Peregrine Falcons @ St Andrews Spire - Worcester

Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project 12th January 2010 11:57:22

I hope visitors to the Worcester site won't mind me informing everyone that not too far away in Derby we have just captured and published unique footage proving that peregrine falcons hunt at night. Yes, we all knew it was happening, but getting the proof has proven quite difficult. The video shows a wodcock brought back alive at 11pm at night, and is now on YouTube, titled "night-time hunter". You can read all about it on our blog at www.derbyperegrines.blogspot.com

Jill 5th December 2009 17:50:10

Have just visited the site to see the webcam no longer in place , the pics from everyone are just brilliant , I have really enjoyed watching these gorgeous birds & heres to 2010 , Thank you to everyone involved in the project , have a good Christmas everyone & A very Happy 2010 xx

chris d 30th November 2009 20:52:16

hi everyone, just to say the online store at photobox is still open for pressies! also I added a small photo book of the year, a fab pressie for worcs peregrine fans..(to find it browse the collection)with all profit going to next years project. News soon on what we are planning for next year..including...confirmed funding from RSPB for a 2010 project...new and improved cameras...and more besides.The online shop has made just £32 profit so far so get buying! We've also got about £100 in the main account from last years t shirt and postcard sales (a couple of t shirts left if anyone is interested)We haven't put big mark ups on everything so things are affordable but that means we need to sell a lot.MORE NEWS SOON

Andy B - Webmaster, Worcester City Council 29th November 2009 20:12:51

I have now disabled the Nestcam images because there is nothing to see anymore, and have replaced with a direct stream from the Worcester Peregrine Falcon 2009 Flickr Group. Thanks to all those that joined and added their stunning photos of the Peregrines to the Flickr Groups, this website wouldn't have been the same this year without your help. Lets hope for even better next season!

Liz 12th November 2009 17:21:55

I believe that young peregrones usually make for the coast where there are cliffs. We were on holiday in Dorset last week, and five peregrines were hunting together.

Jen 10th November 2009 21:32:29

wonder where the babies ended up going and when, so many questions I'd love answered if only they could talk

Kath 2nd October 2009 19:13:58

I still like to look on here occasionally, it brings back the good times and sometimes a peregrine will show its face.

Jill 27th September 2009 22:36:35

Beautiful pictures , nice to know they are still around !!

Kath 27th September 2009 18:45:02

I wonder if Box will be back next year - I miss him!

Kath 25th September 2009 20:14:23

Nice to see some more photos of the lovelies from Dave G. It is so very quiet on this site so just this little bit of info is very welcome.

Jen 24th September 2009 17:16:58

Lovely to hear about the babies still after all this time. Beautiful photos, bobbin looks like she was posing like a professional

Dave G 23rd September 2009 23:52:32

Hi all Followed up last nights sighting of the youngster tonight. I was not expecting any appearances but after five minuets a parent landed on the cathedral with a pigeon, continued to eat then dropped part over the parapet! The youngster arrived soon after scavenging for leftovers. Managed to ID the ring as T2 – Bobbin. She soon flew off attacking pigeons without any success. Followed both down to the spire where they flew off towards the cricket ground into the sunset. Few pics from tonight now on Flickr.

Dave G 22nd September 2009 17:32:44

Hi all - - - Driving past the spire tonight one of the youngsters was on the road side parapet wall (no camera!) so not sure which one but looked to big to be Tinker.

Jen 21st September 2009 20:17:57

Looking very different now. But what a story the spire can tell after the last few months. All the characters that lodged there,box's comings and goings, the noise, the smell, the feathers. Lets hope it all happens again next year

Kath 17th September 2009 14:38:29

All nice and clean with vacant possession. Hope the new tenants next year are our peregrines.

Jill 17th September 2009 12:59:50

The spire looks like a different place now its been cleaned up , no Peregrine poo , no pigeon feathers etc ,Am looking forward to seeing them again nexy year !

H 16th September 2009 23:27:13

11.30 pm - looks pretty black to me! :)

Jill 16th September 2009 20:52:42

Has the spire been cleaned up ?

Margaret L 9th September 2009 11:31:55

@ Kath. I missed it!!!!

Kath 4th September 2009 18:26:24

Margaret, lucky you 2 at once. Did you see the one that flew over your house and 6.10 this evening? It was heading towards the cathedral.

Jill 4th September 2009 17:33:25

@ Margaret , what a good excuse to be late for a meeting !!

Margaret L 4th September 2009 10:37:14

Guess who was nearly late for a meeting last night because she was watching a super aerial display? 2 peregrines flying around the Spire. Fantastic.

Rob 3rd September 2009 16:45:38

Hi there. We may have seen some youngsters exploring the high trees around our garden in the past couple of weeks. We recognised their calls. They seemed to like the pylon near the end of our garden opposite the race course. I haven't seen them for a week or so though, and our fat pigeons still seem to be intact so maybe it was just a flying visit..?!

Kath 1st September 2009 20:06:34

Maybe there is someone who will look at this site and let me know whether the kids have flown the nest yet.

Jill 29th August 2009 17:08:19

What a very rare sight these days , peregrine on cam 1 , such a lovely sight .

Dave Arrowsmith 27th August 2009 14:53:53

Just a quick reminder folks that mugs are available on the Friends of Worcester Peregrines online shop, there are plenty left and I think Fi wants the cupboard space back in the kitchen so you need to buy them all!!!! They would make a great Christmas or birthday gift for anyone you know who is into birds of prey, www.worcesterperegrines.org Cheers, Dave & Fi

Kath 26th August 2009 18:44:49

I'm hoping to get down to see the eagles etc on Sat as well. So I hope to see our babies later. I did see one on the cathedral this morning as I was passing in our car.

sue 26th August 2009 10:49:09

I'll be popping to see them on sat in between watching the displays of eagles and vultures at pitchcroft. Hope the weather good.

Jen 25th August 2009 21:00:25

I'm the same Kath. My work hours and home life are so chaotic that I haven't been able to go and see them much.Wonder when they are off, can we have a farewell party

Kath 25th August 2009 19:10:05

I'm suffering from peregrine withdrawal symptoms where are they?

Jen 24th August 2009 20:30:16

Sue, when your Tinker you can go anywhere, with his looks and fame he'll get far!

Kath 24th August 2009 19:32:01

Mary, it's not your fault you get the cameras mixed up. The one that loads first we assume is cam 1 when in fact it's cam 2. So it's the person's fault who designated cam 2 to be first on show. I think it has to have been a man who thought that one up! Blow, I missed the peregrines.

sue 24th August 2009 17:08:03

actually mum, you were right both times as it can be seen from both cameras!!

mary 24th August 2009 16:50:01

Sorry, senior moment. Peregrine on camera 2.

mary (Sue's mum). 24th August 2009 16:46:10

peregrine on camera one

Stefan 23rd August 2009 21:16:19

I'm guessing you will have come across this already, but just in case, Peregrine Falcons in Worcester MA http://kitchenwindowbirder.blogspot.com/search/label/Peregrine%20Falcon

Kath 23rd August 2009 20:42:23

He can go to Scotland as long as he hasn't got to fly over Stoke!

sue 23rd August 2009 18:56:09

@ jen tinker can't go to scotland cos he hasn't got a passport!!

Jen 23rd August 2009 14:45:54

I went down yesterday and saw one sat in the cathedral window. The bells were going and it looked like the peregrine was dancing in time to it, it's head kept bobbing. I'm not sure who it was but it was too quiet for Tinker. Though i have heard he's packing his kilt and feathers ready for his holiday

Kath 20th August 2009 18:32:55

Does anyone know whether any of our cheeky babes have flown off to other destinations yet? Though I daresay Tinker will still be following his mother about.

Dave G 20th August 2009 06:05:36

Hi Rob You will need to address you request to Chris d in Worcester or Dave Arrowsmith via www.worcesterperegrines.org.

Andy B - Worcester City Council 19th August 2009 21:40:28

@Rob - Sorry to hear that you are having problems with commenting on this site. We haven't had any other reports of problems with the commenting facility, Also I have checked it and I dont seem to be able re-create the problem you are experiencing, though I will keep an eye on it!

Rob Lund 19th August 2009 19:55:11

@ Dave G. Hi Dave, whom do I ask to get my pic on the merchandise that supports these birds. @ Everyone. Secondly, can anyone tell me why the comment boxes freeze whilst typing. Many thanks, Robin Lund.

Jen 19th August 2009 14:37:26

Thats ok then Kath, we have to keep tabs on these things!

Kath 18th August 2009 22:21:01

Jen - I don't think it was a pie, for one thing it wasn't crimped around the edge!

Jen 18th August 2009 19:48:20

Now Kath I don't mean to start an argument but are you sure it was a butty and not a pie instead

Kath 18th August 2009 19:15:01

I see her/him - munching on a pigeon butty. I just wish I didn't like pigeons! Oh, and I like seagulls as well, they are beautiful birds. I don't get the 'flying rat' scenario at all. But nature is boss and the peregrines are meat eaters (by the ton)!!

sue 18th August 2009 18:50:40

Peregrine on camera 2

PW 16th August 2009 14:08:26

just got from a week on the isle of arran, saw peregrines, Golden Eagles and a pair of hen harriers, absolutely fantastic to see all these in the wild,

sue 16th August 2009 08:19:20

@ liz it is suprising the size of prey that the larger female peregrine will have a go at. It is recorded that they have even been seen to take a grey heron and you know how large they are, so a seagull would be easy pickings in comparrison!!

John B (not the sloop) 15th August 2009 23:22:09

Don't underestimate a determined female Peregrine Liz. There are reliable records of even the formidable Great Black Backed Gull ending up as a hearty lunch. One of those would keep the whole family nicely fed for a whole day.

Liz 15th August 2009 22:51:12

There do seem to be more larger gulls in the City this year - ?Lesser Black-backs? - and they are very aggressive. I was actually brushed on the shoulder by one diving to grab lunch from another pedestrian's hand! It's amazing that the peregrines can stand against them, especially as they attack them in groups. I'm hoping this won't deter the falcons in future years.

Kath 15th August 2009 18:46:59

Saw the adult male peregrine up on the cathedral looking by the state of him that he'd just had a morning snack. Walking towards the Spire, along dashed another peregrine being attacked by 3 very large seagulls - Tinker? Had a nice chat with Mary (Sue's mum) and saw the band in the town centre for the festival.

Jill 13th August 2009 22:27:43

The kidnap Tinker mission has nothing to do with me !!!!, have been in Devon for almost 2 weeks watching allsorts of birdlife & animals , have missed looking at this site though .

Jen 13th August 2009 20:55:40

I haven't seen any of them in over a week and missing them. Guess this is what it will be like when the youngsers leave.

mary (sue's mum) 13th August 2009 08:55:56

Have I just seen Tinker scavenging amongst the leftovers on camera one?

Jen 12th August 2009 21:05:02

Kath..Fiona has definately flown the nest but where has she landed?

Jen 12th August 2009 21:05:02

Kath..Fiona has definately flown the nest but where has she landed?

Jen 12th August 2009 19:55:40

John...Tinker could probably do a song and dance routine too

Kath 12th August 2009 19:07:18

Has Fiona left the Country with Tinker?

Santiago 12th August 2009 17:17:09

2 Peregrine on camera 2

sue 12th August 2009 09:09:12

Peregrine on camera 1

James 11th August 2009 16:54:35

Still there........

Angie 11th August 2009 16:08:04

I see him/her!

Ann 11th August 2009 15:41:42

There's a birdie looking straight into cam 2 now!

Dave Arrowsmith 11th August 2009 11:12:57

Hi all, just to let you know that 'Friends of Worcester Peregrines' Mugs are now available for sale on the Friends of Worcester Peregrines group Website www.worcesterperegrines.org Cheers, Dave

jack mckay 11th August 2009 10:04:06

I'm gonna see them this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John B (not the sloop) 11th August 2009 08:41:12

Our tiercel at Yat Rock did a pretty passable Bruce Forsythe impression (the standing on one leg with the bowed head and bent elbow thing)on Saturday. I wonder if Tinker will prove as talented.....

sue 10th August 2009 04:29:44

Yeah kath, gives whole new meaning to the term "doing bird"!!

Kath 9th August 2009 18:54:43

Jen - So funny picturing Fiona, covered in feathers, saying 'I wasn't there your Honour'!

Jen 9th August 2009 16:48:32

Kath, it could be Fiona caught red handed with the pigeon if Tinker is still waiting to be fed! Can you see the picture in the papers?!

Kath 8th August 2009 21:09:41

Sue - I think it's all too late. Obviously it'll have to be plan B. We will count the pigeons in Stoke while they're roosting tonight. If they go missing on a regular basis we know Fiona's been caught red-handed.

Kath 8th August 2009 20:06:09

Dave G - Love your gorgeous photos on Flickr. A very poetic poise. These peregrines know how to pose for us.

sue 8th August 2009 15:57:37

its official - fiona is on her way back to stoke. can anyone just pop down to the spire to take an audit of the peregrines please?

sue 8th August 2009 11:13:09

@ Dave G - stunning photos you have just loaded on flickr. Love the way you have caught the light on the spire

Jen 8th August 2009 10:05:44

Dave G your photos are beautiful as ever. It's lovely seeing what they are up to

Jen 8th August 2009 10:03:50

I knew you'd see my point of view. Unfortunatly I'm having a new washing machine fitted so can't be on watch today

Dave G 7th August 2009 22:39:32

Sue & Kath – Called down to Spire tonight, a few pics on Flickr of the mother who you spotted on the webcam from the ground. Bobbin flew past on route to the Cathedral, all quiet - didn’t spot any of the others.

sue 7th August 2009 22:01:55

@ jen - see what you getting at now. i never thought any of the worcester girls would join forces with fiona!! what can we do?

sue 7th August 2009 20:13:22

camera one along left side - can i spy a peregrine sat on lower wall? can just see its tail, i'm sure!!

Jen 7th August 2009 19:30:33

Sue...see what I mean it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for. Both missing off here so must mean they are up to no good. Maybe Fiona has blackmailed Jill in the rescue Tinker mission

Kath 7th August 2009 19:23:05

Beauty on Cam 1.

sue 7th August 2009 19:15:50

@ Kath tipping a caravan over on the M6 would close road for a day believe me!! But yes, that good plan of action!!

sue 7th August 2009 18:52:25

see what you mean about the pillow fight jen!! couldn't see all those feathers at bottom of camera 1 on my phone, so only just seen them now i logged onto my PC. It not me as I wouldn't like to climb up there so must be fiona and jill!!

Kath 7th August 2009 18:30:40

Sue - pity about the helicopter. Road block should be easy. I've got an old caravan ready for scrap. We could tip it over on M6 and that should stop everything for a good hour.

Jen 7th August 2009 16:55:15

It's the quiet ones you got to worry about

sue 7th August 2009 11:24:18

@ kath. No joy with my mate I'm afraid cos he's flying air ambulance this week and it not good idea to divert that away from its duties!! So setting up roadblock only real option. Need more help from jill and jen!

sue 6th August 2009 23:28:27

@ kath. Good idea about police helicoptor. I know a guy who flies them so I will have a word!!

Kath 6th August 2009 23:02:52

Sue - I think they'll ditch their own car and hire one so we won't suspect. I can supply the police outfit if you can get hold of a blue light. A helicopter would be good, they wouldn't notice it and we could follow them to Stoke then grab them as they pull into their drive. I think Tinker will be in their coolbag with the sandwiches so get that first.

sue 6th August 2009 22:43:06

@ kath. I think a policemans uniform and blue light for car would be useful. We could then stop their car just after they leave worcester and do a search of the car to ensure no peregrines are hidden in their luggage!! Anyone know what kind of car they drive and what the registration is?

Kath 6th August 2009 22:09:59

Sue - count me in on that. Is there any special clothing we need to wear i.e. balaclavas and such. We don't want to scare Tinker. Is it possible that Fiona could try and disguise Tinks as a piece of Stoke pottery?

sue 6th August 2009 20:32:38

Fiona is returning to stoke this weekend and we need to make sure we have the full compliment of peregrines once she has left!! It will be hard but we need to keep a special eye on tinker to make sure he doesn't end up in a cage, within a car headed up the M6!! Jen, kath and jill I am relying on you to help!!

Jen 6th August 2009 17:07:22

Ok whose been having a pillow fight up there and not invited me..sue, fiona. Jill, come on confess

Jen 6th August 2009 17:06:17

Ooh birdie with dinner on camera 1. I've definately seen 4 of them, not convinced on more than that. I think they need a bath in food colouring, something that wouldn't harm them in any way but make identity from a distance easier!

Caroline Stewart 6th August 2009 15:28:26

I haven't tuned in for ages and delighted to have caught a bird on the spire on camera 1 demolishing something. By the amount of white feathers looks like it was probably a seagull. I look anytime I am near the cathedral but haven't had any luck.

EAK 6th August 2009 13:57:08

I head out on the train over Fore-gate St. every ,morning and also keep a look-out, but see nothing but sea-gulls. I've not once spotted them from the train (but then again size-wise and from a distance they are terribly difficult to tell apart from a pigeon), their only distinguishing feature would be their speed. I've had the delight of witnessing the Birmingham ones dive-bomb and ambush a bunch of pigeons right before my very eyes. Needless to say they weren't successful that time. And the following day also witnessed them in hot pursuit ambushing the pigeons between 2 tall buildings and flying down an alley-way. They certainly used the "urban jungle" to their advantage.

sue 6th August 2009 11:56:47

Would love to know if anyone has been fortunate enough to see ALL of the family in one visit to the spire/cathedral lately.

Kath 5th August 2009 22:20:25

The 'fairy's' back!

Jen 4th August 2009 21:16:00

You lucky thing Kath, I'm just a little further over so don't get them. I go over the bridge on the bus at 7 every morning and always look out for them. I'm pretty sure I saw one today

Kath 4th August 2009 19:54:11

Just watched a short video of Derby peregrines, made by Brigg infant school, a class of 5/6 year olds. What a delight.

Kath 4th August 2009 19:46:41

The only peregrine sighting I've had today is when 2 of them flew over Broadway Grove heading out into the country about 45 mins ago. Don't know which ones they were.

EAK 4th August 2009 15:41:04

Looks like there's a peregrine looking thoroughly miserable sitting on the floor waiting for the rain to subside!

Sally 3rd August 2009 22:11:41

Been hearing Tinker on the Cathedral most early evenings about 7pm. Sat night he was calling up there while his Mum was demolishing a pigeon. There was a carpet of feathers tumbling down from the south side roof.

H 3rd August 2009 22:05:17

Now that there doesn't seem to be much 'visiting' the Spire by 'our' peregrines, I would just like to say a big thank you to the City Council officers, the RSPB officers and the IT people for the enormous amount of pleasure they have afforded me by all their hard work. It is very much appreciated. I suspect they will still have plenty to do (cleaning up, etc.), and I'm sorry I couldn't make it on Saturday to meet everyone. I will still be looking out for any peregrines, both on camera and when in town, but from now on I will be able to appreciate even more all the work involved. Can't wait for 2010!

JB 3rd August 2009 20:07:30

I have just watched the camera pics and what a fantastic thing to see enjoyed every moment of it.

Angie 3rd August 2009 14:52:33

Just looked at the camera-gazing pictures on Flikr - they really made me chuckle. Thanks Dave G!

Jen 2nd August 2009 21:31:34

Typical Tinker, guess he's got the voice for it though

Kath 2nd August 2009 20:26:36

Sue, we all knew it didn't we. Our little Tinker was a shining star - and on the radio already!

sue 2nd August 2009 20:10:36

well Tinker seems to have found himself a job in radio!! On friday nights at 9.15pm on Radio 2 there is a programme called "The adventures of Sexton Blake" And in the write up, it says that he has a plucky assistant called "Tinker"!!!!

Kath 2nd August 2009 17:52:15

Dave - thanks for checking Spire. Phew, I was worried there for a minute. Yes Jen, I think a Christmas panto would be in order, though what part Box would play I'm not sure. Maybe the scenery! And would Sue have enough superglue?

sue 2nd August 2009 15:58:12

@ dave G thanks for checking and glad they only pigeon remains. @ jen and margaret L - glad you appreciated the peregrines performance yesturday. I bribed them with 6 pigeons each to turn up. Tinker tried for more but I wasn't having any of it!!

Jen 2nd August 2009 13:00:55

Sue I hope Tinker didn't charge you a fortune for yesterdays performance....can we book again though, maybe for Christmas. A play with all major characters having a part, obviously box playing the lead. Dave G on camera and lights

Margaret L 2nd August 2009 12:21:48

Lovely to meet up with fellow followers yesterday and put faces to names. Good fly in arranged by Sue, well done. Great pics by Dave of peregrines pretending to be budgies.

Dave G 2nd August 2009 10:32:45

@ Sue & Kath – All remains around the parapet are only pigeons – nothing to worry about.

