Rooftop cameras captured images of Salisbury Cathedral’s latest delivery of a peregrine’s egg last month. The female stayed with the egg overnight, taking a break at just after 06.00 when her mate came in and took over. The pair won’t start incubating the egg yet, but they will sit on the egg for brief periods.
Incubation will begin in earnest after she has laid a full clutch (usually around 3 or 4 eggs). Eggs are generally laid at 2-3 day intervals. Once the female has laid her full clutch, she will sit on the eggs for 29-30 days before they hatch, which hopefully means chicks in late April.
All good news for the youngsters at St Martin’s Primary School Salisbury and Shrewton Primary School, who are trialing the Education team’s peregrine lesson plans. There should be lots for the children to do and learn this Spring.
Here’s a link to an image of the peregrines with the egg to cheer you up, and also a video of the pair with the egg complete with Cathedral bells in the background.
