENews

VISITORS to a derelict church spire in Worcester are now able to catch their first glimpse of the city's rare peregrine falcon chicks.

The birds, now almost a month old, can be seen looking over the edge of St Andrew's Spire in Deansway as they prepare to fledge.

Ross Lawford, peregrine falcon officer for the RSPB, said up until now, people had only been able to watch the chicks via a live nest-cam, set up by the charity and Worcester City Council.

He said: "They are clearly visible and you can see them peering over the parapet. They are looking like they are getting ready to fledge, which I think should be in the next week. It's a very exciting time for us here."

Mr Lawford added he thought the male could fledge in the next few days.

A bird will fledge the nest when its feathers and wing muscles are sufficiently developed for flight.

Last week, two Worcester News readers named the chicks, believed to be a male and female, as Spiral and Chimes, and the birds also became the first in the city - and possibly even the county - to be ringed' - making them easier to identify in later years.

The RSPB has a stand at the base of the spire where visitors can go and watch the birds, which are still quite rare, and people can also find out more about the falcons, and the charity's work.