Dave G 1st August 2009 23:07:14

@ All – I think it’s only the remains of pigeons, to dark now to see. When I was up the Spire Friday there were a few pigeon carcasses around. These can be blown around by the wind which may appear calm on the ground butt be a lot stronger out on the parapet. Will check again in the morning when it’s light.

sue 1st August 2009 22:32:14

have to check again in morning as its dark now. dave G can you have a closer look somehow on the camera? (see my earlier post)

sue 1st August 2009 22:24:59

@ kath yes should have said camera 1 - got mixed up!! i'm worried now, you see the same as me, hope it not peregrine cos it not moved

Kath 1st August 2009 21:44:51

Sue - I see it. Is it on cam 1 though? It looks like a peregrine on the floor. Hope not. Perhaps it's just a pile of some leftovers. Lovely afternoon spent at Art House meeting some nice people. Thanks Dave for organising it all, it was great.

sue 1st August 2009 19:58:04

what is that on camera 2, down right hand gully, half way to nest box (on floor)??

Carole 1st August 2009 19:46:48

Just want to say that is was great to meet all who were at the Arthouse Cafe today - unfortunately I can't remember everyone's names - Grey moment I'm sure! Thanks to Dave for the invite! I suppose the youngsters won't be around for much longer, so it was even better that one of them was on the spire at the right time today! Can't wait until next year when I shall be watching from day one . . . Fiona, don't forget to 'prod' me on Facebook!!! Thanks again guys - Best wishes to all xx

Jen 1st August 2009 10:56:05

Liz...when I was out peregrine watching on Thursday at the cathedral I came back via the spire and at least 20 pigeons were flying in a group past the spire. Almost like they were fleeing the area for fear of being dinner and better in larger numbers

Liz 31st July 2009 22:18:08

Came to Worcester this week - couldn't believe the reduction in the pigeon population! If the peregrines would like to pop up to Bromsgrove and Redditch, we're a bit over-run here......

sue 31st July 2009 21:51:31

Don't forget we are all meeting in the arthouse cafe tomorrow (saturday) at 12 noon. All family welcome!!

Jill 31st July 2009 21:14:51

Brilliant pics , Dave G of the peregrines looking into lens , they are just beautiful , one of them obviously one of the parents with the beautiful yellow around eyes & top of beak . love them .

Kath 31st July 2009 20:09:32

Dave - nice to see the pics of what I saw on the webcam. They are just great. I think that you will find there is a slight difference, hardly discernable, between budgies and peregrines. Budgies swear (well mine did)!

sue 31st July 2009 19:37:44

@ dave love the pics on flickr of them looking into the camera, esp the Who's looking at who!!

Dave G 31st July 2009 18:45:37

Went out on the Spire parapet today to clean the camera lenses – maybe the think it’s a new mirror!! (Or am I getting confused with budgies?)

Dave G 31st July 2009 18:37:15

@ Kath - Caught two of them looking into the camera, screen captures on Flickr

Kath 31st July 2009 18:08:43

2 peregrines on cam 2. 1 of them looking into camera as though it has only just noticed it.

EAK 31st July 2009 17:07:08

... one of them just went back to check out the nest-box again. Sat in it, and hopped off again! What?? Still expects to be fed??

John B (not the sloop) 31st July 2009 12:32:36

I look forward to meeting some of you tomorrow. An appearance by the star attractions would definitely be a bonus (and I am referring to Peregrines here).

Jen 30th July 2009 21:39:02

I had my best peregrine day ever. I've said it once before but this was brilliant. Dave G did take those photos of Tinker last week and he said he was noisy. Whenever I see him the rest have food so makes me think it has to be him demanding his. Wish we had a camera attached to him, not to interfere with nature, but to give us a good insight into the life of Tinker, a single, mummy's boy

Jen 30th July 2009 20:32:22

Not sure if anyone else saw but one of the family was on camera one just now for about 10 minutes. Lots of preening, guess it was happy that it's not raining

Kath 30th July 2009 18:50:37

Jen - it sounds as though you had a good 'peregrine' day today. I love hearing them shouting, it gives me goosepimples. It makes me laugh how we all assume the shouty one is Tinker and it probably is!

Jen 30th July 2009 16:38:52

I'm so glad the rain stopped in time and I went to the cathedral. I heard Tinker from the main road! There was 1 on the left side eating dinner and Tinker sat at the front, he flew over me and then back. Both must have disappeared then. Suddenly Tinker came back shouting more and I'd like to think it was Mum too. She shouted even louder at him, guess it went along the lines of being quiet! They did a few laps round, one landed on the left side with food and the other was on the lower roof near me. Why do I never have the camera at these times! I tried to take a picture with my mobile but by the time I tried they had all gone. Absolutely brilliant!!

Jen 29th July 2009 21:03:13

Is that birdy trying to dry itself off?

Jen 29th July 2009 20:47:15

If you can't beat them join them...I'm going to be a bird, a duck or a goose with attitude. Only way to get through this horrible weather

EAK 29th July 2009 20:17:03

Thanks for the pointers in earlier posts regarding the relocation of the youngsters to the cathedral. Saw them flying round the tower yesterday. And I am not sure if it was only one of them doing the rounds or if it was two, one passing the baton to the other (as no sooner had he flown off, was he coming round again, seemed like it might have been two of them flying around) . But great to see them flying. And this was while it was still raining lightly. They were seemingly unperturbed by it all.

Jen 29th July 2009 20:10:20

I DEMAND A RAIN FREE DAY TOMORROW AFTERNOON...please so I can go and see them

Kath 29th July 2009 20:05:42

Lone peregrine on cam 1 - Just her and me!

Kath 29th July 2009 19:04:48

They are probably so fed up with the rain they've gone abroad somewhere hot and sunny - where we should all be!

Jill 29th July 2009 14:45:28

I wonder if our peregrines are fed up with the rain !!

Jen 28th July 2009 20:58:11

Dave G the photos you took are beautiful especially our handsome boy.

Jen 28th July 2009 20:52:59

Lovely to hear about the Derby chick, wondered what had happened to her

Jen 28th July 2009 20:46:27

It's so nice to have it confirmed that Tinker is still being fed. Most times I go there is shouting and I always joke its Tinker wanting feeding but to actually know makes me laugh. Why catch your own food when mummy is so willing. How much longer will this continue... he won't be pushed away will he until he's fending for himself or is it pure laziness on his behalf. Hope Fiona is giving a good talking to

Jill 28th July 2009 20:45:38

Have just watched the video of 010 Cathy , the Derby peregrine with the injured wing , she is a truly remarkable bird , Colin the falconer is doing a wonderful job with her .

Kath 28th July 2009 19:01:26

I know it's not ours, but the injured Derby 010 chick, now called Cathy (after the Cathedral), is doing very well with Colin the falconer. Her flying is getting much better so her hopes are looking up.

Kath 27th July 2009 18:27:05

Great to see one of our peregrines with its tea on cam 1. However, one minute she's there, next she's gone, then back, then gone and so on. I assume the camera is playing up.

Kath 27th July 2009 18:23:17

Dave G - Thanks for explaining the 'thingy on the camera'. In a way it's dashed my hopes of it being either a fairy or alien critter!

Jill 27th July 2009 17:49:11

Peregrine on cam 1 with dinner in its talons ,lovely to see !!!!

Dave G 26th July 2009 23:23:38

@ Kath – What you can see on the camera is a small piece of debris stuck on a strand of cobweb. It’s only visible at night due to the tower lighting, being on the front of the camera it’s out of the focal range & appears blurred. During daylight the camera focuses forward of the object so it’s not visible. Many strange ‘UFO’s’ seen on CCTV cameras have been documented, mostly due to similar situations. At night the camera automatically slows down the shutter speed to allow the lens to capture more light. This is fine for static objects but moving objects & insects usually have a ‘stick’ like appearance.

Kath 26th July 2009 22:37:10

That 'thing' is back on cam 2 that I mentioned yesterday. What is it? It wasn't there in the daytime. It is back on the same pillar as yesterday.

Kath 26th July 2009 18:00:08

Dave G - what superb photos on flickr. The cathedral in sunshine is stunning. However the ones of our little Tinker are lovely. He is such a cutie. But dad needs to take him to one side and tell him that he can't rely on mummy any more or he'll never have street cred.

Jill 26th July 2009 16:32:17

Great pics on Flickr , Dave G , Tinker is a tinker , still expecting his Mummy to feed him .

sue 26th July 2009 14:40:39

Crafty tinker still being fed by mum!! Bit of a mummys boy!!

Dave G 25th July 2009 23:47:59

Visited the Cathedral tonight between 8 - 9 PM, lots of noise - most of it from Tinker. Still calling for food & being fed by Mum !. Pics on Flickr.

Kath 25th July 2009 21:50:15

It could be a moth, a fairy, a tiny ufo - who knows.

Jill 25th July 2009 21:42:24

Kath , I can see too , not sure what it is .

John B (not the sloop) 25th July 2009 21:20:56

Had to settle for lots of Red Kites today. No hardship really....

Kath 25th July 2009 21:14:56

What is that flying thingy I've been watching. It's still there 45 mins later.

Kath 25th July 2009 20:33:51

I'm being entertained by a little brownish red flying thingy on camera 2. Oh what a way to spend a Saturday evening!

Kath 25th July 2009 20:17:00

So it looks like our little beauties are heading for Malvern. Perhaps they are just partaking of the waters. Just hope they're back by next Saturday.

Paul W 25th July 2009 17:24:16

Heard a Peregrine this afternoon, but couldnt see it, BUT, it was in Malvern Link! 100% certain.mind you there have been a pair on tank quarry for a few years so it may have been one of them.

sue 25th July 2009 12:09:26

a beautiful day in worcester - perfect for watching peregrines, now if i could just see the little tykes!!

Margaret L 25th July 2009 11:20:37

Excellent idea to meet up next Saturday. I'll be there.

Dave Arrowsmith 24th July 2009 23:35:07

I've added a note on the facebook group now, and sent a group email out, I had forgotten to do it so thank you for reminding me Kath! : )

Kath 24th July 2009 22:13:21

Sue - Thanks I'll check it out. Where I'm going wrong is going to facebook first and the note about 1st Aug isn't on there.

sue 24th July 2009 20:19:20

@kath - please look on www.worcesterperegrines.org it is definately there on first page.

Kath 24th July 2009 18:54:28

Dave - I've looked on the Friends of Peregrine site about the proposed 'get together' and can't see anything about it. Help please!

Jill 24th July 2009 16:51:26

Ha ha Sue , It was actually a Peregrine I saw , beleive it or not , dont get to see them much these days :-(

sue 24th July 2009 15:25:34

@ jill - was the answer to your eye spy question - pigeon??!!

Dave Arrowsmith 24th July 2009 13:00:34

For anyone who isn't on the Friends of Worcester Peregrines email list, we are planning on having a get-together on the 1st of August so that people can meet eachother and perhaps have a snack and a wander out to see if we can spot any of the birds (weather permitting!). For more info have a look on the Friends of Worcester Peregrines website. Cheers, Dave

sue 23rd July 2009 22:19:55

Are we having to resort to watching seagulls and pigeons on the cameras now?!!

H 23rd July 2009 21:55:02

@Kath - I think the remaining ones may have got the message - not so the seagulls!

Kath 23rd July 2009 20:07:25

While in Worcester centre on Saturday I counted 4 pigeons where there used to be dozens. I wonder where they've all gone!

Kath 23rd July 2009 20:02:27

Seagull on camera 1!

Kath 23rd July 2009 18:58:43

Have we all taken to our beds until next spring?

Jill 22nd July 2009 20:01:38

I spy with my little eye , something beginning with P on camera 2

Jen 21st July 2009 20:28:29

I always worried with there being 4 and wondered early on if they would all survive to adulthood. With them doing so well I hoped they would but it wasn't meant to be. She'll always be in our hearts

sue 21st July 2009 19:32:54

just been watching the clip of them being rung again. made me sad thinking about potter.

H 20th July 2009 23:42:26

Waaaaail! I missed seeing them at 8 because I was out! The one I saw earlier was very indistinct on both cameras, and too far away.

sue 20th July 2009 21:04:27

not sure about climbing trees but at least we'd have some nice fruit to eat!!

Jen 20th July 2009 20:59:29

The RSPB can sit up the apple or pear tree at worst. I thought I had a photo of the garden when we first moved in but will try tomorrow and post it on facebook

sue 20th July 2009 20:55:22

they may do jen. question is - is your garden big enough to get the RSPB stand in??

Jen 20th July 2009 20:52:25

If I built a replica spire do you think they would nest in my garden next year

sue 20th July 2009 20:51:09

aaaaahhhh just like old times watchin them waiting to take their first flight!!

sue 20th July 2009 20:41:18

not sure jen but lovely to see them!!

Jen 20th July 2009 20:30:21

Wow its ages since I've seen them on the webcam. Anybody know who they are? I'm thinking parent and youngster but not sure

Jen 20th July 2009 20:22:08

I see 2 of them

Kath 20th July 2009 19:55:36

This is turning into a lovely nature sight, with info coming from all directions about a variety of wildlife. Hope the site stays on quite a while yet.

Margaret L 20th July 2009 19:01:00

Thanks all for your tips on distinguishing between peregrines and sparrowhawks. I've been in the garden most of today armed with binoculars but no joy as regards birds of prey. However, I have seen a great variety of birds and also butterflies and bees thanks to the rose bay willow herb.

H 20th July 2009 18:10:59

Sorry, meant Cam 1 last time, but only as a silhouette.

H 20th July 2009 18:02:02

Can now see him/her on Cam 2

H 20th July 2009 17:47:12

Birdie on Cam 2 head just out of shot.

John B (not the sloop) 20th July 2009 17:15:45

Margaret L - Distinguishing a Peregrine from a Sparrowhawk in flight is a doddle once you get your eye in. Peregrines, like all falcons, have pointy wingtips. Sparrowhawks, along with Buzzards, Harriers, Eagles, Kites and Owls have rounded wingtips. You're more likely to confuse a Peregrine with a Hobby in flight. The latter is a bit less sturdy looking with whippier, even more sharply pointed wings. Hobbies can also just about turn on a sixpence which Peregrines would struggle to do.

Liz 20th July 2009 14:27:53

It can be harder to distinguish a peregrine from a sparrowhawk at ground level - my son had a bird of prey take a pigeon over his garden; it then sat on his fence dismembering and eating it. We were all convinced that it was a peregrine, but the photo was identified by a falconry centre as that of a female sparrowhawk - apparently the two look very similar when perching. Seem to remember, from the early days of this blog, as reference to the eyes?

sue 19th July 2009 22:57:46

@ margaret L - you asked about recognising the peregrine in flight. Look for the powerful, compact build. Its wings are broad at the base and sharply pointed, but proportionately shorter than most other falcons. The tail is also quite short and tapered in towards the end, although often it is fanned out in flight, almost seemingly reaching the wings. The usual flight action (unless soaring or stooping) is of short bursts of shallow wing beats alternating with brief glides. You may also spot its characteristic "moustache" (which is unique on every bird in its size, shape, rather like a fingerprint is unique in humans). Have a look at some of the photo's on this site and also on facebook of the birds in flight. You will soon become expert at spotting them. Good luck!!

Jill 19th July 2009 22:46:33

Great pics posted on Flickr by Dave G & Jen , am missing seeing these beauties in the flesh .

SUE 19th July 2009 21:16:40

@ jen - its fine, don't worry!!

Jen 19th July 2009 20:38:58

I've got some slightly gruesome photos of dinner today

Jen 19th July 2009 20:35:11

I'm hanging my head in shame and hope that Sue forgives me :-(

Kath 19th July 2009 20:04:53

Went to Cathedral yesterday mid-day - 1 peregrine sitting on windowsill with a pigeon for lunch. In flew another making a racket and sat nearby, shouting and bawling - it just had to be Tinker.

Jen 19th July 2009 18:25:41

poor Potter, the others will have to have lots of adventures for her

Jen 19th July 2009 18:25:09

Dave G, meant to say the photos from yesterday were beautiful. I saw 1 of the family yesterday and 1 today with dinner, both at the cathedral

Jen 19th July 2009 18:24:07

H..there was no squabble over Tinker, Fiona and I had it all sorted then Sue turned against us. She pretended to be a friend and as long as she could see the beauties she was fine. Then she refused to give Tinker a lift, got a gang on us and it all got a bit upsetting. Now Fiona is missing in action and I know who I'd blame

Kath 19th July 2009 16:48:34

Was that Fiona yesterday, up the old oak tree in camoflage gear on Cathedral green?

sue 19th July 2009 13:04:39

did we ever hear anything back from lancaster uni about potter?

sue 19th July 2009 08:25:42

Still no sightings of fiona yet. Has anyone seen tinker? I am hiding at the top of the cathedral tower, if fiona absails down the side to try to get our tinker, I may be forced to cut the rope!! (Have fire brigade on standby underneath with their air bag to catch her though!!)

H 18th July 2009 23:57:21

Am on the motorway link road, "stinger" at the ready.

H 18th July 2009 23:54:24

Have just caught up again with the 'squabble' over Tinker. Thank you all, I've had such a good giggle, it made my day!

Dave G 18th July 2009 20:36:55

Just posted a few new pics of Tinker & Bobbin on flickr from today at the Spire & Cathedral. No sign of Charlie but a bird flew over quite high, couldn't see if it was a parent or youngster.

Jen 18th July 2009 19:25:02

Margaret I don't know how to tell the difference but have put a video on flickr of the peregrines racket!

Margaret L 18th July 2009 18:36:53

Saw a bird of prey fly over my house yesterday and think it might have been one of our peregrines. Heard a comotion and looked up to see the local gulls having a go at something. I often see buzzards and sparrow hawks but this definitely wasn't a buzzard and the sparrowhawk is usually quiet. This bird was 'squawking'. Has anyone any tips on how to distinguish peregrines and sparrowhawks? The Laugherne Brook Local Nature Reserve abuts my garden and this does encourage a lot of birdlife.

Jen 18th July 2009 17:50:21

Fiona what have they done to you. Sue have you abducted Fiona in your truck? Dave how long has she been missing? I went down to the cathedral earlier and only saw one of the beauties, I did hear a lot of shouting before I got there though...hmmm. Fiona we are going to have to strengthen our plans and keep them top secret. Since few people are seeing the family they won't notice they moving houses

Jen 18th July 2009 17:47:21

I'm sure my landlord and neighbours won't mind a few adjustments in the garden. He was interested in our woodpecker so I'm sure a peregrine or 3 would be even more fascinating. I'd happily hold the odd garden party for all interested parties.

Jill 17th July 2009 22:51:22

Ha ha ha ha !This is so funny !

Dave Arrowsmith 17th July 2009 22:45:46

Has anybody seen my wife?... (or my abseiling gear?)

John B (not the sloop) 17th July 2009 22:34:56

It's a "recycled" crows nest H. Crows are pretty competent engineers so Mrs Hobby should be fine. The thunderstorm earlier this evening didn't appear to worry her unduly.

Jill 17th July 2009 22:31:20

Im on the ready for Fiona , just give me the nod , hubby ready too , he served in the S A S in Nam .

Kath 17th July 2009 22:26:47

Have you all noticed how quiet Fiona is? I reckon she's already on her way.

sue 17th July 2009 22:02:37

@ hazel - i think all we need to do is close off the major routes into worcester so that fiona can't get anywhere near! Failing that, perhaps someone could sneak up to her house in stoke tonight and make a few adjustments to her car so it won't start!!

H 17th July 2009 21:41:48

John B, I just looked at the New Forest cam, it looks very windy there, I trust the hobby's nest is more secure than a pigeon's nest ( they always look so scrappy).

Hazel 17th July 2009 21:30:43

@Sue, I've just unearthed my Commando suit in case there is any climbing involved - Oh, I forgot, we're rather close to the Fire Brigade Headquarters aren't we? Do you think they would lend us their snorkel ladder? :) Sorry Fiona, but I would like Tinker to stay fairly near Worcester, and maybe find a girlfriend - who knows, next year . . . .

sue 17th July 2009 19:09:55

Now, we must mobilise the troops! Fiona is getting up really early tomorrow and I think she is going to sneak down to worcester to try to steal tinker. Jen/jill and whoever else can make it need to come down to the spire to thwart this daring raid!!

Kath 17th July 2009 18:53:51

John B - Fiona has already submitted a planning application for Tinker's tall shed.

John B (not the sloop) 17th July 2009 14:09:42

Those of you minded to "home" Worcester's finest need to have really tall sheds to mount nesting trays on. I'm thinking Prince Charming's castle in "Shrek" dimensions here. Brit Peregrines seem to insist on lofty sites with commanding views over their territory. In other parts of world they have even been known to nest on the ground. Once you have, say, Tinker nicely installed in your nest tray on your 40-50m tall shed you will probably find that he disappears for a year or two as young Peregrines love to wander. He might subsequently return to establish a territory and find a girlfriend. Please remember to stabilise your tall shed with guy lines and provide a red light on top as a warning to passing aircraft. Good luck....

Jill 17th July 2009 12:45:12

John , have just looked at the Hobby & chick in the New Forest , just absolutely beautiful.

