Three peregrine falcon chicks at St Albans Cathedral were successfully ringed on the morning of Monday 30 June, revealing that this year’s brood consists of three males. The milestone event marks another chapter in the Cathedral’s growing role in urban wildlife conservation.

The ringing was carried out by Barry Trevis, a licensed bird-ringer and nest recorder, who has been monitoring the peregrines at St Albans since they first bred on the Cathedral in 2022. He explained the importance of the work:

“We know from the webcam live-stream that the parents have looked after the chicks well, so when we checked them over we saw that they were all in good condition. We fitted a ring on each of their legs. One is a British Trust for Ornithology metal ring, a bit like a license tag, the other is a larger ring which is coloured orange with black lettering which means we’ll be able to track them in years to come.”

These identifying rings help track the falcons throughout their lives, offering valuable insight into migration, survival, and breeding patterns. Trevis added, “The birds are ringed to provide information on their origins and future movements… helping us to understand their family trees.”

Thanks to this process, one of last year’s St Albans-born chicks, ringed in May 2024, was identified recently at Port Meadow in Oxford. Thomas Miller spotted and photographed the juvenile, code ‘XSR’, and reported the sighting to the British Trust for Ornithology. The bird has been seen in Oxfordshire regularly over the past six months.

Lea Ellis, Engagement Manager at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said:

“There are so many people that build a real connection with the Peregrines as they watch them on the webcam so it’s great to know what happens to the chicks once they become independent and leave the nest. Thanks to the ringing process, we now know of sightings of two of them – their first chick, Artemis, was seen in Norfolk and now we have this fantastic news that one of last year’s chicks looks to be making his territory in Oxfordshire.”

The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans, said:

It’s a real joy to see the peregrines thriving once again on the Cathedral. They’ve captured the imagination of thousands, both here in St Albans and online across the country. The live cam has become a powerful reminder of the beauty of the natural world and the important role our sacred spaces can play in supporting wildlife. We’re proud to share this journey with so many, and to play a part in protecting these extraordinary birds.

The public can continue to enjoy a live view of the growing falcons via the Peregrine Live Cam, sponsored by Opticron, on the Cathedral’s website. Meanwhile, Peregrine Watch events—run by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the local RSPB group—give visitors a chance to observe the falcons through telescopes and speak with expert volunteers.

As the three brothers prepare to fledge, the Cathedral’s tower once again proves to be a safe haven for one of Britain’s most majestic birds of prey.