Jen 17th July 2009 11:35:16

John-thanks for that I've saved it so I can have a proper look after work

John B (not the sloop) 17th July 2009 11:24:26

In case anyone missed it one fluffball has emerged from the Hobby's nest in the New Forest. Please paste this into your browser address bar if you want to have a looksee: http://www.newforestgateway.org/Wildcam/LiveCameras/tabid/117/Default.aspx

Jen 17th July 2009 11:11:07

Now when I won Tinker in the competition, there was nowhere in the small print that said I couldn't keep him, and since I got Bobbin's photo not Tinker that makes her mine as well. I couldn't leave Charlie out so she'll join too. Now since I have Tinker it's for him to decide on Worcester or Fiona's. I'm all for freedom of choice

sue 17th July 2009 10:47:48

I'm going to hide tinker at my place to keep him safe from kidnappers!

Jen 17th July 2009 09:36:45

She's got to find him first Kath!

Fiona Arrowsmith 16th July 2009 22:58:18

@ Kath, Blast! i've been found out!!!

Kath 16th July 2009 19:55:26

I think Fiona will still have her Tinker. I can see her now, in the middle of the night, abseiling down the cathedral on to a gargoyle and grabbing our little Tinks. You see, in a few days he'll be on her roof.

Jen 16th July 2009 18:42:54

Dave thanks I'll add myself to that

Jen 16th July 2009 18:42:27

Sue, rather you telling Fiona than me. I did try and tell her he was living with me but she wasn't having any of it. I wish I could have seen who was who today

Jen 16th July 2009 18:28:45

Beauty pics and birdy chat video are just being uploaded. Not brilliant quality but considering I took them they are ok!

Dave Arrowsmith 16th July 2009 18:26:42

Hi everyone, just to let you know that I have added a subscription box at the bottom of the front page of www.worcesterperegrines.org so that you can subscribe to a Friends of Worcester Peregrines news feed. Simply type in your email address and click on send and we will add you to the list. We will then email you with any news we hear about the birds, and any major updates to the website.

sue 16th July 2009 18:18:38

@ jen - I have spoken to tinker and he is very much a home boy he says and wants to stay in worcester!! So he will not be catching the national express to stoke!! Fiona will have to move down here if she wants to see him!!

Jen 16th July 2009 16:10:17

I'm glad Bee and H if my tips help. It sounds obvious but really look for them, it took me a few visits before I saw them but now I always find someone, as a rule 3. Another thing I do is go in the cathedral, down towards the coffee shop and there is a grassed square, always worth going out and looking in the sky as I've found them above me before now

Jen 16th July 2009 16:06:50

Well I'm thinking my work t-shirt is a bit of a give away being bright green. I got near the cathedral and heard the beauties shouting before I saw them. There were 2 on the front, another flew onto the left side about 10 minutes later and then another flew on the left side about 5 minutes later. The 2 together had a nice chat with 1 of the others. I've tried to take photos and video but I'm not sure how great it is yet

Jen 16th July 2009 16:04:14

Sue I'll have to speak to Tinker at the weekend and make alternative arrangements, train or maybe national express

Margaret L 16th July 2009 11:19:50

@ Cerys. I'm so glad you visited the Spire with your school and saw the mother peregrine through the telescope. We are really lucky that these birds have chosen to nest in the heart of Worcester. I hope they nest here again next year.

LEE 16th July 2009 08:26:50

I LIVE VERY NEAR TO THE CATHDERAL AND HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WATCHING THEM FLY OVER LOOKING FOR PREY AND RIDING THE THERMALS SEEN THE YOUNG A FEW TIMES TOOO

CERYS 16th July 2009 08:21:50

I WENT TO SEE THEM WITH MY SCHOOL WE LOOKED THROUGH A TELESCOPE AND WE SAW THE MOTHER BIRD ME AND MY TEACHER MR BOURNE I WAS THRILLED TO BE CHOSEN TO SEE THEM AGED EIGHT

H 15th July 2009 22:45:24

Jen, thanks for the tips on spotting the family. I've been round he Cathedral and the Spire several times, and never had any luck. I'll try again now.

Jill 15th July 2009 22:26:53

For anyone who is interested in birds in general , take alook at the Upton Warren Nature reserve site , if you look in galleries have lots of pictures of various birds , in 2008 gallery someone has taken a beautiful pic of one of the adult peregrines in Worcester .

sue 15th July 2009 22:25:36

@ jen/fiona if you want me to take tinker up to stoke in my truck, you will have to have a word with the route planners in the office as they decide where i go each day. i don't hold out much hope though as stoke is north from here and my truck automatically heads south!!

Bee 15th July 2009 21:54:40

@ Jen, I had a feeling I was probably looking in all the wrong places. It’s a matter of knowing where to look and having a good eye for spotting them which you certainly have. I am going down again over the weekend, Thank you for the pointers hopefully I will have more luck this time fingers crossed.

Fiona Arrowsmith 15th July 2009 21:46:01

@Sue, I was hoping you could bring him upto Stoke in your truck..............

Jen 15th July 2009 21:45:46

Sue...sorry but Fiona and I have made an arrangement who gets which beauty and as we got in there first and nobody argued the deal is done. No sharing but maybe the odd photo. Tinker is getting tips from me when I see him on how to get to Fiona's house. At worst he's hitching a ride from you!

Jen 15th July 2009 21:43:37

Bee look at the windows on the front and left I spot they mostly here on the window ledges. It takes a few minutes of hard looking and often focus on one. Above the windows there are triangular shapes with decorative parts where they also like to hide. It took me days of thinking they were hiding from me but now I know where to look I see 1-4 of them each time

Bee 15th July 2009 21:13:58

@ Jill I know I haven’t seemed to have five minutes to myself over the past few weeks, and have so missed reading the posts on here. Im really missing our little family now. Yes I found my visit to the cathedral really enjoyable today it’s funny you live here and never seem to go there, yet the first thing you do if you are away from home is visit places like that, us humans are very odd ha ha. @Jen you will have to give me some pointers on how to seek the beauties out I am sure they hide from me.

Jen 15th July 2009 21:03:51

Sue...I replied to Eve, not very well but I did try!

Jill 15th July 2009 20:51:27

@ Bee , long time no see on here , whenever I go to spire or cathedral now ,never seem to see our little family , Jen is the one to spot them on the cathedral , you are like me havent been to the cathedral in years & now find it very fascinating !!!

Bee 15th July 2009 20:06:34

Hi all visited the cathedral and spire today unfortunately no beauties to be seen. However I Did have a lovely walk around the cathedral, not been for years really enjoyed it.

sue 15th July 2009 18:33:24

@ Fiona I know that tinker was originally named by you and that you love him, but you can't have him all to yourself!! Besides which, he doesn't know the way to Stoke on Trent!! I would suggest that we draw up a rota so that we all get to see him!! (i would not however object if you wanted to have one of the little boxlets in your garden!!)

sue 15th July 2009 18:26:57

@ eve firstly, sorry no-one has answered your question and i hope you are still reading this! The juveniles will be chased off by the parents in about late August - September. How far they go depends on available territories and prey abundance. Hopefully they won't go too far but it is possible for them to move quite a few miles. I know of one bird which was rung in Chichester, which eventually turned up in Cambridge (120 miles away).

Kath 14th July 2009 21:19:47

Jen - I am sure I have seen your purple hair out and about in Worcester. I also hope that Jill and Fiona set up webcams so that we can watch the beauties when they have their own families up on their respective roofs!

Jill 14th July 2009 21:16:02

@ Jen , we will probably try & see peregrines at the weekend , we were supposed to be going camping in Burnham on sea but weather dosent look that brilliant .

Jen 14th July 2009 19:51:02

I'll keep my eyes open for you Jill if you are around at the weekend and would love to meet you Fiona when you are here...epecially if you are getting some pigeon catching practice. That I have to see!

Fiona Arrowsmith 13th July 2009 22:16:35

Yes that's right, we are already preparing for Tinkers Autumn arrival, we have a box installed on the roof to make him feel at home, he will have a wonderful perch on the garage roof overlooking the cutting, i just hope he's managed to catch some prey himself by then, not sure how i feel about catching pigeons!

Jill 13th July 2009 21:52:02

When Bobbin & Charlie move to you , Jen , can I come & visit ? Its absolutely tipping it down with rain here , hope our peregrines are somewhere dry .

Jill 13th July 2009 21:49:57

Jen , ha ha , im not sure about the lovely bit but I am down to earth & am glad you like my son , it dosent matter what camera you have , its what is captured at the time , its nice to see what someone else has seen ( if you get my drift ) btw you are lovely too !

Jen 13th July 2009 20:00:04

Kath-I guess we have the same beginning letter to our name. Jill is lovely, down to earth and has a lovely son. I'm just a bit batty, have piercings and purple hair. Definately no similarities to us other wise!

Jen 13th July 2009 19:57:45

Jill-they are't brilliant quality photos as we aren't professionals and only have a basic camera but shows them well enough. Don't forget everyone that Tinker will be moving to Fiona's soon and Bobbin and charlie to me

Kath 13th July 2009 19:09:24

Jill - I think you're right I've mixed up Jill & Jen. Sounds like the peregrines have quite a large territory and I expect that will grow very much bigger when they finally say their goodbyes.

Jill 13th July 2009 14:01:12

H , I dont mind sharing the peregrines . Kath , did you get me mixed up with Jen she lives in St.Johns .

Kath 12th July 2009 22:51:09

Jill - I wonder why I thought you lived in St John's - must be my age.

H 12th July 2009 22:50:16

Jill, I also live not far from Perdiswell, and at the first part of May, shortly after the peregrine landed (very briefly) on my fence, a bird flew very fast past my house, making that same noise. It happened too fast to identify it, but I assume if it was a peregrine it was in pursuit of a pigeon, as we did have a good few round here then. So I think they like this side of the river as well as St. John's. I don't mind sharing them, do you? :)

Jill 12th July 2009 21:23:43

Andy B , Thanks for confirming.

Jill 12th July 2009 21:20:32

Jen , your pics on Flickr are brill & the call of the peregrine is definately what I heard today .Am 100% sure that it was a peregrine that flew over my house today .

Andy B 12th July 2009 21:19:32

Yes Jill... The camera has frozen. Hope this info has puts you out of your misery now :)

Jill 12th July 2009 21:15:39

@ Andy B , please tell mr there is a problem with cam 1 , put me out of my misery .

Jill 12th July 2009 21:14:15

@ Kath , I live by Perdiswell , but am so sure the sound was a peregrine , was quite a commotion .

Kath 12th July 2009 20:08:28

Jill - I'm willing to bet it was a peregrine. They are often in St John's area and if I remember rightly that's where you live. Saw 2 of them fly over, calling, today. My blackbird saw them and made such a racket warning everyone else, but they just flew on towards the cathedral.

Jen 12th July 2009 20:04:26

Just adding photos and a video for anyone who doesn't know what a peregrine sounds like

Jill 12th July 2009 19:35:01

At about 2.30ish , over my house was quite a commotion , lots of noise of which I said to my hubby that sounds like a peregrine , quite fast , but in hot pursuit was a seagull , my hubby not convinced it was a peregrine but Im sure it was .

Jill 12th July 2009 19:32:19

Would be nice if cam 1 wasnt frozen ( or am I mistaken ?) same images on the river , same clouds , same cars on the car park as there has been the last couple of days . I know this is a peregrine site but at long last ,today I saw some Kingfishers , beautiful !!!

Jen 12th July 2009 18:57:53

Another lovely day with the beauties. I went down to the cathedral about 4 and heard them before I saw them, I still blame the noise on Tinker. There were 2 on the side and then another, probably a parent, appeared then went. The 2 sat there for the time I was there, about an hour, and now and then would shout-well the top one seemed to make the most racket. I then walked round and went to the spire, no one was home but when I looked up there was a beauties bottom on show, it then flew off.As there was no more action we went to leave, walking down the left side of the spire. Suddenly the familiar call was heard and above us was 2 of the beauties, 1 chasing and almost catching dinner. They then disappeared off in the cathedral. We took some photos at the cathedral but I'm not sure if the are any good

Jen 12th July 2009 18:51:25

I'm still learning myself but the babies will leave about September time and won't return to the area, they go seperately. If you read back on here there is lots of information about it. One of last years youngsters did come back to the area this year but didn't stay

Eve 11th July 2009 23:32:15

Can someone please tell me, (i'm probably being very blonde here), but when the young fledge, do they generally stick to an area close by, or can they go hundreds of miles away and never meet up again? They seem very close now, so it seems a shame if they lose each other once they leave home? Can someone please help a blonde here?

Jen 11th July 2009 20:36:10

i have been lucky in seeing them most times I'm there, must take the camera in future though

Kath 11th July 2009 18:18:20

Jen - I know what you meant about the stick show. I've got a similar keyboard. Lucky you seeing the lovelies yesterday. They were hiding from me, although one did fly over St John's a bit later on but going so fast, blink and you missed it.

Jill 11th July 2009 11:11:29

Is there something wrong with one of the cameras , still same as last night .

Jen 11th July 2009 11:06:54

Kath that was meant to read so maybe the sticks were part of the act not many as I put. This keyboard has a mind of its own

Jen 11th July 2009 10:38:54

Kath you were mentioning a show being put on so many the flying sticks were part of the act

Jen 11th July 2009 10:38:09

I was lucky again yesterday, we park St John's side and walk over the bridge. One beauty flew onto the spire high up and one on the side of the cathedral having a nap. Went back via the spire and the beauty we saw was still there having a snack and another on the parapet. Brilliant to see and Jill I still get excited when I see them. Nothing will beat last Sunday and seeing the 4

Andy B 10th July 2009 22:42:18

Don't worry Kath - It is more likely to be fast flying insects catching the lights - that give the illusion of flying sticks! - They will be attracted by the lights on the spire,

Kath 10th July 2009 22:36:03

What's going on camera 2? Like sticks or something being thrown from above and past the camera. I thought it might be loads of feathers coming down but where would the peregrine be?

Kath 10th July 2009 22:08:13

Jill - The march was very moving. Those lads should be still at school, they were all so young. Too young for Iraq or Afganistan. They should just be out clubbing and getting drunk and chasing women. Sorry Andy but it is relevant to Peregrine site as I was on my way to Spire, honest!

H 10th July 2009 20:31:34

Sorry, camera 2. It twitches every so often, but of course it may be debris again.

H 10th July 2009 20:29:52

I can see a tail on Camera one, just too high for the camera! Jill, I think it may be Elgar?

Dave Arrowsmith 10th July 2009 20:26:55

Jill - apparently it is the theme from "The Mission", by Ennio Moricone.

Jill 10th July 2009 19:39:34

Kath , didnt think a swan would do that , they do get quite agressive when theyre protecting their young or even protect their partners on a nest , nature is very cruel!! Was the parade ok ? wanted to go & see the soldiers , but was working .

Kath 10th July 2009 18:29:16

Don't have both swans and ducks in your garden Jill. I once, not too long ago, witnessed a swan kill 14 ducklings in the space of 30 seconds on the canal and it wasn't protecting young either. Nature eh. I called at the cathedral after the soldiers' march through town around 12.30; no sign of the beauties, so walked through to Spire and they weren't there either.

Jill 10th July 2009 18:17:17

@ Dave , how lovely is that , Kingfishers , have still yet to see one . Am I being silly but i still get very excited when I see one of our peregrine family ? Have been watching the videos of this & last year , the music to last years is really beautiful , does anyone know what its called ?

Jill 10th July 2009 17:57:06

One little lovely having its tea on cam2.

Dave Arrowsmith 10th July 2009 13:33:19

I've just spent quarter of an hour over by the River Derwent on Pride Park in Derby, watching the magnificent sight of Kingfishers flying up and down the river :) The river bank also has a massive population of sand martins, who were darting about all over the place!

Barrie 10th July 2009 13:18:28

Great views of three of the birds on the Cathedral around 8p.m.last night.Male on one front(I think),female on the other.She took off with the remains of a pigeon then reappeared on the top turret to respond to one of the youngsters with it.

Jen 10th July 2009 10:16:56

Sounds similar to mine, I'd set up a cattery and an animal rescue

Jill 10th July 2009 10:11:59

Jen , I would love a duck pond , when I win the lottery will get a big house with its own duck pond ,want chickens ,geese and goats & lots of dogs ( in my dreams )

Jen 10th July 2009 09:54:03

Jill if you get swans and ducks let me know as I love them both. I've always wanted a duck pond but due to renting its not possible

Jen 10th July 2009 09:53:16

H...now you're showing off getting more birds than me! Just kidding your garden sounds even better than mine. A you say with your's we have an apple, pear, plum and dead trees. Plus at the back we have big trees, technically called big trees because I haven't a clue and I'm not really into gardening! My cats are housecats due to 1 having to be put down years ago after someone kicking him in the bladder and 1 going missing which I suspect was stolen as he was a persian

Jill 10th July 2009 09:48:00

@ H , we dont have magpies , but have a resident squirrel , who likes to eat the birdy peanuts , it also likes to bury them in my lawn . The only thing I have witnessed in my garden taking baby blackbirds is my neighbours cats .

John B (not the sloop) 10th July 2009 08:57:29

Hate to tell you this Kath and H, but Great Spotted Woodpeckers aren't entirely averse to a spot of nest robbing for tasty eggs and nestlings either. Protein is protein when you're a hungry bird equipped with the right tools to acquire it.

H 9th July 2009 23:11:21

Not all paradise though Jill, there are magpies nearby, and a squirrel occasionally visits, and both steal eggs and take baby birds from the nests I understand :(

Jill 9th July 2009 22:46:17

Oh yes camera 1 seems to have frozen .

Jill 9th July 2009 22:45:11

@ H , you are very lucky , I only get pigeons & blackbirds in my garden , the problem with my garden is we havent really got any cover for the birdies to go , have planted a couple of ornamental cherry trees , but not alot survives in my garden (plantwise ) because its so wet , the last lot of heavy rain we had completely put my lawn under water , was expecting some ducks or swans to take residence .

H 9th July 2009 22:33:38

PS Sadly I have only seen one thrush this year :(

H 9th July 2009 22:32:00

I think there must be a timed delay on Camera 1, I can still see blue sky, but it's 10.05pm, the sky is dark, and Camera 2 shows cars with lights on in Deansway. Not that it really matters, I'm just curious! @Jen, your garden sounds similar to mine, I've just been watching a little bat (silhouette) flitting round. Over the years we have also had a good variety of birds, as we have several big trees around (plenty of cover). Sadly, my cat caught sparrows (some I could rescue), and once a wren. She was a fully grown rescue cat, and I have had her for 17 years. She just watches the birds now, though she did bring in a mouse 2 weeks ago. (I can sometimes rescue those as well if I'm quick enough). We have occasionally seen greater spotted, lesser spotted, and a green woodpecker here. This year there seem to be more sparrows(house and hedge), also blackbirds, and this spring I had lots of longtail tits. Black caps, great and blue tits also visit, and finches until the apple tree died.It's still standing, so all the other birds (including the inevitable pigeons)use it for perching. I love watching them, especially when they are feeding their young, and there are several nests in the hedges every year. I am so lucky!

Kath 9th July 2009 22:18:06

I can dream, but I wish Tinker was a vegetarian!

Jen 9th July 2009 21:32:36

I think it was Tinker I saw on Sunday who was shouting for his food. Today he had a pigeon but did he get himself or phone for a take away...being the supermodel that he is?!

Fiona Arrowsmith 9th July 2009 21:08:14

Do we know if Tinks has managed a kill yet? @ Jen, your garden does sound fabulous, we have some wonderful birds in the disused railway cutting at the back of our garden, it's a haven for them, we too have woodies, bullfinches, longtailed tits, chifchafs, jays just to mention a few, they rarely visit our garden though since the neighbours on both sides chopped the trees down, an oak and a willow!! I was VERY unhappy about it!! I now have to hang over our fence at the back watching them!

Jen 9th July 2009 20:09:39

We rent so its not technically ours but we have lived here for over 4 years. The gardening is a nightmare as there is just too much, but the wildlife is lovely. We had a family of starling fly in last week with youngsters and yesterday the big pigeons brought their babies. I said it would be ideal for our family! I'll check the computer and see what photos I can find, if any

Jill 9th July 2009 19:22:22

Jen , your garden sounds wonderful !

Jen 9th July 2009 18:56:06

He only stays for short periods...I always say he but I'm not actually sure. We did try and take some photos but I deleted one by accident not sure if the rest turned out. Maybe I should have a garden party if/when he turns up! My garden is a bit of a wilderness so we have some fun with bats, cats, slow worms, pigeons, robins, sparrows, woodie, black birds, thrushes etc.

Jen 9th July 2009 18:51:51

Those photos are beautiful, glad it was Tinker. I hoped it was but to have it confirmed is even better.

Kath 9th July 2009 18:41:23

Jen - when are you going to fix up a webcam in your garden so we can watch the woodpecker?

Jill 9th July 2009 18:11:34

Love the one where hes looking at the camera , the look in his eye as much to say " who you looking at pal " !

Andy B 9th July 2009 18:06:48

Yes Jill - it was definately Tinker, I saw a big T0 ring on his leg while he was preening! Although it took a while for him to show me who he was!

Jill 9th July 2009 17:59:09

Love the new webcam pics on Flickr , it that def Tinker ? he is so gorgeous .

Jen 9th July 2009 16:39:03

Glad you all noticed that beauty on the spire. I went down about 1.45 and he/she was there. When I went back after the hairdressers it was still there. I like to think of it as Tinker, in his favourite posing place, lots of preening for his public, showing his leg off, nodded a few times to me and then wiggled his bum, and stayed like that. Looked like he'd eaten recently as there was a cloud of feathers around him. There was also another on the cathedral, having some peace and shut eye by the look of it

Jen 9th July 2009 16:36:32

Jill we have had the woodpecker for a few years. He/she visits every Autumn for our rotten pears! Also loves the fact that our garden is mainly made up of ant hills too so sorts them out for us. Visits for a few days then doesn't return until the following year

Jen 9th July 2009 16:34:41

Sorry Fiona I got mistaken, when I won the naming competition I thought it meant I could take Tinker home

Jen 9th July 2009 16:34:25

Sorry Fiona I got mistaken, when I won the naming competition I thought it meant I could ta

H 9th July 2009 15:35:12

Lots of preening going on now, wish I could reach like that to scrub MY back :)

Jill 9th July 2009 14:11:10

Birdie having an afternoon nap , lovely !

H 9th July 2009 13:50:38

Someone having a nice doze on cam 1. Lovely close-up again

H 9th July 2009 11:57:31

Jill, Yes, after several tries, but it got so late I haven't used it yet! I'll probably have a look round later on.

Jill 9th July 2009 11:43:43

beauty on the spire.

Jill 9th July 2009 10:05:53

H , did you manage to join facebook ?

Jill 9th July 2009 09:38:14

Is there something wrong with Cam 1 ?, peregrine sat motionless , swan on river hasnt moved .

Jill 9th July 2009 09:23:34

One of our birdies sat very motionless on parapet overlooking the river.

H 9th July 2009 08:53:41

8.53 Lovely closeup on Camera 1, but now seems to have stuck!

chris d 9th July 2009 08:27:15

bobbin is waking up slowly on cam 1 just now...8.26am

Fiona arrowsmith 8th July 2009 23:22:15

@Jen, Tinker has already signed a tenancy agreement to take up roost upon our roof, i'm afraid you will have to just accomodate Bobbin and Charlie! They can keep in touch via facebook! lol :)

Jill 8th July 2009 22:07:31

Jen , thats good they are moving in to your garden , can I come & visit them PLEASE! , how lucky are you to have a woodpecker , we keep putting out different food for birds but all we get is pigeons , must say they are nice & fat , would make a nice meal for our peregrines , we do have a very beautiful pigeon that visits us , think its quite young , the colour of its feathers are beautiful , I love all birdies !

H 8th July 2009 21:35:44

Thanks Jill and Dave, I'll have a go at facebook later, meanwhile I'm still camera watching in hopes! I did see the bird on camera earlier on, but had to answer the door, and when I came back it had flown away :(

Jen 8th July 2009 21:34:21

Jill...you're wrong they aren't leaving the area, they are moving into my back garden. I live St John's and it seems they like the area. I also have lots of space, plenty of trees and the best bit is a good pigeon population. As long as they leave my woodpecker alone it'll be great. If they can keep my cats in order we are onto something

Jill 8th July 2009 21:16:04

@H, its easy to join facebook (even I managed & Im useless with computers )& yes I think you should join , would be nice to keep in touch with everyone when our little feathered friends decide to leave the area .

Kath 8th July 2009 20:32:28

Just defected to the 'other' peregrine site at Derby for a minute or two. Watched a video of their injured 010 strengthening its wings in the company of Colin the falconer. What a great job he is doing. I only hope they don't have to destroy this wonderful bird and hope that a falconer takes it on, which is the lesser of the 2 evils.

Jen 8th July 2009 20:31:19

Sorry I thought you might be fed up of my voice so I gave you all a day off yesterday. I'm going to the beauties tomorrow weather permitting, then friday, saturday and sunday. My favourite time of the week is nearly here

Dave Arrowsmith 8th July 2009 19:54:55

H - do you have an existing facebook account? If not then you will have to register one first which can be done from the facebook main page www.facebook.com Then you can click on the link to the group that is on worcesterperegrines.org which will take you straight to the group where you can join up. The group isn't that busy at the moment, but it is a good way for everyone to stay in touch especially later in the year and into next year when little is happening. Hopefully we will be able to use the group to inform people when the birds return to the spire to nest again next spring

H 8th July 2009 19:38:45

@ Jill, I don't think you were being nosey! No, I haven'e joined, for a start I'm not sure how to, and I think if I did join I wouldn't ever get anything done! Should I try do you think?

Kath 8th July 2009 18:41:15

Am watching a peregrine on the Spire on Cam.1. She seems to be watching people in the carpark (or pigeons in the car park). I hate the thought that our babies will be chased away by the parents in the Autumn and that they could go miles away. Still that's life for you. We'll miss 'em.

Jill 8th July 2009 18:33:14

little birdie on cam 1 at the mo

Fiona Arrowsmith 8th July 2009 11:58:51

Hi everyone! my it's quiet on here these days!! Just an update on the Derby family, the two males are doing really well and 010 that is being looked after (extremely well!) by Colin the valiant seems to be thriving, the lead shot in her tummy is beginning to disolve but the vet isn't overly concerned as the levels of lead in her blood is very low. Her future does still hang in the balance but i believe that somebody if not Colin himself will step into the breach and give this beautiful gentle natured falcon a future, :) I still can't wait to come on holiday, only two and a bit weeks to go and I can be at that cathedral spotting our beauties! Must get some decent bins before then however!

Jill 8th July 2009 11:08:22

@ H , soz to be nosey , have you joined the Friends of Worcester facebook group ?

H 8th July 2009 11:01:22

@Dave, and John B, Thanks for the info, just looked up 'peregrine' in the dictionary, all the different explanations are interesting. I seem to remember a public(?) figure called Peregrine Worsthorne some years ago, I wonder if his parents were RSPB members? :)

Jill 8th July 2009 10:28:10

I have just had a little look to see how the Derby peregrine 010 is doing , ( the one with the injured wing ) am so pleased she is making good progress .

John B (not the sloop) 8th July 2009 09:46:54

H - Peregrines are territorial and towards the start of Autumn we can expect the parent birds to "encourage" the juveniles to leave the area (yes I'm talking about vigorously chasing the tykes away). Peregrines are, by nature, wanderers (the clue's in the name) and many youngsters will spend their first winter around the coasts and estuaries where there are plenty of waders and other seabirds to sustain them. Surviving youngsters will eventually set up their own territories which can be many miles from their birthplace.

Ann 8th July 2009 08:44:23

One of our 'birdies' on the spire at the moment.

Dave Arrowsmith 7th July 2009 23:36:09

H - I'm glad you are happy with your magnets and keyrings :) With regards to your questions on territory, the young will leave the area later in the year to hopefully establish their own territories, which will not overlap that of their parents

H 7th July 2009 23:14:15

Only just found time to say my keyrings and fridge magnets were delivered today, and I'm really pleased with them. Long live Friends of Worcester Peregrines! I haven't seen anything on camera for last few days, so I'm telling myself to look forward to next year. Another question for the experts - Is it likely that our brood will stay in this general area, or do they look for pastures new?

Kath 7th July 2009 22:12:30

Seems I'm the lucky one then. This afternoon a peregrine flew over our road and towards nature reserve. Saw him/she about 3 times today. Don't know whether adult or chick. Every day one or other of them are in St John's area. Not far from Cathedral or Spire so well within their territory I would think. But going quite fast so only seen for 10 seconds at most.

Dave Arrowsmith 7th July 2009 20:47:35

Yes I was surprised to come on earlier to see no posts, perhaps we need another box/inanimate object placing on camera to keep us all amused?!!...

Jill 7th July 2009 20:18:04

Looks Im the 1st today to post a comment , went to town today , parked by the spire , no sign of any of our feathered frinds , am really missing them !

Jen 6th July 2009 22:00:45

I can take no credit for the photos, it's rare I use the camera. I've been indoors all day so forgot how bad the weather was...sorry I left for work at 7 and due to a course I only got home at 8.50 so brain is frazzled. Yep if possible I try not to go out in the rain so can't blame camera

Jill 6th July 2009 21:49:20

@ Jen , your pics were brill ! , We were intending to go looking for Kingfishers today , but because the weather as been so horrible we decided to go the spire instead , unfortunately when we got there the heavens opened , we did managed to see one little peregrine though , hubby wanted to get some pics but was too wet (the camera does not come out in the rain )

Jen 6th July 2009 21:43:21

Kath-a puppet show made out of boxes maybe?

Jen 6th July 2009 21:36:20

Jill..I'd forgotten Steve had taken any photos so finding them yesterday was a lovely surprise. As for the pillow fight it was the only way to describe it. The feathers came twirling down, at times the bird stopped as though he was spitting feathers. So any luck kingfisher spotting? Fiona...I live here but with work I can't see them for days on end so can't imagine how much more frustrating it is for you

Kath 6th July 2009 19:04:32

Well, not a lot happening on either camera so I was hoping to see the waving spider and his web but no such luck. What with peregrines gone, spider gone, box gone, it's all getting a bit quiet. Maybe members of Worcester City or RSPB could put on some sort of show up the Spire!

chris d 6th July 2009 18:35:57

hi margaret, if you mean cam 2 (with deansway in view...) its a leaf caught in a big cobweb over the camera housing..they say pound for pound cobwebs are stronger than steel so it won't blow away but must be driving the spider mad!

Jill 6th July 2009 18:12:31

I thought there was something strange on cam, looks bird shape .

H 6th July 2009 18:11:06

@Margaret, I can see what you mean, but I think you mean camera2? I think it is probably debris (a feather maybe)- perhaps together with a raindrop, as we have had a few sharp showers in the last hour or so, and there is a light breeze.

chris d 6th July 2009 18:00:53

a lady came in to the Tourist Info centre at the Guildhall in Worcester today asking for information about Peregrines...if she reads this site just get in touch at the office on 01905 722544 and we should be able to help..some of the rspb numbers given out when the project was live on the ground are not in use now, so just give us a call and we'll try to answer any queries.

margaret 6th July 2009 17:43:40

is everything ok oncamera one as it looks as if a bird or something could be caught as its been in the same position and fluttering for sometime

Jill 6th July 2009 14:06:15

@ Fiona , The nature reserve is in worcestershire , just outside Malvern , if you have a look on pc - The Knapp & Papermill Nature reserve you can print a map , unfortunately we didnt get there today hence the weather but we did have a little visit to the spire & yes we saw one little birdie.

Fiona Arrowsmith 6th July 2009 12:13:27

@Jill; Where is this nature reserve? Is it somewhere local? I'm wondering about having a day out there when we are down in a couple of weeks. I'm so fed up I can't have a daily visit to the cathedral/spire, I need to work in Worcester!!

Jill 5th July 2009 22:27:19

Jen , forgot to say when you said it looked like the peregrines were having a major pillow fight really made me chuckle , what a wonderful way to describe , Brilliant !

Jill 5th July 2009 22:25:22

Jen , we are planning to go to the Knapp & Papermill nature reserve at Alfrick Pound , btw your pics on flickr are fabulous .

Jen 5th July 2009 21:18:17

The funny thing was Steve said yesterday he was bored with going there yet suggested it today. Very glad I went as it was one of the best days I've had. Good luck with the kingfisher, where are you planning to go?

Jill 5th July 2009 21:09:45

God Jen , am so jealous , you sound as though you have had a wonderful time , will try & get to the cathedral tomorrow , hubby wants to go find Kingfishers though !

Jen 5th July 2009 20:26:19

Just uploading photos onto flickr...I'm southport75

Jen 5th July 2009 20:12:39

I have just had the best time ever at the cathedral. I saw not 1, not 2 but 4 of the beauties! It started at about 4.45 with 1 sat at the front and I said to my husband how much I'd love to watch it fly off. Minutes later another flew in with tea, it looked like a major pillow fight, with all the feathers flying down. We sat for ages watching when the left bird started shouting lots and I think it was Tinker. The shouting continued for a few minutes when yet another bird flew in onto the side. The shouting continued and the side bird must have flown off as yet another bird flew in with tea and flew above Tinker. Yet more feathers flying around. I'm thinking the tealess bird was Tinker due to the lack of food and shouting. I'm guessing the bird who landed on the side was a parent. The shouting continued but I saw no further action. I was there for nearly an hour. We went for something to eat and went passed about 7 after a major down pour but no-one was there or on the spire. Hope this helps entertain those who can't get to see them. Just wish I had taken my camera and had a pair of binoculars

Kath 5th July 2009 19:34:40

I'm just back from a break in Cornwall and got straight on to this site to see if I've missed anything, can't wait to see the beauties again. I love the childrens paintings. Some artists in the making. I agree that Nasima's pic from Stanley Road was especially amazing for someone so young and so colourful too.

Jill 5th July 2009 14:37:48

Jen , would love to see your pics , post them on the flickr site .

Jen 5th July 2009 14:12:55

Jill...if you look at the vented windows high up on the cathedral, there is a triangle shape above each, they seem to be hiding up on the sides there. Hard to describe and took me a while as they blend in so well. Just found some beautiful photos on my camera, most of Tinker!

Jill 5th July 2009 13:35:25

@ Jen , i am also missing our feathered beauties , keep logging onto site to see if they are around , whenever I have been cathedral I cant seem to find them .

Dave Arrowsmith 4th July 2009 21:52:46

@ Dave G - could you tell me your surname so that I can add it to the credits for the photos on the Friends of Worcester Peregrines website? Cheers, Dave

Jen 4th July 2009 21:21:10

I don't know about anyone else but I'm really missing seeing our feathered friends close up, and not so often. Not sure how I'll cope when the little guys finally leave

Jen 4th July 2009 20:11:17

I went back to the cathedral and saw one of the beauties at about 1:30pm. I'm getting better at spotting their hiding places

Jill 4th July 2009 09:47:11

On Thursday night at approx 10.30pm I ordered some more pics from the online shop ( Photobox ) This morning my gorgeous pics arrived , am so pleased with them , excellant service , yet again !

Fiona Arrowsmith 3rd July 2009 21:54:55

The pictures are FAB!!!! Well done children! :)

Jen 3rd July 2009 19:34:40

Those children can draw so much better than me

Jen 3rd July 2009 19:33:19

Well I went to the cathedral and as i suspected the beauties were hiding from me. Luckily my husband had his peregrine googles on and found 2 for me. Unsure parent or baby. One was on the left side and we later saw it in the sky. The other was on the front, eyeing up dinner. We had a man in a car stop and chat about them. Unluckily I seem to be allergic to peregrine watching as my eyes keep streaming, but are ok the rest of the time!

Jill 3rd July 2009 17:29:14

Have just looked at the artwork done by the children from Stanley Road & St Clements , their pictures are out of this world , Well Done to them all !

H 3rd July 2009 16:57:30

Thanks to all for camera and flight info. I was in town from about mid-day to 4pm. No sign of any activity at the Spire or the Cathedral, so it's probably the heat again. @Jen, there were some big clouds about but I didn't notice any over te City Centre while I was there. @Chris, kids' pictures are great, bet they feel (rightly) proud of themselves, and hopefully will grow up with loads of respect for all wildlife.

chris d 3rd July 2009 16:24:39

Schools art winners are now on a link page....hover on the diary item for today and click to link through...or there is a new text link along the very top of this page in the main menu.. fab pictures, my favourite is the Stanley Rd winner.. click on the pictures to enlarge.

Jen 3rd July 2009 13:43:45

I'm feeling I'm in a cartoon-the spire on the camera looks sunny yet over my house is a black cloud

Jen 3rd July 2009 12:55:56

Sorry Jill I had an internet free night, I worked 4 10 hour days so was shattered. After a few glasses of wine and a good sleep I'm back. I'm hoping to go down to the spire/cathedral at some point today weather permitting so will post properly then...assuming the beauties don't play hide and seek with me again

natasha 3rd July 2009 07:55:12

Yay peregrine chilling at 7.54!!

natasha 3rd July 2009 07:42:59

Are the peregrines still about? Every time i log on here they aren't about.

Stefan 2nd July 2009 23:58:48

For those who missed it, I've put a composite of the saved webcam images from earlier this evening on flickr. It's a bit squished, but if you click on it in flickr and then click on all-sizes at the top of the photo and then click on original you'll see the original webcam sizes. It looks like they're still all present and correct :)

Dave G 2nd July 2009 23:13:57

@H, Hi, the camera movement is manual & can be operated by remote internet access or locally within range of the secure wireless network at the spire. Normally Chris or Andy will position the camera is they happen to see interesting activity, so it's just down to timing & who is viewing the site at the time.

chris d 2nd July 2009 23:08:34

yes the bird in close up earlier was the female parent.. a few of us can move cam 1 through the special software (cam 2 is fixed), so if I'm looking and see something I zoom in..also yes the birds do fly at night and more so in cities (here we even have floodlit landing areas and perches) ..they have fantastic eyesight anyway and there's some evidence that urban peregrines sometimes hunt at night by flying up towards birds which are lit up by the city lights from below,which would be impossible in the countryside...check this out for info... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3324408/Peregrine-falcon-adapting-to-urban-lifestyle.html

Jill 2nd July 2009 23:08:25

@ H , it looks like its just me & you tonight , Have just read a posting from Chris D 28/06/09, that cam 1 can be moved but only from a few control points by those managing the project .

Jill 2nd July 2009 22:41:55

its just me , H & Bee posting on here tonight , Fiona , Jen & Kath , where are you ?

H 2nd July 2009 22:30:44

RSPB success at last! Perseverance paid off. Thanks Jill.

H 2nd July 2009 22:13:49

Another question for someone - is the camera movement activated, or is there a very dedicated soul operating it? If so, thank you so much, it was wonderful having such a closeup view, even better than seeing the live birds, it was so detailed. And it confirms for me that it was a peregrine which landed on my fence.

Jill 2nd July 2009 22:05:04

sorry H , am not sure if they fly in the dark , it seems to be lighter on one camera than the other , getting pretty dark here & much cooler , am glad to say !

Jill 2nd July 2009 22:02:08

H , yes that was a parent , yellow ring around the eye, think they are sleeping around the cathedral now , well who wouldnt , such a beautiful building .

H 2nd July 2009 21:52:56

@Jill, am I right in thinking it was an adult then? And thanks for the RSPB note, I'll keep trying from time to time. Also, do you know if peregrines fly in the dark, it's so late now, and it's only just flown away? Or perhaps it saw a juicy pigeon out clubbing :)

Jill 2nd July 2009 21:44:37

@ H , I tried for ages today to sign the RSPB pledge , managed to eventually , just have to keep trying , it dosent matter if you are an RSPB member , they need support from everyone .

jill 2nd July 2009 21:42:38

What a beauty on cam 1 . is it mum or dad ?

H 2nd July 2009 21:30:46

Fab closeup on spire !!

chris d 2nd July 2009 21:26:21

hi all, couple of updates and some shop info..just doing a diary item about the schools art competition..the pictures were just brilliant and we'll put up lots of pics of the presentation in the mayors parlour, no less... I missed the crowd earlier too but thats great especially if feeding is going on as normal..its very hard when its so hot as all birds are just wanting to conserve energy and its that bit hotter in the city. Shopwise just want to make it clear that the photobox site is all set up by us for the project and all the profits go towards it in future years...photobox is just the best way to get an online shop going with a good range of things..yes there are two ways to get fridge magnets, one from the friends shop which are cheaper and smaller (also key rings as well from there), and two sorts from the link to our photbox shop..one at 6"x4", or 2 for the same price at 3"x2". Postage is dearer from the main site it depends what you get..the gifts are more, but if you get say 4 different a4 prints the postage is only £1.49.Some of the things look a bit pricey maybe but the prices are set to include what is essentially a donation to the project, but you get something nice as well!The most profit for us is on the photo prints but not many have bought them so far.The prints are top quality,a bit more than you'd pay elsewhere but the project really benefits...the profit is less on the the other stuff as they cost more to produce.

Bee 2nd July 2009 21:17:10

@ H it seems that the RSPB site has been experiencing some problems; try this link I managed to sign the pledge by using it. http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/

H 2nd July 2009 21:05:19

I've now tried 6 times to sign the RSPB pledge, still no luck. Could it be because I'm not an RSPB member? I couldn't afford their fee, so joined the Woodland Trust some time ago as I think I'll be helping some birds in particular, and wildlife and ecology generally.

Jill 2nd July 2009 20:29:07

I must of just missed what Stefan saw , did save a couple of pics off webcam & posted them to the Flickr site .

Stefan 2nd July 2009 19:34:48

I think you've got all five on the tower at the moment (7.30) - 2 birds on camera 1 and 2 more sets of feet in bottom RH corner and 1 bird underneath camera 1 (switch to camera 2 to see it)

Jill 2nd July 2009 19:32:45

Mum/Dad sat on parapet having a good preen , whilst one of the youngsters tucks into tea .

Jill 2nd July 2009 18:45:42

Camera 2 now , think pigeon is on the menu .

Jill 2nd July 2009 18:41:45

Two birdies even ( the heat has definatly melted my brain today )

Jill 2nd July 2009 18:40:47

I spy to birdies on cam 1 .

Jill 2nd July 2009 18:39:51

@ H , the fridge magnets from photobox are wonderful , quite big as well , hence the postage cost , was a very speedy delivery too !

molly 2nd July 2009 18:22:23

can someone tell me if the three remaining falcons are okay

H 2nd July 2009 18:17:55

@Jill, thanks, I have now ordered from Friends' shop. I think I made a mistake by clicking on 'on-line store' at the top of the webcam page. I didn't realise this was actually for 'Photobox', and ordered two fridge magnets from them. Their postage is much dearer than the friends' shop.

Jill 2nd July 2009 13:49:29

@ H , sorry havent replied earlier , The friends of worcester peregrines shop site is www.worcesterperegrines.org .

John B (not the sloop) 2nd July 2009 13:13:56

Hi All - I just checked the RSPB's anti birds of prey persecution pledge link and it seems to be working again. I'm hoping that the problem was down to a surge in demand occasioned by today's Peregrine persecution news release which has been picked-up by the Daily Telegraph.

H 2nd July 2009 10:55:15

Jill, how do I get to the 'Friends Shop' please? I have already bought fridge magnets (from Photobox site) but couldn't see any keyrings. Is there another shop?

Angie 2nd July 2009 10:25:14

@Stefan. Thanks for lovely Potter pics

Jill 2nd July 2009 09:39:44

Can I just say for anyone that hasnt bought from the online shop , please do have a look , my mousemat & fridge magnet is absolutely wonderful , have also seen keyrings & fridge magnets on friends shopping site are brilliant , I have just placed an order on that site too , We all love these birds , lets support them as much as we can .

Jill 2nd July 2009 09:31:40

Beautiful pics of Potter , Stefan , she seemed to be doing so well , she is gorgeous , God bless her !

Bee 1st July 2009 22:50:03

The photos of our little potter on flickr are just beautiful.

H 1st July 2009 22:49:58

I just looked at the raptor politics site, and agree with you Jill. I think our little family is very lucky to have such a safe nest, and many people working so hard to look after them and keep them as safe as possible.

Kath 1st July 2009 22:39:21

The flickr photos of Potter are just lovely. What a short little life she had.

Stefan 1st July 2009 22:19:20

A little off subject, but a closeup and flight shot of Potter are now on flickr. Jill, I'm quite certain the one on the left in your photo is also Potter.

Jill 1st July 2009 21:38:59

I am actually stuck for words ( thats not like me at all ) Have just read the raptor politics page , like many others would probably ask is why is the widlife liason officer for Lancashire still in a job ? Give the job to someone who can do the job properly .

Lesley Key 1st July 2009 19:16:13

My son on duty last night and said a young gull. thought to have been picked up Diglis area and was taken into to Police station. 6.30pm Been past Spire and someone "People watching", as I went City Walls Rd looked up and saw a high flyer above some pigeons

Stefan 1st July 2009 18:56:15

Hi Jill, it isn't pleasant, but there's some good mixed in with the bad and it adds some context to the RSPB campaign. Do it in small doses.

Bee 1st July 2009 18:55:50

Folks sorry about previous link to RSBP site I think the sun has haggled my brain today, the correct link is http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/ Apologies.

Kath 1st July 2009 18:55:19

Everything is going pearshaped. I was so upset by the picture of the peregrine caught in a trap. It was up in Staffs somewhere. Then the poor Derby chick's problems. And now a bird on a pile of logs, which I hope wasn't one of our peregrines. You don't realise how fraught with danger this planet is for birds.

Jill 1st July 2009 18:40:08

@ Stefan , will have a look at that site later , is it upsetting though ?

Bee 1st July 2009 18:39:46

For anyone having problems accessing the RSPB site to sign the birds of prey pledge, try to copy and paste this link. http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/b it should take you straight to the page, It worked for me. I watched the news article today and was absolutely horrified, why in gods name would anyone want to hurt these magnificent birds.

Stefan 1st July 2009 18:25:33

The site http://raptorpolitics.org.uk/ was a real eye opener for me, it looks to be quite new, but is trying to show the troubles these, and other raptors, are having by publicising their nesting attempts at various sites on "sporting" estates in Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland.

Jill 1st July 2009 17:44:33

I too have received an e-mail from the RSPB to stop the atrocious killing of our lovely birds , unfortunately the RSPB are having problems with the site , so I will make sure i sign it later . In the news today peregrines are having grudge attacks done to them , absolutely horrendous !

Ann 1st July 2009 16:41:27

Thanks for the update Chris d. I thought you guys would have checked it out. Fingers crossed that all is ok.

chris d 1st July 2009 16:30:55

I checked out the woodpile and river pathn carefully this morning on the way in and Dave did as well earlier, we didn't see anything so who knows...sparrowhawks have yellow legs and look similar so we'll just have to keep an eye out and hope we spot all 3 rings next few days...just now very little is happening due to the heat

Ann 1st July 2009 15:55:15

Is anyone able to check out this report of the potentially injured bird down at Diglis? I might visit Worcester this evening and do a peregrine count! A bit worrying.

H 1st July 2009 14:53:36

Received an email from RSPB today asking for signatures for stopping the unlawful killing of birds of prey. I haven't signed yet, as it 'timed out', but will try again later. I'm hoping they have had an overwhelming responsen

Fiona Arrowsmith 1st July 2009 10:51:40

It better not be one of our babies!! Poor birdie, i hope we get an update......... Pictures of Potter are lovely, bless her.

Angie 1st July 2009 09:30:08

Thanks for the Potter pictures on Flickr. "Potter 5" with the outstretched wings is lovely

Jill 1st July 2009 08:27:17

Sorry J F Sutherland

Jill 1st July 2009 08:26:11

Has anyone followed up the report from JF in Sutherland ?

Margaret L 1st July 2009 00:33:07

Hope the bird seen by JF is ok. Can't take anymore bad news. @Kath. Thanks. Looks like it could be a peregrine flying over my house! @Dave G. I'd like some photos please mlayland@worcester.gov.uk

Dave G 30th June 2009 23:36:23

@ Kath, Have posted 5 pics of potter on flickr. I looked through a couple of thousand shots & these were taken at the spire on June 11th. If anyone would like the full res pics let me know & I will email to you.

JF. Sutherland 30th June 2009 23:06:22

Whilst cycling from Worcester Bridge on the West Bank down to Diglis Weir tonight at 7.45 pm, I observed a fawn-coloured bird with yellow feet hopping on a pile of logs just opposite the outlet from the Worcester-Birmingham canal. It appeared to have a damaged wing as it couldn't fly. It seemed to me to be a youngish bird and looked to be one of the peregrine falcons.

Fiona Arrowsmith 30th June 2009 22:30:34

The latest on the Derby chick is that the tests show low levels of lead in her blood, that is goodish news for now, Colin the falconer who has her at the mo seems pretty confident that she will have some level of flight but obviously never in the wild, at least she's alive and comfortable at the moment.

Kath 30th June 2009 21:55:40

Andy B - Thanks for that.

Andy B 30th June 2009 21:36:54

@Kath - No nothing to do with that - Sorry, it must have been technical glitch between the mail server and my phone... I didn't got alerted to your comment, therefore it didn't kept published! It is now published :)

Kath 30th June 2009 21:30:23

Sometimes my comments don't get printed. Was it because I was mentioning the 2nd Derby chick's sad tale? It was quite a long comment. Was this the problem?

Lesley Key 30th June 2009 21:26:39

I have a pic which is def Tinker & Potter if anyone wants it. I cant get Flicker to work on my puter So give me email address and it will be on its way.

Bee 30th June 2009 20:47:11

Beauty on cam 1 at the moment

Kath 30th June 2009 19:32:12

Just popped to Derby peregrines' site. Sad news that yet another chick is in trouble. Has dislocated wing joint that has healed wrongly. She is seeing vets, having blood tests etc and is presently being cared for at a specialised centre. She has lead shot in her stomach from eating something that had already been shot and the lead could poison her. She's fine at the moment but they don't know what to do until tests carried out. She may have to be put to sleep if she is unable to hunt or if she is ill from lead poisoning. They don't want her to be captive all her life. Goodness what a decision to have to make. We will watch in hope. Sorry this is on Worcester site but I have watched them too and they are sort of kin.

Dave Arrowsmith 30th June 2009 15:50:40

Jill/Kath, I'm not so certain about the three birds including Potter, we took a similar photo on the same day but more zoomed out, ( I think it's on the flickr pool) which shows all four of the chicks up on the side, so it is impossible to say which is which.

Jill 30th June 2009 14:03:12

That was so easy Andy , its a good job you can tell me what to do , am hopeless with computers . Lintree says they went in search of a home to eat . Emma says come & look at the family , as a result the owner is not at home .( Or something like that !)

Andy B 30th June 2009 13:49:56

Jill - Copy the text and paste into the following address: http://translate.google.com/ and choose Chinese to English - Thats what I use, though I'm not sure how accurate the tanslation is!

Jill 30th June 2009 13:45:48

Any chance of having a translation done please !

Emma 30th June 2009 13:42:31

过来看看这一家，结果主人不在家...

Lintree 30th June 2009 07:21:36

他们一家出去找东西吃了么？呵呵：）

Jill 29th June 2009 22:34:49

Kath , I think you are right , it was exactly a week later that Tinker decided to put in an appearance.So I am sure the birdies in hubbys pic are Potter , Bobbin & Charlie .

Kath 29th June 2009 22:23:46

Jill, yes I like to think that your photo of the 3, includes Potter. I think it does as Tinker didn't brave the ledge at that time if I remember rightly.

Kath 29th June 2009 22:20:41

Margaret, It must have been about 12.45 pm ish. However, I live in St John's and they frequently fly overhead and do that calling that peregrines do. That then sends all the small birds into a panic. They are definitely our peregrines as I know the difference between kestrels, sparrow hawks, buzzards etc. They fly differently too.

H 29th June 2009 22:08:51

@Jill, there were two, possibly three birds at the spire a few minutes ago, looked like one was having a late supper.

Jill 29th June 2009 22:00:44

Appears to be very light on Cam 2

Margaret L 29th June 2009 21:51:10

@Kath. Did you notice what time it was when one flew over to St John's? I live in St John's and saw 'something' fly over making a racket. We do have a resident sparrowhawk but she is quiet and usually just dive bombs into my garden. This bird seemed larger and was noisy.

Jen 29th June 2009 21:43:15

There is defiantely photos of Potter from when they were ringed but other than that I'm not sure

Jill 29th June 2009 21:40:40

Have just had a little look at brightons peregrines , It appears that they have all fledged , a bit of an incident that one of the young got stuck on a ledge & wouldnt fly back , but all ok now , Phew ! why do these birds do this to us ?

Jen 29th June 2009 21:38:55

I might get arrested if I went down in my p.j's though. I'm going to try and get down either Wednesday or Thursday afternoon..bet they hide from me though

Jill 29th June 2009 21:34:34

@ Kath , i would like to think that the pic my hubby took with 3 of them together , that 1 of them was Potter , But am not sure as cant see ID rings

Jill 29th June 2009 21:31:16

@ Jen , me too ! What a beautiful evening to go & sit & watch peregrines .

Jill 29th June 2009 21:29:26

theres one on cam 2 having its supper

Jen 29th June 2009 21:29:19

As much as I love the webcam I wish I was down there in person

jill 29th June 2009 21:25:57

Can see two now , does anyone know , do they come back to the spire to sleep ?

Jill 29th June 2009 21:21:39

Have just logged on can see a beauty on top of parapet . Wonderful !

Jen 29th June 2009 21:16:37

2 of them were just on the webcam

Kath 29th June 2009 20:38:17

Jill, yes very quiet. I did see 2 of them while drinking tea in House of Fraser lunchtime. Good views from there and they flew reasonably near the windows and flew on towards the Spire then out to St John's way. I was going to do more watching, but the fire alarms went off and we were all evicted and it was half an hour before we were let back in.

Jill 29th June 2009 20:18:21

Gosh , it is so quiet on here , has anyone seen our little family apart from the sighting in Fernhill Heath ?

Kath 29th June 2009 20:02:54

Was there ever a photo of little Potter?

Jen 29th June 2009 19:48:06

Fiona you were trying to avoid me weren't you?! You must have gone one way and me the other

Jen 29th June 2009 19:34:19

I'm thinking this work larks isn't all it's cracked up to be and gets in the way of me seeing these beauties

Libby 29th June 2009 15:48:12

Just watched one of the birds having a scout around up here in Fernhill Heath. We're pretty much on a direct line from the Cathedral (we can see the tower from the road). Someone in the village lets his prized racers out for their afternoon exercise every day around 4pm, so it wouldn't surprise me if elite pigeon was on the menu!

Jill 28th June 2009 22:11:58

I havent managed to get down to the cathedral / spire today ,am having withdrawal symptoms , I did have a look at the pics of Tinker this morning , very beautiful ! , @ Fiona , Dave , Issac & Elizabeth was really nice to see you on Saturday , I just about melted in the sun & got a bit burnt, you certainly brought the good weather with you .

Fiona Arrowsmith 28th June 2009 20:57:29

Thanks to everyone who stopped singing, we have had a fabulous weekend in Worcester! We must have been in the cathedral at the same time as Jen as we picnicked on the green and then had a trot around the cathedral and cloisters, lovely! Bumped into Jill, Steve and Tom at the spire and baked for a while whilst chatting. we did see quite a bit of action but not at the spire or cathedral, whilst we were at cripplegate playpark the parent birds (i think) were flying high above and circling and then going after a coup of pigeons. We also spotted Tinks up on the cathedral taking everything in, he's such a people spotter! I can't wait to come down again but I will have to wait until we come again in the summer holidays which seems forever away, but I'm sure four weeks will pass quickly enough! I really have fallen in love with Worcester, it's a very beautiful city! :)

Jen 28th June 2009 20:39:04

Wished I'd have seen that Kath, I live St John's

Kath 28th June 2009 19:32:09

One of the peregrines just flew over my house in St John's. I was drawn to it because I could hear it calling. There was hell of a kerfuffle amongst the garden bird population, but it just carried on heading towards town. Probably been out in the country for an afternoon picnic.

Kath 28th June 2009 15:44:52

My word Tinker does look hansome on the latest flicker pics, though he still has a certain baby look around the face. He's gorgeous.

Dave G 28th June 2009 09:17:00

6 cam 1 screen captures of Tinker now on flickr

chris d 28th June 2009 09:04:34

8.58, he's off for breakfst somewhere..me too. happy, camera 1 can be moved but only from a few control points by those managing the project who have the control software installed.If many people could move it the system would freeze.

happy 28th June 2009 08:19:28

very lovely, but how to move the Camera ?

chris d 28th June 2009 08:08:40

for early birds tinker is on cam 1 now, lovely closeup..

Kath 27th June 2009 23:43:53

Jill, so your hubby makes King John look young! We'll get chucked off this site - better mention peregrines. Oh, can't, it's all in darkness.

Jill 27th June 2009 23:37:24

@ Kath , my hubby is only 44 , to look at him now sleeping on sofa you would think hes over 100 yrs old , ha ha !

Jill 27th June 2009 23:35:55

@Kath , very small world , I used to work with Steve down Portland Walk ,

Kath 27th June 2009 23:32:18

Jill, Well I never. Steve is my eldest son and I had a John worked there. Both made redundant a while back. I don't know Frank. My grandfather was Richard Green. It was 100 years ago that he worked there, so unless your husband is very, very old I doubt he knew him! I had a cousin Lorraine worked there as well.

Jill 27th June 2009 23:21:12

@ Kath . its just I worked there , for a couple of years , my hubby worked there for 19 years until he got made redundant 3 years ago , I used to work with Steve & my hubby knows Frank .

Kath 27th June 2009 23:13:04

Jill, yes 2 of my sons worked there and my grandfather was a designer there in the early 1900's.

Jill 27th June 2009 23:09:11

@ Kath , have you or any of you family worked at Royal Worcester Porcelain ( Sorry to be so nosey ) but I am , its in my genes .

Jill 27th June 2009 23:07:23

@ Kath ha ha , I like it !

Kath 27th June 2009 22:54:12

Jill, to be honest King John didn't look too good. He wasn't up for much conversation either. I might stick to peregrines.

Jill 27th June 2009 21:40:17

@ Kath , was King John ok ?

Jen 27th June 2009 21:06:07

Makes me smile that we all say the same about Tinker, lazy boy that he is. He keeps us entertained though

Kath 27th June 2009 20:41:44

Called at the cathedral this morning. Saw one of the lovelies sitting high up in front of a window. Then another peregrine almost crash landed on top of the first one and there was a lot of shouting peregrines and kerfuffle and the 2nd one flew away again. I just feel that the original peregrine was Tinker as he was sitting idling most of the morning away. Also saw 2 of them high in the sky zooming off across the river. All went quiet so I went into the cathedral and had natter with King John.

Jill 27th June 2009 19:40:00

Today when me & the hubby went into town , we went into a lovely picture shop in Mealcheapen street , in that shop they have a beautiful painting of Peregrine Falcons tending a nest with two babies in , fell in love with it but at £895.00 couldnt quite justify buying , ( oh well , maybe when I win the lottery tonight it could be mine ) it is beautiful .

Jen 27th June 2009 18:41:43

I love the webcam then. One of the family was sat on the left side of screen, right by webcam peeping at it

Jen 27th June 2009 18:38:51

I'm convinced that they hide on me, well out of reasonable view anyway. It was lovely and cool in the cathedral so will go back again soon. As for your spelling, I hadn't even noticed. These keyboards have a mind of their own

Jill 27th June 2009 18:34:19

Meant to say parapet , ( my spelling is awful )

Jill 27th June 2009 18:29:37

@ Jen , went to the cathedral after we saw you , didnt see any birdies at all , walked by the river & up to spire , there was one peregrine sat on paprapet , Fiona, Dave & children were at the spire.

Jen 27th June 2009 18:20:33

How lovely there is one of the parents on camera 1

Jen 27th June 2009 18:05:31

I went to the spire/cathedral today about 2pm, nobody to be seen. I went for a wander inside the cathedral and down below in the grounds I got a lovely view of the top of the cathedral. I then saw lots of beauties flying, at least 3 were the family but there were 6 birds in total up there so not sure who was who. They seemed to be flying in pairs, but with being so high up and no binoculars it was hard to tell who was an impostor and who wasn't Just a thought but when we went into the cathedral shop there were cards with photos of the swans, swan toys etc. Would they sell any merchandise of our family especially since their second home is the cathedral

Andy T 27th June 2009 09:52:54

Yesterday evening (Friday 26th) at 5.55pm we were walking down the Butts towards the Cattle Market car park when we heard a bird of prey calling out above us. It was one of the peregrines flying low with a bird in its talons, hotly pursued by two mobbing seagulls, also screaching like mad. I tried to access the webcam to observe the bird arrive at the spire and find out what it had taken, but unfortunately couldn't see anything. Did anyone else see what happened?

Nick & Ros 27th June 2009 01:26:47

What a lovely way to end a summer's evening - After the Twenty20 cricket match on Fri 26th, betweeen Worcs and Warks (yes it stayed dry - but Worcs lost !) we also went to see the "babies" - at around 9pm at St. Andrews spire. A bit of flapping and preening and then two flew off towards the Cathederal. Great web site ! Thanks for the web cams - beats viewing via binoculars every time.

Libby 26th June 2009 23:24:07

We went to the Cathedral around 9-00pm and saw one of the girls go for an unsuspecting pigeon that had landed on a roof just below her! Another took off and gave a beautiful...and very noisy..flying display. After that she cuddled up with a smaller bird on one of the ledges...Tinker's definitely the favourite!

Jill 26th June 2009 22:48:29

have just watched the video on Flickr , Tinker bless him , flapping his wings then having a little smooch with one of his sisters , its very clear they adore each other .

Kath 26th June 2009 22:44:33

Chris, watched the short video. Great to see the kids together again. What was Tinker faffing about after. And obviously the girls didn't want us to see what they were up to.

Jen 26th June 2009 22:29:00

Poor box, I was hoping Gok would give him advice on how to make the best of himself. As for singing...sorry Fiona, I work with under 2's so we sang lots today hence the rain. I'm now home for the weekend and no singing will be done

chris d 26th June 2009 22:18:24

for those who missed it a short clip from the webcam tonight is now on the flickr group...

Kath 26th June 2009 22:13:11

I should have said light on camera 2. I'm always getting my cameras mixed up.

Kath 26th June 2009 22:11:44

Home to roost. I wonder which one is sitting on the pier. It seems really light on camera 1 and I think I can see a baby sitting at the top - I'll zoom in.

Jill 26th June 2009 21:29:27

So beautiful , our birdies are home .

Bird Lover 26th June 2009 21:19:25

Although I wasn't really envolved with the project I hope that Potter had a happy life. I am upset to hear that she died. My condolences for people involved in the project who knew her.

chris d 26th June 2009 21:12:03

tinker, bobbins and charlie all on cam 1 now

Kath 26th June 2009 20:57:17

Jill, I believe, because I've seen, and once seen never forgotten. Strange occurences in your house sound spooky but many people just think we are mad. So seeing is believing I think.

Jill 26th June 2009 20:50:06

@ Kath , I do not think you will get banned from this site , I have yet to see a ghost but have had some strange occurences in my house , we have only been here 3 years & its not just me thats experienced , my hubby , whos a bit of a non believer had an encounter & I believe , I just wish I could see one .

Kath 26th June 2009 20:41:26

Jill, yes I've seen ghosts 2 of them in the Arboretum area of Worcester including the house I used to live in. 1 in a building in College St by Cathedral - a building that was part of the Tech for a while and is now flats. 1 in a factory building that was a brickworks but now an engineers. Another in a field at back of Bishop Perowne school (twice)which I thought was a real person until she disappeared! I could go on but no peregrines were involved in my tale! and I might get banned from this site!

Jill 26th June 2009 19:55:58

thanks Chris D for sizes on T-shirts , will order one & wear with pride .

Jill 26th June 2009 19:54:28

@ Kath , please tell me more about the ghosts , have you seen one ? I know this is a peregrine site but I need to know about ghosties , Sorry Andy B .

Kath 26th June 2009 18:43:23

I'll miss Box. I hope he went quietly. As regard the Cathedral ghost thingy. I should have said ghosts. There are at least 3 that I know of. Worcester is awash with them and not the ones generally known about. I digress. I shall probably go to the Cathedral to see the babies tomorrow. I think the weather is going to improve quite a bit as the day goes on. Derek Acora is another story!

chris d 26th June 2009 18:02:22

hi channelchen, no the camera is fine..its not full motion but changes frame only once every 6 seconds, so looks still unless something moves in that time...are you posting from another country?

chris d 26th June 2009 16:50:06

there is some info in the diary for today about online t-shirt sizes...

feebs 26th June 2009 16:36:53

The new position of camera 1 is great - I can check the traffic before leaving work! If it's too busy I'll hang on! At least it's something to watch - no birds and not even a box now!

Channelchen 26th June 2009 15:58:31

Is there anythings wrong with the camera 1？

chris d 26th June 2009 15:38:03

this am Dave and I went up the tower to adjust some camera kit and at the same time widen the angle of former boxcam so there is a bit more to see. Also we wanted to move the box and do a minor tidy, the full cleanup will be when the birds have left town in a month or so. Sorry box fans, if you want a boxpic for the lounge wall or mousemat I should think that could be arranged if the post box era proves difficult.

Fiona Arrowsmith 26th June 2009 14:57:22

Will pack the dinghy, if the weather is that bad we could go for a little sail on the cricket ground..........

Jill 26th June 2009 14:07:08

@ Jason , weather in Worcester rubbish , expect cricket will be cancelled .

jason 26th June 2009 13:48:11

Hi - any chance of a weather report ? I'm travlling to cricket later !"

Jill 26th June 2009 11:31:26

@ Fiona , fingers crossed for weather tomorrow , according to our local weather man we could have some showers but otherwise mostly dry , hes usually pretty accurate .

Jill 26th June 2009 11:26:02

I didnt realise " The Box " had gone , its gone like night over Worcester , think we are in for a real good storm .

Andy B 26th June 2009 11:20:23

Thanks Fiona :) and yes the ICT network guy is called Wilf!

Fiona Arrowsmith 26th June 2009 11:16:58

@ Andy B: Just to echo Margarets comments, your effort in keeping the comments upto date has been great, is the other chap called Wilf? This must have taken over your life completely! But your work has really been appreciated. I don't think it can be said enough times how hard everybody has worked that is involved in this project! I'll try not to get up at the crack of dawn next year!! :)

Fiona Arrowsmith 26th June 2009 11:08:47

Er, where has box gone, has it gone over to the cathedral.........? And also the weather looks a bit dull down in Worcester, could you all stop singing please, we would like nice weather for our weekend visit! :)

Jill 26th June 2009 10:40:14

Andy B , just wondered what was happening ( im too nosey )

Andy B 26th June 2009 10:37:25

@Jill - Don't worry, no they are not cleaning up and the Cameras will remain live! Chris D will explain more in a comment later!

Jill 26th June 2009 09:23:12

Have just logged on to site , are they cleaning up already ?

Carole's Mom 26th June 2009 08:50:09

Oh what heartbreaking news about little Potter. I can't believe what I've just read. Out of misery now, bless him.

JC 26th June 2009 00:35:48

Saludos a todos los chilenos que se interesan en nuestros aves. Aunque Chile es tan lejos nos hace mucha gracia recibir sus palabras y su interes.

Andy B 25th June 2009 23:38:43

Margaret - I will email you, I have your email address... Also, thanks for the comment :)

Margaret L 25th June 2009 23:30:22

@Andy. Could you please confirm from which countries bloggers are contributing from. If poss by Tuesday afternoon so that I can report it to colleagues on Tuesday night. Again, well done for your work esp. the unpaid overtime! @Jill. Glad you're still with us. I missed the offensive post, but know that there are people who say things purely to offend or upset. Take no notice. I love your comments and the ones about the box really made me laugh. Keep it up.

Fiona Arrowsmith 25th June 2009 23:06:17

@Jill, Worcester cathedral is gorgeous, one of my favourite buildings! We always go, I love it! I'm just going to have a look at this link, i'm fascinated too with the paranormal, too many experiences not to be! Can i just say that i too thought Derek Accorah was fantastic until we went to see him live........ mmmmmmmmm, we left thinking he wasn't quite as fantastic! I think the new guy 'Brian' on Most Haunted is amazing, he's scarily good! We will be down at the cathedral on Saturday if you're about :)

Bee 25th June 2009 23:03:32

I think my bed is calling, I imagine our peregrine beauties are settled for the night probably snuggled on the cathedral as we speak.

Bee 25th June 2009 22:56:04

@ Jill yes I would love to go on a ghost hunt, I did do the ghost walk around Worcester a few years ago which was both fascinating and very funny to be honest but well worth going if you haven’t done it. Most haunted is just great I love that show.

Jill 25th June 2009 22:51:41

@ Bee , Have had alook at the picture of the cathedral ghost , fascinating , would love to go on a ghost hunt . I think Most Haunted did come to worcester & visit the commandery & cardinals hat pub , would of loved to of been there , Derek Acorah is just brill .

Jill 25th June 2009 22:35:04

@ Bee , thanks for the link , I have a fascination for ghosts & the paranormal , strange I know !

Bee 25th June 2009 22:25:01

@ Jill there is a fascinating piece on the ghost at BBC Hereford And Worcester from April this year. Apparently a photographer took the shots. Follow this link hopefully it will take you straight to the page http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/content/articles/2009/04/17/cathedral_spook_feature.shtml

Jill 25th June 2009 22:15:47

@Kath , ghosts ?

Jill 25th June 2009 22:14:47

@ Kath , I went inside the cathedral 32 years ago , I must go soon .

Kath 25th June 2009 21:41:29

You mean to say you girls haven't ever been inside the Cathedral! You must. King John, young Prince Arthur, and the ghost. Even Tinker has been to the Cathedral!

Jill 25th June 2009 21:40:39

@ Jen , I have been in worcestershire all my life , was born in Worcester , but lived in Ombersley , just outside of Worcester , remember a school outing to the cathedral & a boat trip on the river when I was about 6/7 yrs old , that was an awful long time ago .For me have learned to appreciate things as ive got older .

Jill 25th June 2009 21:35:30

@ Andy B , I think I was somewhere near on the translation , what a nice person from Chile , Patricio .

Andy B 25th June 2009 21:33:28

@Jill - I did check the translation from Praticio before letting it through this time and it came up as - "I just joined this site, it is still possible to appreciate birds. greetings to all from chile south america" - but I thought I'd leave you all guessing what it meant :)

Jen 25th June 2009 21:31:49

I'm the same I've never been inside the cathedral and only been near it once before I moved here 7 years ago

Jill 25th June 2009 21:29:45

I think I have fathomed out the message from Patricio . It reads something like this " I incorporate me to enter this page , is it feasible , appreciate birds , salute you from Chile . (Or something like that )

Jill 25th June 2009 21:12:57

@ Fiona , am glad your mousemat as arrived , arent they just wonderful . I ordered the one named "Whoosh " . You can ogle of your little Tinker , I bet he makes work more pleasurable .

Jill 25th June 2009 21:09:24

@ Stefan , I too went round the back of the cathedral where the building work is going on , my immediate thought was , I hope they dont disturb our peregrines , unfortunately there was no sign of them , I am rather ashamed too say I have lived in Worcester for 15 years & have never been to the cathedral in that time , my what a beautiful building it is , despite the building work .

Jill 25th June 2009 21:05:00

Thank you all for your nice comments , I have really enjoyed being a blogger , as I am at home most of the day , I probably have got to see more than most , I have really enjoyed every single minute , I was really upset by that silly person , like I said I dont think he /she likes peregrines , but I do , I love em , nothing will ever stop me doing that . Will continue to have my say !

Jen 25th June 2009 21:00:03

Well I promise not to sing so that will help the weather. Why is everyone seeing the beauties and not me, sob sob

Stefan 25th June 2009 20:53:58

Hi Jill, I saw tinker and a parent on the back (if it's the back where all the building work is going on) of the cathedral tower yesterday evening. He was making enough of a racket, you could here him from the front. I also saw a parent fly from the spire to the cathedral and then back again, where he/she seemded to settle down on the river side.

Bee 25th June 2009 20:49:41

@ Jill I am also trying to translate. I think the post is asking if it is still feasible to appreciate the birds. Though My Spanish is unfortunately limited. @ Jen I am hoping to get down to the spire/ cathedral over the weekend too, fingers crossed the weather stays fine.

Kath 25th June 2009 20:41:29

Jill...Please don't leave us. You have always contributed interesting and nice bits of news regarding our peregrines. These nasty people love it when we react to their nonsense. Let it flow over your head straight into the dustbin, please.

Fiona Arrowsmith 25th June 2009 20:25:53

@ Jill, you dare stop commenting lady!!! I couldn't believe what that prat wrote, mind you as i've mentioned before I stopped commenting on the Derby blog as it quite often deteriorated into 'handbags at dawn'! Anyhoo my mousemat has arrived this morning, it will be gracing my desk at work tomo, then i can coo over baby Tinker all day long!!! :)

Jill 25th June 2009 20:15:23

@ Bee , i think Patricio from Chile , am trying to translate , ha ha !

Jen 25th June 2009 20:05:03

Jill you lucky thing, they were playing hide and seek with me, they won. I'm hearing the weather may not be brilliant over the weekend. I hope its wrong as I want to get down to the spire/cathedral

Bee 25th June 2009 19:47:09

I am not too confident about my translation but is patricio from Chile South America?

patricio 25th June 2009 19:39:37

recién me incorpore a esta página, aún es factible apreciar las aves. saludos para todos desde chile sud america

Jill 25th June 2009 19:09:40

Thanks Bee & Stefan , I am still watching .

Jill 25th June 2009 19:04:01

Thanks Andy B , its quite clear that certain person dosent like the peregrines & me . Anyway went to cathedral today , no sign of peregrines but when I went back to my car at the spire , one was sat high on parapet , sunning itself . Lovely !

Stefan 25th June 2009 18:58:34

Hi Jill, I second what Bee just said. These birds really do need some enthusiatic supporters and you're just the ticket! Hope you're still reading btw.

Bee 25th June 2009 18:44:15

@Jill you will always find that message boards attract the odd idiot. comments like those are best ignored. The instigator will then hopefully go away as clearly he/she was the only one who found his /her comment at all humorous. Please don’t let this person stop your valued contributions to the message board.

Andy B - Worcester City Council - Webmaster 25th June 2009 18:17:43

@Jill - Sorry for letting those comments from a certain in-sensitive individual through - I should have been more vigilant, and I will check them more carefuly in future, sometimes I am not on the ball! They have now been removed!

Jill 25th June 2009 18:07:55

After some recent comments have decided not to comment anymore .

Angie 25th June 2009 16:06:16

Sorry, spelling has gone today! I meant to say self-sufficient...

Jen 25th June 2009 15:44:32

I went down to the spire about 2, took my lunch ate it there and wandered down to the cathedral. Saw no sign of any of the family. Come back my little feathered friends

Ann 25th June 2009 11:10:09

One of them is on the spire at the moment. Not sure which one though.

Angie 25th June 2009 10:53:04

I was so sad to read about Potter but delighted that Charlie and Bobbin are learning to be self-suffient. Mum and Dad have done a great job.

chris d 25th June 2009 10:04:25

hi harriet, yes the birds have mostly flown from the tower now and rarely seen there...this happens every year and they move to the cathedral to feed, roost and learn to fly off and around the taller building..sorry about that, the action on camera was really over the last 6 weeks..there is some archive video if you look at the links to you tube top right of the page...

Jill 25th June 2009 09:39:08

@ Harriet , the peregrines are rarely here now that they have fledged , they seem to spend most of their time at the cathedral , I am going in about 1/2 an hour to see if I can see any of them .

Harriet 25th June 2009 08:50:35

I can never seem to catch the Peregrines at home on the webcams! Is there a good time of day to spot them?

Jill 24th June 2009 22:40:30

My oh my , what a day its been , a better day tomorrow I hope . will go down to the cathedral & see our beautys tomorrow .

Jen 24th June 2009 21:07:08

Tinker doesn't need to catch his food, he has mummy, daddy and 2 older siblings to fly around after him

Fiona Arrowsmith 24th June 2009 20:42:28

I completely forgot to say how thrilled i am that Bobbin and Charlie have been catching their own prey! That's fabuluos progress. I hope that Tinker has been taking lessons from his sisters, although being a boy i'm sure he will know it all already!! I hope we get to see them practicing this weekend.

Kath 24th June 2009 18:39:59

So sad about little Potter. Let's hope all the others make it. Good job this was discovered now rather than she die miserably later on. Bye bye little friend.

Bee 24th June 2009 18:35:50

Just logged on to read this dreadful news about potter, I can only take consolation in the fact that she hopefully didn’t suffer too much terribly upsetting. I really didn’t think I would become so attached to these magnificent birds so very sad, Reading these posts I have tears in my eyes.

Margaret L 24th June 2009 17:23:27

So sad about Potter, but at least she didn't linger. Also it's good to know that people like the CSO care enough about wild creatures to take her to the vet. Well done that man and RIP Potter.

Wish Lee 24th June 2009 16:23:11

Where are they? Out for food? Maybe I should come later.

Dave Arrowsmith 24th June 2009 15:25:37

I've just managed to sneak on a computer to see what was happening only to see this terrible news, very saddening :(

Fiona Arrowsmith 24th June 2009 14:12:23

@Jill, i'm sorry i made you cry again, it's difficult isn't it? I'm struggling as i'm at work! I can't even tell Dave as he's away in Ireland on business :(

Jill 24th June 2009 14:00:57

@ Fiona , youve made me cry again .Potters spirit will certainly grace the skies of this very Faithful City .

Fiona Arrowsmith 24th June 2009 13:37:33

It is far better that this tragedy happened now, whilst she was still in the city and under the watchful eye of the project and members of the public who know about our little family than after she had left for independance, How much could she have suffered if she had come to ground either in a strange town or out in the wild. She may never have been found and could have had a horrible end to her short life. Thank goodness that she was able to be helped and that hopefully she didn't suffer. Her beautiful spirit will always grace the skies over Worcester just as she would have done if still alive.

Ann 24th June 2009 13:27:23

So sad about Potter. At least she would not have suffered to much. Thanks to the person who found her. RIP beautiful Potter.

Jen 24th June 2009 12:10:46

Hopefully Potter didn't suffer to much

Fiona Arrowsmith 24th June 2009 11:58:05

I'm so desperately sad :( I know that these things happen and it's just the sadder side of nature but we've all become so fond of these beautiful creatures however wild they may be. The stark reality of how fragile their lives are is brought so much closer to home with this very sad news. She brought us so much pleasure in her short little life, she was beautiful........

chris d 24th June 2009 11:51:17

thanks for the comments on the sales site at photoboxgallery, good to hear that the quality is good and the whole system works well! including Andy's link opposite. We've had about 6 orders so far so the more people use it the more we'll be able to cope with things as they come along.I'll report back once a month on how much we have made for the project.

Jill 24th June 2009 10:19:46

Have just received my post , I am now the proud owner of a lovely mousemat & the fridge magnet is superb , delivery was so quick , only ordered on Monday , brilliant service .

Jen 24th June 2009 10:16:43

Oh no poor Potter I always wondered about her as I rarely saw her about. At least she was found and put out of pain. Makes me want to cry though that now there are 3. How will the parents react? Just wondering with them all becoming more independent, if she will notice her missing as much as at an earlier stage. RIP Potter

Jen 24th June 2009 10:12:43

I was going to ask if anyone had seem them but have seen the answer. Will try and go down tomorrow. Well done Dave with the shop

Jill 24th June 2009 10:12:05

Am devastated ! , tears rolling down my face , RIP Potter , A much loved birdie by all .

Sue 24th June 2009 10:09:49

What sad news about Potter. I't ironic that this should happen to the peregrine named after the porcelain industry so soon after Royal Worcester closed its doors for the last time.

chris d 24th June 2009 09:41:14

hi all, diary item for today opposite about the sad news on potter..

Jill 24th June 2009 08:29:45

Well done to Bobbin & Charlie on catching their own food , am really missing these birdies , will have a little wander down to the cathedral tomorrow , are they not coming back to the spire at all now ( even to sleep ).

Jack 24th June 2009 06:18:02

To Dave, It`s pity I cannot to to the Cathedral to see them because I come from China! IoI

Dave G 23rd June 2009 22:58:14

Hi all, been down to the cathedral tonight - no birds at the spire. Posted a few more pics on flickr. Charlie & Bobbin have been catching their own food, Charlie returned with what looked like a starling, Bobbin with a smaller bird. No sign of Potter, spotted Tinker back on the spire after leaving the cathedral.

Dave Arrowsmith 23rd June 2009 22:27:46

Hi everyone, just to let you know that the Friends of Worcester Peregrines shop is now up and running, it currently has keyrings and fridge magnets listed, but we hope to expand the product range. Go to www.worcesterperegrines.org if you want to have a look! If anyone choses to place an order, please be aware that I am away in Ireland until the weekend and then in Worcester, so I wouldn't be able to process your order until early next week. If anyone has any comments on the site then please let me know via the email address or the guest book of the site. Thanks :) Dave

Bee 23rd June 2009 21:37:12

I was delighted this morning to receive my fridge magnet I purchased from the online shop it is absolutely fantastic. What a wonderful memory of these beauties to treasure .I will definitely be back for more.

Jill 23rd June 2009 21:25:13

My goodness ! It is so quiet on here , mind you I havent seen a single birdie at all today .

Jill 23rd June 2009 12:04:47

@ Jean , what a brilliant award to get , Well Done Chris ! when I was looking through the magazines last night was hoping I might see something on our Worcester Peregrines . They had a lovely article though in the Natural World edition about rooftop raptors ( Derbys Peregrines)

Dave Arrowsmith 23rd June 2009 11:14:56

Jack, as the young have now fledged it is very seldom that you get to see them on the webcams. They are spending a lot of their time over on the Cathedral. The best way to keep up with developments at the moment is to look at the photos posted to the Flickr group, or depending on your location, having a trip down to the spire and cathedral

Jean 23rd June 2009 11:05:20

Chris won't blow his own trumpet so I'll give him a quick plug! He was really surprised to be awarded Wildlife Medal in recognition of his nature conservation efforts in the county recently from Worcester Wildlife Trust (follow link http://www.worcester.gov.uk/index.php?id=338&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=835 ). He's always worked away quietly doing what he loves and I must admit I had a bit of a tear in my eye at the awards evening!

Jack 23rd June 2009 07:29:42

absent! Where are they? when do they usually come back to go to bed? any idea?

soong 23rd June 2009 02:18:58

Yeah, it's still evening at this moment.

soong 23rd June 2009 02:12:50

I can't see anything.

Fiona Arrowsmith 22nd June 2009 22:15:35

My photo of Tinker that i bought from the shop arrived this morning, it's great! He will be framed in the next couple of days! It looks like a beautiful evening down in Worcester, clearly the beautiful ones are over on the cathedral!

Jill 22nd June 2009 21:34:27

I am a member of The Wildlife Trust & receive lots of wonderful magazines throughout the year from them , have just been reading an article on the Derby peregrines ( last years chicks ) . With this membership also receive a worcestershire wildlife news , having a browse through it & there was a familiar face (Our very own Chris Dobbs ) .

Jill 22nd June 2009 20:58:41

A new person on here , where are you from Smalleyes ?

Jen 22nd June 2009 20:16:03

If its anything like the last few weeks I'll be down at the Spire Thursday-Sunday at various times, weather permitting. As for box I never thought of the advertising side of it. Poor box is never going to fly free at thia rate, more like the song...going on up to the spirit in the sky and joining the other boxes up there

smalleyes 22nd June 2009 20:14:35

why havent they still not come home？

Kath 22nd June 2009 18:50:14

When are they going to put a ring on Box? Is he likely to fledge before totally disintergrating? Is it normal to worry about Box?

Margaret L 22nd June 2009 18:25:09

@Fiona et al. Frustratingly I won't know exactly what I'm doing over the weekend 'til the end of the week. We have a mini fest with young people playing music in Cripplegate Park on Saturday. Hopefully, I will be able to get to the Spire and Cathedral some time. I haven't yet succeeded in meeting any other bloggers; it must be good to put faces to names.

Jill 22nd June 2009 17:58:30

@ Fiona , I had mousemat too + fridge magnet , wanted to order some T- shirts but will do that at a later date .

Fiona Arrowsmith 22nd June 2009 16:08:46

@ Jill, what have you had? I've had a pic and a mousemat for work to start with, we really want a big canvas, maybe next month! :)

Wys 22nd June 2009 14:47:13

Hi, everyone. I'm from China too.

Justin 22nd June 2009 13:48:04

Hi, the chinese comments were asking 'if it was still night?' and the second comment is explaining that 'its still around 4am there hence will login again in the afternoon.'

Jill 22nd June 2009 12:50:23

Have just been on a little shopping trip , the online shop is brill ! & so easy to use ( of which Im glad as my pc skills arent that good )

ray C 22nd June 2009 12:37:17

cute

Jill 22nd June 2009 11:59:57

Wow !! Thats brilliant . Hello to China !

Andy B 22nd June 2009 11:55:14

@Jill - yes they are definitely watching from China (currently 2 at this moment in time)- however they are about 8 hours ahead of the UK - hence the GMT:0 (Zero) middle of the night comments!

Jill 22nd June 2009 11:37:14

@ andy B , no dosent make much sense , but if there watcching in from China , then thats brilliant !!!!!!

Westlakewater 22nd June 2009 10:41:42

Hello from China! And all the best wishes!

Fiona Arrowsmith 22nd June 2009 10:30:47

@ Margaret L; We will be down at the spire or most probably the cathedral this Saturday, I can't wait! and then we will be back for two whole weeks in July so i'm hoping we will still get to see our babies before they go off on their own!

Andy B 22nd June 2009 09:59:27

@Jill - When put through google translation from Chinese (Mandarin) to English the first comment early this morning reads ......."Now days, the United Kingdom and also it it?"........ It didn't seem to make much sense but also did not have any rude words in it so I published it :)....The second comment was translated as ......."It seems the British are still less than 4:00, the afternoon can be Check it out."........ hmmm - I don't think Google translation is perfect!!

Liz 22nd June 2009 09:12:31

Box may be battered now, but has withstood several weeks of rain, hail, storms, floods and gales. Plus playful fledglings! If I ever need one I'll buy Porta-a-Pet. It's been fantastic advertising for them - don't suppose they could give a little sponsorship for the project next year?

安迪 andy 22nd June 2009 08:37:47

hi,what can I do for you?

Jill 22nd June 2009 08:27:38

Good Morning , can anyone translate the last comment ?

安迪 andy 22nd June 2009 08:26:52

There is no any thing in the picture, I think the birds are out.

Margaret L 22nd June 2009 08:19:19

Couldn't get online yesterday but managed to pay a flying visit to the Spire at lunch time, by which time the peregrines had gone to the Cathedral. They must have known that it was Mayor's Sunday when the Mayor parades from the Guildhall to the Cathedral for his official service and they didn't want to miss out on the action. They are an important part of the City after all! Said thanks to RSPB Andrew and volunteers who were present. Would have liked to have put faces to other people. I guess people will still be going down the Spire????

丫丫 22nd June 2009 03:43:34

好像英国现在还是四点不到，下午可以看吧。

石石豆 22nd June 2009 02:56:56

现在英国还黑天呢吗？

Dave Arrowsmith 21st June 2009 22:51:47

Stefan, thank you very much :) Jill, thank you for the high res picture, all recieved and already transformed into a fridge magnet!!!!

Bee 21st June 2009 22:08:19

I visited the spire around 1pm today, no action at all; I have since learned that they all decided to go to the cathedral for afternoon service tee he. It was however lovely to hear that tinker has now decided to make a leap for it and join his siblings. Looks like we could be seeing them less frequently from now on. The new Pics btw are fantastic.

Jen 21st June 2009 22:04:09

Maybe it's missing the love of a good box...empty and unused this time. I loved the photo with the instructions of box showing and one of the little ones looking at it

Jill 21st June 2009 21:56:16

Jen I agree with you , "THE BOX " is looking a bit worse for wear !

Jen 21st June 2009 21:47:19

Poor box is looking unkempt and uncared for poor thing

Jill 21st June 2009 21:33:46

The pictures from today are absolutely fantastic , glad Tinker has finally made it over to the cathdral & Mum was obviously making him work for his meal , Bless him ! @ Dave A , have e-mailed the pic you asked for , hope Ive done it right !

Stefan (UKCOOKIE) 21st June 2009 21:31:18

@Dave A, no problem at all, they're on flickr at quite a good quality, if you need better or something tweaking just let me know (flickr mail gets to my normal email).

Jen 21st June 2009 21:16:33

Fiona-I love Issac's picture. Wow it's better than I could draw now, and such attention to details. What a little superstar. I love the photos of Tinker, he looks very happy with a change of scenery

Fiona Arrowsmith 21st June 2009 21:15:05

@Chris n Dave G; Wow, the pictures from today are fantabulous!! The ones of little Tinker are wonderful, they made me have a little tear, i'm such a softie!! :)

Fiona Arrowsmith 21st June 2009 21:08:42

I can't wait to see the pics of Tinks, i'm sooooooooooo thrilled that he's had his first little adventure over to the cathedral, he was clearly just waiting for his moment! I haven't been able to get near the lappy today as dave is working really hard on getting the 'Friends of' shop up and running, with both the shops on line we should really get things going in the raising of funds department. We also have some great ideas for group fundraising, more details of that coming soon! This project has just gone from strength to strength this year so next year is going to be just incredible! It's so heartwarming to be part of a project that has these beautiful birds at it's very heart. It's just been an utter pleasure to be involved and we've met some wonderful people, so not only are we all working and supporting together these majestic creatures but making friends aswell, what could be better?! Long live the peregrines!!!! :)

Dave Arrowsmith 21st June 2009 20:58:49

Thanks for the offers of photos guys : ) @ Jill, could you email me a high res copy of IMG_1733 (the one of the three together). If you can, please send it to the facebook address, worcesterperegrines@googlemail.com @ Dave G - I have used one of your pics, thank you : ) @ UKCOOOKIE - Would you be ok with me using one of your photos? Thanks Dave A

Jen 21st June 2009 20:47:02

Jill it was lovely meeting up with you too, always nice to put a face to a name I was so hoping to see Tinker today but it was nice that he's finally joined the others. I kind of think thats why Dad came over to the spire, peace!

chris d 21st June 2009 19:21:10

nearly done the pics....today though the action was all at the cathedral..tinker has now made it over there and is flying with charlie and bobbin..all 3 rings seen clearly this pm on the south and west sides of the cathedral tower, and the adults have been bringing in food. Also some high altitude soaring lessons over the town centre.. last day of the rspb project at the tower today so a huge thankyou for all the hard work..this year we've made loads of progress and its been a great success all round. This site won't close though and I'm sure pictures will keep coming in..also the shop has only just started really. We'll try to keep up news from the cathedral and once the camera is back the birds will still be around for a month at least so they'll be back at the tower pretty often...team picture coming up early next week...

chris d 21st June 2009 18:46:23

some nice shots for tinker fans coming up on flickr later...wait for it...

Jill 21st June 2009 18:25:59

Went down to the spire at 2.30ish , was nice to meet Jen , there was one falcon perched on top of parapet ( Dad I believe ) didnt see any of the others .

Andy B 21st June 2009 17:14:51

Thanks Robin - I/we may take you up on that kind offer - I will email you tomorrow.

Robin Lund 21st June 2009 16:47:07

@ Andy B. I have the original uncropped pics plus raw files. I'd be more than happy to forward these to you, or anyone else, to use on t' shirts, mouse mats or post cards. Anything which builds revenue for their future.. Thanks, Robin

Jill 20th June 2009 23:51:07

Am going to love & leave you all now , my bed is calling , hoping to see Jen down at the spire tomorrow , cant wait to spend time with our little falcon family .

Jill 20th June 2009 23:46:48

@ Fiona . forgot to add the Red Kite was at the falconry centre in Newent , Gloucs , a friend of Sues owns it , A lovely place to visit .

Jill 20th June 2009 23:44:41

@ Fiona , soz you missed the girly chicks pic , didnt want to push my luck with it being there too long , yes the badgers on photostream are from my dads garden , think hes been feeding family of badgers for at least 30years , with out fail . my Dad is 77 now .

Fiona Arrowsmith 20th June 2009 23:31:41

@Jill, I missed the baby chickens photo :( However i've just had a look at your photostream and i just love the Badgers! Are they the ones in your dads garden? How wonderful! All the pics are good, i'm very envious you've seen a red kite! :)

Andy B 20th June 2009 23:30:29

@Jill - I saw them on Flickr before you deleted - very cute! :)

Jill 20th June 2009 23:27:24

Have deleted my chick pic now , back to the peregrines .

Jill 20th June 2009 23:23:09

Will delete my chick pic before Andy does .

Jill 20th June 2009 23:22:09

@ Bee , the chicks are cute , they will be good egg layers Im sure , was really sad to see them go ., will be sad to see our not so little peregrines go too.

Bee 20th June 2009 23:13:00

@ Jill exceptionally cute, I just love the caption. They may not be peregrines but they are certainly just as sweet. @ Fiona I adore little Isaac’s picture.

Jill 20th June 2009 22:53:08

Am sorry Andy have sent my girly chicks to the Flickr site , they are so gorgeous was sad to see the go . Fiona , Jen , Bee have a look before Andy deletes them .

Dave G 20th June 2009 22:52:01

@ Dave A, Great idea, I have quite a few in flight, take off & landing pics which you are more than welcome to use. Have a look at my flickr photo steam link from any of my pics. I will post the full res pics in a public folder on my photobox account if you want to use any.

Bee 20th June 2009 22:41:42

@ Jill yes I will sort out joining the group I just haven’t managed to get round to it as yet, my family keep complaining about me signing up for an account so I will have to. I tend to spend all my time studying. I have just finished a telematics course so hopefully I will have the time now.

Andy B 20th June 2009 22:38:08

You can post on Flickr - but I will accidentally forget to monitor the Flickr group until say tomorrow evening (once I've had a nosey te he) - then I will have to remove the pic as its not a Chicken Flickr group

Jill 20th June 2009 22:33:31

@ Fiona , the chickens are now living the life of luxury at a farm wher my brother works , They were a year 1 project on how things grow , they were fertilized eggs incubated at school , we had 8 hens hatch & 9 cocks , I had 6 of the hen chicks (very beautiful ) last night until my brother collected them today , if Andy will allow will post on the Flickr site , was very sad to see the go .

Jill 20th June 2009 22:27:17

Bee , facebook is easy to join , even I managed & I only have basic pc skills , Had difficulty chatting ( but had a good teacher, Fiona, can tell you , ha ha , ) Fiona' a gudun!x

Fiona Arrowsmith 20th June 2009 22:25:40

@ Jill; thankyou for kind remarks on isaacs picture, I couldn't believe it when he showed it to me and explained exactly what was what, i thought his interpretation for a 3 year old was brilliant (although of course biased!) I'm glad Tom liked it. So where are these chickens? are they at home or at the school?

Jill 20th June 2009 22:22:50

@ Bee , Bourton on the water is a lovely place , one of my favourites .

Bee 20th June 2009 22:20:00

No I haven’t joined the Facebook group I will get on to that one I haven’t actually got a facebook but will soon sort that out thankyou. It would be lovely if we could all meet up Councillor Leyland is right I just love a party.

Jill 20th June 2009 22:17:24

Dave , thats just brilliant , if they are any good ,use any of the pics that steve took , theyre are a couple of ones in flight , use them !

Bee 20th June 2009 22:14:16

@ Jill Yesterday yes. I spent it at bourton on the water in the Cotswolds where we visited the bird garden it was wonderful but I wanted to spend some time at the spire and so tomorrow is my own treat to myself so to speak.

Jill 20th June 2009 22:13:49

Bee , Have you joined the facebook group yet ?

Jill 20th June 2009 22:12:37

Would be nice if we could all meet tomorrow , Jen & Bee , Councillor Margaret Layland said we should have a party , how cool would that be !

Dave Arrowsmith 20th June 2009 22:09:45

Just to let everyone know, I have been making preparations to launch a web based shop selling "Friends of Worcester Peregrines" group branded merchandise (the shop is ready but I don't have the goods yet!). Initially keyrings and fridge magnets will be available, but I may look at expanding the range depending on demand and interest. Hopefully everything should go live mid next week, but I need a couple of good hi res photos that people would be willing for me to use on the goods as there will be a couple of options available (keyring with logo on one side and photo on other). So if anyone wants to let me use some good shots(ideally in flight to provide contrast) please let me know : ) I will also have a link on the site to allow people to make donations to the friends of group, and all the profits that we raise will be passed on to Chris and the team

Jen 20th June 2009 22:02:32

Jill, what a lovely idea for a birthday present. I got an RSPB bird book as part of my prize and it's lovely. Will look out for you tomorrow

Jill 20th June 2009 22:02:00

Bee , is it your birthday tomorrow ?

Fiona Arrowsmith 20th June 2009 22:01:17

@Jen, are you sure the pic isn't Tinks? I will add you as a friend on facebook, and then send you my mail address, i've been meaning to add you anyway :)

Jill 20th June 2009 22:00:20

@ Fiona , thats a lovely picture that Issac did , Tom thought it was wonderful, WELL DONE ISSAC !, an artist in the making .

Bee 20th June 2009 22:00:13

I didn’t realise it was the RSPB last day tomorrow I really must read previous posts I am what they call a typical internet user with a short attention span for reading text. Or is it I just can’t be bothered to scroll back through so many hmmm, anyhow I will definitely try to get there tomorrow I deserve my birthday treat to myself.

Fiona Arrowsmith 20th June 2009 21:53:10

I would love to be there tomo for the last day, but i think we are able to come for the weekend next week, so i'm looking forward to that! I do hope that Tinker is okay and hasn't got a poorly foot. I think he's just like most young chaps and likes his home comforts too much!! :) My photo of tinks is on the way, so i'm just waiting for the post now!!

Jill 20th June 2009 21:50:25

Jen , really would be nice to see you down at the spire & yes , all of the RSPB guys + volunteers will be greatly missed , I know Laura has gone off on her travels , I think to Iceland , shes so nice . I can remember our 1st visit to the spire & Andrew was so helpful , telling us all about the peregrines , this is how we got hooked . It is coming up to mine & my hubbys birthdays soon , for our birthday we decided to have a family membership for the RSPB , supporting the Worcester Peregrines .

Jen 20th June 2009 21:31:26

Jill, I'm aiming for late afternoon so will hoepfully see you. I've got the advantage having seen you before! Can't believe that tomorrow will be the last day of the RSPB-you've all been brilliant and thanks for humouring me with hogging the telescope!

Bee 20th June 2009 21:21:33

Didn’t manage to get online at all yesterday, just logged on and see the shop is up and running so have been shopping I was actually spoilt for choice. Some super items to choose from. The shop is very straightforward to navigate around, exceptionally user friendly and checkout is an utter breeze. Absolutely super doopa. I am hoping to get to the spire tomorrow haven’t had the opportunity over the last few days, I am so going to miss our babes when they leave.

Jill 20th June 2009 21:21:21

Andy B , yes sundays are for lying in , I was hoping for a little extra time sleeping this morning , but had 6 hungry chickens to attend to at 5.30am, they have gone now to a farm where my brother works , so might get an extra hour in the morning .

Jill 20th June 2009 21:16:23

@ jen , will get to the spire for about 2.30pm., would be lovely to meet you & put a face to the name .

Jen 20th June 2009 20:47:07

Every day is a fun day down at the spire!B? Jill what time are you going down, if I see you I'll introduce myself!

Lesley key 20th June 2009 20:43:24

I think Tinker wants to be a fireman when he grows up & that box his fire engine, have noticed the fire crew looking up at him when they have returned from a shout. He does seem to be clenching and waving that one foot about though makes me wonder if its a bit sore or something from a heavy landing on one of his maiden flights hence he not going anywhere at the moment.

Andy B 20th June 2009 20:37:29

No Jill :( not this Saturday, but it seemed like all our IT Dept were having a nice long lie in! Although there's always tommorow for a late lazy Sunday snooze for me:))

Jill 20th June 2009 20:32:55

So Andy , you didnt get your lie in this morning .

Jill 20th June 2009 20:31:45

@ Andy B , never mind , not your fault that camera is down , just one of those things ! Will have my weekly fix tomorrow at the spire anyway .

Andy B - Worcester City Council - Webmaster 20th June 2009 20:23:22

@Jill - sorry Cam 1 will be down until Monday, there is a network transmission problem between camera and webserver. I went into work this morning to try and get the cam started again and track someone down in our IT dept who would be able to sort the network problem out… but there was not a dickie bird to be found (excuse the punn) probably because it's the weekend! So sorry about that. @Jen - so glad u had a fun day!!

Jen 20th June 2009 20:10:28

It was a lovely night and I love the little guys so eating and viewing was a great combination. Especially being able to see another, possibly parent on the cathedral and seeing the youngster fly over. I'm going to miss them when they go, though Tinker is showing no signs of leaving

Jen 20th June 2009 19:58:28

Ok now I'm confused I won the competition for naming Tinker but when I looked on the online shop the photo I won was named as Bobbin....is that right?

Jill 20th June 2009 19:57:00

@ Jen , how nice to go down there & have your tea , lovely !

Jill 20th June 2009 19:55:38

Can anyone update as to what has happened today , with the camera freezing up , I dont know whats going on , however will go tomorrow & have alook at our little family.

Jen 20th June 2009 19:35:40

Well I colleceted my prize yesterday, Fiona, the little chap is beautiful-who took the ringing photos? It was about 11.30 when I went down and Tinker was there posing. I went back last night, went to the chip shop and took my tea and sat with 2 of them. There was a parent on the cathedral roof and 1 off spring flew off. I'm guessing it was Tinker that stayed behind. Today about 2.30 Tinker was sat on the side, the RSPB man said he hasn't moved for 3 days. The oy thinks he's a model I'm more and more convinced. I looked through the telescope and he was sat there with his left leg up again. He then kicked it at me, such attitude

H 19th June 2009 23:22:09

@Dave G and Sue, The bird which landed on my fence earlier this year was only there for a second or two, but I remember horizontal black and white breast plumage, black and white 'cheeks', and a dark grey back. A big brown bird landed there a year or so ago, had a hooked beak as I remember. I looked it up at the time, and I think that was a sparrowhawk. Just after it flew away two little dunnocks hopped out of the bush beneath the fence, I'll swear they thumbed their beaks to it and tweated "Nah nah ni nah nah". Now I'll pay a late visit to the shop, good thing for me it's on-line considering the time.

Stefan 19th June 2009 23:11:03

Hi Chris, just been to the shop and it's really good, no problems at all. The t-shirt I ordered, btw, did say "with caption". So I'm guessing this is the photo's title? Either way "watch the birdie" is a cool t-shirt :)

Jill 19th June 2009 23:06:07

The pic titled "Whoosh " is absolutely beautiful .

Jill 19th June 2009 23:01:05

Have only just logged on to site , had a busy day , I see the online shop is open , will have a browse tomorrow will definately be giving the credit card a good bashing . At the moment am looking after some week old chickens , they are so sweet !

chris d 19th June 2009 22:43:46

hi dave, ok I'll add it now...

Dave Arrowsmith 19th June 2009 21:33:45

Chris, is there an option for you to add further photos to the gallery on photobox? The one you posted titled 'Whoosh!' would be a fantastic photo to use as a large print!

Fiona Arrowsmith 19th June 2009 21:29:58

Back from shopping, i just had to order a print and a mousemat of a cheeky little fella that goes by the name of Tinker................ would love a big canvas, maybe in the near future! the site is really good and very simple to use, fantabulous!! :)

chris d 19th June 2009 20:41:54

if you've been to the shop let me know what you think...for prints always go to print options before ordering and you can crop and see what quality the image is at that size..the very high res ones best for the biggest prints are bobbin peeks,bobbin portrait,chick tinker,garden bobbin,siblings, siblings2 and watch the birdie..most of the others are medium and should be fine up to A3. The low res webcam ones are probably best no bigger than A4.Hopefully there is something across a whole price range from £3 right up to nearly £60 for something more special. All the prints in between are ideal for clip frames or whatever frame you fancy. This system didn't do key rings or mugs, and hopefully the new friends group will be able to have a go at that, with Dave A's logo design in production!

Fiona Arrowsmith 19th June 2009 20:27:40

Hurrahh! we have a shop! I'll be back shortly, just have to go shopping.............

Andy B 19th June 2009 20:04:12

I have now put a banner button on the right underneath the Diary to link to the Online Store which is now live - Sorry about Camera 1 freezing up again - we seem to be having a network problem with the link to camera 1, I need to get our network guy to have a look, however it may not be until tomorrow as it is out of office hours at the moment!

Carole 19th June 2009 19:43:53

Trying to catch up with events as in on the camera and blogging . . . . camera one seems to have frozen? Great news about on-line shop, looking forward to 'visiting'!

Dave G 19th June 2009 18:27:26

@ Sue, I think you are correct about the sparrow hawk, looking at the picture again the head & back plumage seems to light for a peregrine. As the pic was taken in August last years chicks would have been about three months old.

Kathk 19th June 2009 18:17:28

I think Box is injured. Are the RSPB responsible. I assume the B stands for box!

chris d 19th June 2009 17:56:19

hi all, see diary item opposite for today about the online shop, which will go live at around 8pm tonight!

sue 19th June 2009 15:58:05

@ matt - yes they still roost on the spire at night, though not necessarily on the nest. When they not off learning to hunt with their parents in the day, they are usually either on the spire or the cathedral just up the road

sue 19th June 2009 15:43:39

@ stefan and H - i have looked at the pic of the claines "mystery bird" and compared with several of my field guides and i am almost certain that it is a female sparrow hawk.

Dave G 19th June 2009 12:55:41

@ Stefan & H, have looked in more detail at Natasha's original zoomed pic. The eye does appear to be dark & have googled pics of female sparrowhawks which are a lighter green/yellow in colour. Hopefully it was a peregrine but I see what you mean as the birds are very similar at a distance.

matt 19th June 2009 12:33:07

do they still visit the nest???

Jill 19th June 2009 11:06:12

@ John B , What a brill idea to have Kim & Aggie, tell you what though you havent see me yet in my fluffy cuffed gloves . Ha ha !

sue 19th June 2009 10:59:00

@ john think that a lovely idea to have "how clean is your nest tray".

Jen 19th June 2009 10:48:48

Well I was going to collect my prize tomorrow but I can't wait that long so I'm off down there now. It's a bit like the big brother house when Davina says big brother house i'm coming to get you. The Peregrine version is so much better but without the evictions

Jen 19th June 2009 10:36:25

Maybe box got its seasons wrong and thinks its time to hibernate I'm voting for it to keep its name as box, it wouldn't suit anything else. I think its the 60 minute make over team thats needed, would make box feel brighter with a new look nest

John B (not the sloop) 19th June 2009 10:28:47

Re. cleaning. What about getting Kim and Aggie along for a one off "How clean is your nest tray" special. It would make quite good telly if you like that sort of thing.

Jill 19th June 2009 10:25:54

If im not mistaken I actually think that box has moved whilst in its nest , is there a young peregrine in there ?

sue 19th June 2009 10:10:07

@ jill. Must be my phone then cos the picture very dark on camera 1

sue 19th June 2009 09:57:03

@ jen. Think the box is exhausted after feeding all the boxlets it hatched!! Its having a sleep until it well enough to leave!

Jen 19th June 2009 09:47:14

I'm actually very concerned about the box, it's lying down on its side and not moving. Is it poorly or just having a rest after an eventful week

Jill 19th June 2009 09:21:54

@ Stefan , its definately a peregrine that Daves daughter captured last year in the Claines area .

Jill 19th June 2009 09:18:45

@ Sue , cam 1 , seems to be ok , was a birdie sat high upon parapet earlier .

Jill 19th June 2009 09:16:57

The antics of "THE BOX " is so funny !

sue 19th June 2009 08:54:24

Is it me or is it very dark on camera 1 for 9am? Perhaps camera not refreshing?

sue 19th June 2009 08:44:29

Aaahhh the box is having a lie down!!

Stefan 19th June 2009 08:36:37

@H and DaveG, really hope its a peregrine, but don't rule out a female sparrow hawk - apparently one difference is the eye, the peregrine's is all dark but the sparrow hawk's is light around the pupil. If it helps, the RSPB have a really useful online identifier where you can see more http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdidentifier/form.asp

chris d 18th June 2009 23:42:35

the tower has a pretty varied maintenance regime each year which includes the cleaning of the valley gutter which doesn't take long..more time consuming is the checking and testing of all the lights and wiring inside and out(including the bell) and the structural checks which go on all the time..remember its less than half a church, and its been specially strengthened to keep it sound as a stand alone spire...there aren't many in the country if you think about it.The church dated from the 12th century,the Tower was built in the 15th Century on 12th century foundations and the spire, which was rebuilt in 1751 is 245 feet high....its an important historic site and you can't get up there without access to all the security stuff. All the birds have made flights now and they will be around for about another 6 weeks or so getting trained after which they will be independent...check out this site for a good round up of pere facts.. http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/raptors/didyouknow-peregrines.shtml

H 18th June 2009 23:39:35

@DaveG, Perhaps we have a new resident peregrine somewhere in Claines :) The one on my fence was an adult, from the breast plumage, so depending on how far from the nest the adults hunt, I'm wondering if it could have been Mum or Dad. No size comparison available, and I'm not proficient enough to guess which. I'd love one to stop the pigeons 'hoovering' my bird table at the expense of the smaller birds! @Peregine Team, Count me in for the cleaning, I feel it would be good to give something in return for all the pleasure the peregrines have given everyone. Will this site remain continuous? @Fox, If you have ever been 'splotched' by a pigeon or a seagull when in the City Centre in your 'Sunday Best', or slipped on a fresh dropping . . . . . .

Jill 18th June 2009 23:30:59

@Bee ,soz to be a nosey parker but whats your surname ,I use to work with a Bee.

H 18th June 2009 23:09:20

@DaveG. Thanks Dave, St Michael's is just down the road from me!

Bee 18th June 2009 23:04:15

@ Jill ohh now there’s a thought we will definitely do it if the fire brigade is put on stand by, you know just in case we happen to need them ha ha. Good thinking.

Jill 18th June 2009 22:53:09

@ Bee , haha , yes I forgot the valium , i think once I was up there it wouldnt bother me , am not sure about the coming down though , might have to call on those lovely firemen over the road to rescue me . mmmmmmmmmm , theres a thought !

Bee 18th June 2009 22:47:17

@ Jill I didn’t think about the pigeon carcasses, not pleasant but yes why not ill do it as you say as long as they provide us with masks and perhaps valium for my nerves it’s a long way up ha ha.

Jill 18th June 2009 22:42:25

According to Laura RSPB , peregrine poo is ok , very white & powdery , simply because they have a diet of white meat (pigeon ) .We have baby chickens at the school I work in , their poo is not very nice , & I have to clean them out , twice a day , as my son would say they make a "terrible mess ".

jill 18th June 2009 22:38:34

@ Bee , there will also be lots of pigeon carcasses up there , probably a few leg rings & prob lots of poo , r u up for the clean up too ?

Jill 18th June 2009 22:36:03

Theres a lovely night time view of little peregrine at the mo on cam 1

Jill 18th June 2009 22:34:01

As long as the environmental team provide me with the necessary equipment , overalls , gloves & prob need a mask , will do it .

Jill 18th June 2009 22:31:55

@ Margaret L , a party sounds good , dont think Jorgon was sailing on the Barbourne brook either , might get stuck in the culverts .

Bee 18th June 2009 22:30:46

I am with Jill on this one, how can a little peregrine poo be so offensive to people? if it wasn’t for the web cam you wouldn’t see it anyway. Personally I would be more concerned as Margaret pointed out about the litter humans leave behind them, and more to the point the dog walkers who just happen to forget there are dog bins available. As a responsible dog owner I do not find any hardship in picking up, and so cleaning up a little peregrine poo would certainly be no difficulty for me.

Fiona Arrowsmith 18th June 2009 22:14:10

@ Lesley; I think it can be a concern that parent birds may favour the strongest chicks in a brood around the fledging time, however Tinker has fledged successfully and the parents do seem to be bringing food back to the spire as well as the cathedral, I think he'll be okay! Although i can't help worry about all of them once out in the big wide world, it'll be a tough 12 months for them all

Margaret L 18th June 2009 22:06:24

I don't think anyone should worry about 'the council' having to clean up The Spire. 'The council' have plenty of practice doing that every day. Have you seen the mess us humans leave behind? Not us pere watchers I hasten to add. On a serious note, it never ceases to amaze me just how much litter is left behind after a sunny day. Some people don't seem to care about their environment or even the fact that they could be given an on the spot fine. Anyhow, back to pere watching. Had a super view from the Guildhall tonight of two flying around the Spire. Made my meeting (even) more interesting. What are we going to do when the peregrines have left us? Perhaps we should turn our attention to banning the seal hunt. Did Jargon say he was on the Severn or the Teme? One things sure, he isn't on Laugherne Brook. As Sunday is the last day for the RSPB to be present, perhaps we should all meet up for a party. However, we must remember that the Spire is in an alcohol free zone.

Andy B 18th June 2009 22:03:39

Jill - Cool, I will let our Operational Services and Environmental Health Dept know about your offer!! As I'm sure they're not looking forward to cleaning it up either! It's a good job I've got a geeky desk job at the council :)

jill 18th June 2009 21:40:39

On cam 2 theyres two havin their supper .

Jill 18th June 2009 21:34:18

@Andy B , just to please Fox , when the clean up comes in , count me in , I will clean up after them .

sue 18th June 2009 21:34:15

Well fiona gets my vote to clean the spire!!

Lesley Key 18th June 2009 21:28:46

Popped down the spire about 8pm One little one sitting there on its lonesome a sister flew across landed briefly then flew off again back to the Cathedral. I have read somewhere forget where & it may not be true, that some birds if they have a good brood will stop feeding a youngster to get it to fly if it doesnt then its left. If this is the case with Peregrines Lets all hope its not but if this should happen will the Society step in and rescue it does anyone know. At the moment I think Tinker if its Tinker loves that box thats why he's not leaving it.

Jen 18th June 2009 21:23:15

Fiona, thanks I've just posted back. I'm hoping to go on Saturday...and Sunday. I'm lucky I live so close. I'm originally from Merseyside and this is the happiest I've been living here!

Fiona Arrowsmith 18th June 2009 21:20:31

@ Jen, i've posted on facebook group regrding Tinks :)

Jen 18th June 2009 21:03:19

No I didn't see the Derby lot being ringed, I never even thought about how they reached them to be ringed. Wouldn't fancy that job, makes cleaning the nest boxes a bit easier That box thinks its the star attraction

sue 18th June 2009 20:52:41

Looks like the box is trying to sneak back into the picture!!

Fiona Arrowsmith 18th June 2009 20:16:06

@ Andy; I think you're having a night off!! lol :) I would hate those spiral stairs, I have had a sneaky peek and they were horrid! I'd be okay once up there. I'm actually a cleanaholic, I could clean for a living ( Hope i'm not setting myself up for anything here!) I don't know what to make about our Alaskan chap, how can you be into peregrines which are legally conserved but then work on a seal ship, unless he is there in a 'non hunting' capacity, possible I dare say......... Anyhoo, still haven't seen any of the little rascals yet today, I soooooooooooooooo wish we lived in Worcester. What an amazing city, I do love it. Just busy keeping up with The Ospreys at the mo, they are mahoosive!! They grow by the minute i'm sure! I'll be so sad when this site closes down, what on earth will we all do!!! :)

Kath 18th June 2009 20:15:29

Jen... Did you see them ring the Derby peregrines? They had to abseil down to them and then lower the chicks to the ground!

Kath 18th June 2009 20:12:01

Yippee - the box is back - now we have something to watch. It won't hurt you Tinker just play with it!

Jill 18th June 2009 19:54:54

I see we have "THE BOX" back , ha ha !

Jill 18th June 2009 19:53:45

@ Kath ,I thought exactly the same , seal hunting , eating seal , nah I dont think so , I have also signed the petition , very , very cruel ! @ Jen , I didnt realise there were stairs , thought they abseiled up the spire as they had all their safety ropes on .

Jen 18th June 2009 19:45:03

The box is trying to get itself back on camera again, its missing being in the limelight

Jen 18th June 2009 19:33:11

Jill...I'm full of useless information. When the babies were ringed I went down and asked how the people got up there. If you look through the fence there is a door on the back left side. I didn't notice it until I was told. I pictured scaffolding etc!

Kath 18th June 2009 19:27:23

I don't believe Jorgan is in Alaska. The way he threw in the 'seal hunters' bit. I've signed petitions against seal hunting! I want our baby peregrines back!

Jill 18th June 2009 19:25:30

@ Jen , is there stairs up the spire ?

Jill 18th June 2009 19:24:06

@John B ( not the sloop ) here here !

Jen 18th June 2009 19:21:05

I think the local pigeon/seagull population make more mess than our friends. Whats a bit of bird poo between friends!

John B (not the sloop) 18th June 2009 19:13:37

@Fox, considering the tourism spend and general interest the Peregrine family has generated for Worcester I think they can be forgiven a little mess.

Jen 18th June 2009 19:11:44

I'm the same, mess is fine but heights are no good. I got told those stairs are a nightmare but you can't go anywhere if you fall as they are spiral

Jill 18th June 2009 18:44:54

@ andy B , am not sure about seal either , have tried pigeon , not bad !our peregrines like pigeon .

Jill 18th June 2009 18:43:37

@ Fox , no nerves touched , i just get the impression from your comments that you do not like the peregrines on the spire , after all they do make such a mess , I would gladly clean up after them but like I said am scared of heights .

Andy B 18th June 2009 18:21:40

I know this is off subject - but just to warn you - if your comments don't get published for a while, it's because I'm just about to update my phones Operating System software which I use to receive and publish your comments out of office hours... so if the installation screws up and non of your comments appear on this site for a while! Pls send all your complaints to Apple's complaints hotline...haha!

Jorgan 18th June 2009 18:12:47

Jill why do you ask this do you not belive me

Andy B 18th June 2009 18:11:46

@Jill - hmmm... its hard to tell, Alaska is part of the USA, and we do have visitors from the USA connected at the moment, Also if he is on a ship I expect he will be connecting by Satellite technology which links to an ISP in the USA... so I'd rather not get into that debate, I'm sure he is telling the truth and not having us on :p !!! hmmm wonder what seal taste like??

Fox 18th June 2009 18:05:08

Me thinks iv'e touched a nerve

Jen 18th June 2009 18:04:03

Jill-well you'll have the experience for it! I did all my nursery nurse training placements in special schools then went on to university for 2 years which was adolescent and adult placements. I moved 7 years ago from Southport and needed more stable hours so been in a nursery since then.

Jill 18th June 2009 18:00:05

@ Fox , Ive had an idea , perhaps you should do the clean up of the spire , save us taxpayers some money .

Jill 18th June 2009 17:56:19

@ Andy B , is Jorgan where he says he is ?

Jill 18th June 2009 17:55:06

@ Jen , hard work but rewarding working with children / adults with special needs , am hoping to make a career doing that myself .

Yggdrasil 18th June 2009 17:51:41

I'd love a t-shirt and maybe other stuff, but I can't see anywhere it is displayed. Is there a webpage or anywhere else?

Jill 18th June 2009 17:49:15

@ fox , why should it be me that does the clean up ? Anyway I couldnt do as I dont like heights !

Jen 18th June 2009 17:45:55

Fiona, incase you haven't seen the facebook message I left....I've just had a phonecall to sort out me picking up my prize for naming Tinker, or not as is the case. You named him I feel you should have the prize which I think is a photo of him As for the t-shirt all we've had to do is give our name, t-shirt size (american men's) and telephone number to one of the RSPB helpers at the spire. I'm defiantely going at the weekend so if you get stuck I'm happy to place the order for you

Fiona Arrowsmith 18th June 2009 17:22:06

I want a T'shirt, how do i order one from Stoke?? How is everyone today? I'm sad i can't get down for the last weekend, but i have to actually work!! How inconvenient! This site has been so fab, i've been keeping up with the Derby blog daily and i have to say it's just deteriorated into an unfortunate slanging match with people making really insensitive comments, why people can't just learn to live and let live is beyond me! Anyhoo looks quiet on thye spire, i suppose they are all on the cathedral! :)

Bee 18th June 2009 17:05:43

Brilliant to see new posts from far away shores welcome to all. Our little family are now without doubt our very own superstars.

Jorgan 18th June 2009 16:57:56

The birds are having pigeon I am having Seal along with all the other seal hunters on our ship

Karen 18th June 2009 16:49:14

Was that tea?

Jen 18th June 2009 16:47:32

Ooh yes the indignities of being returned in a box wouldn't be good for his ego. Maybe thats why the box has gone, it gave them nightmares

sue 18th June 2009 16:41:21

@ jorgan. Yes there are MANY pigeons in worcester, though not as many as there used to be!!

sue 18th June 2009 16:36:28

@ jen. I think tinker is a typical male - doesn't want to leave home cos his mum does everything for him!! And he has probably watched his sisters get into trouble and decided he not gonna have to be rescued in a box!!

Jorgan 18th June 2009 16:35:40

Has he got a pigeon are there many pigeons in worcester

Jen 18th June 2009 16:33:13

They are only going to print the t-shirts if there is enough paying interest in them

Jorgan 18th June 2009 16:22:30

I was chatting to a friend on face-book he told about the birds perhaps you could send me a t/shirt when they are printed

Jen 18th June 2009 16:16:50

Jorgan, welcome from Britain, how did you hear about the peregrines here

Jorgan 18th June 2009 15:54:50

Hello Worcester I am in Alaska I'm watch out for your birds were are they

Jen 18th June 2009 15:52:03

I went down to the spire about 2 and Tinker and a sibling were sat on the front. I'm kind of thinking with Tinker being the younger more spoilt sibling, that he is getting ideas above his station....is that the saying? The RSPB people were saying he doesn't go far, so I'm thinking in his mind he thinks hes a model, posing for passers by. Handsome chap though Come on everyone its the last weekend of the RSPB being down at the spire, I'm very sad, so order your t-shirt. The more people that show an interest in them the more chance there is of them being printed. I'm being selfish and want mine now!! Thanks to everyone thats has been involved in this project how ever big or small

Jen 18th June 2009 15:47:17

Jill, I used to be a support worker for adults and children with special needs, in the community, children homes etc. Nowadays I'm working in a 70 place day nursery. I miss the old days and the fun I had. I appreciate how much different it must be as a parent, especially one who wants to see birds and Tom having different ideas!!

Fox 18th June 2009 15:47:06

perhaps the money raised from the shop could be spent cleaning the mess up that these birds have made as I suspect cleaning mony will come from the the tax payer

fox 18th June 2009 15:43:36

jill you said when the birds have flown you will get on with some work prehaps your first job could be to clean up the mess these birds have made of one of worcesters beautiful landmarks

sue 18th June 2009 14:50:39

@ andy. You have just blown my mind!! I would never have thought that people would watch from 75 different countries in just one week of project!

Dave G 18th June 2009 13:30:25

@ H, Natasha took the picture in St Michaels Road

Andy B 18th June 2009 11:58:02

@Sue - It's a little difficult to determine the exact amount of visitors from different countries however there seems to be too many to mention - so by that I mean over 75 different countries in the last 7 days!

Harriet 18th June 2009 11:12:19

The Worcester peregrine falcons have featured on the Daily Mail website: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1192611/Peregrine-falcons.html

chris d 18th June 2009 11:02:32

hi all, the "shop" site is nearly ready, we are just checking the set up of the audit trail and we'll be away...several products from prints to coasters..perfect c'mas/b'day stuff for pere lovers. thanks again for all the nice comments,after the "on the ground" project finishes on sunday we'll post the picture of the team (which includes the fire service)and I'll do a diary item of how it was all set up this year.Also soon we'll be putting up the winning pictures in the school art competition.The mayor will be presenting the winners soon..

natasha 18th June 2009 10:47:00

Very sad about the Derby chick who died, i only just read about it :( On a happier note - the Barnowl chicks are looking well. http://www.thewebbroadcastingcorporation.com/barnowlcam_nestcam.html

H 18th June 2009 10:04:47

@DaveG, Thank you for posting Natasha's picture, now I know I'm not getting senile and having hallucinations about the peregrine on my fence! Would the road be St Anne's, Meadow, or Whinfield? (Just trying to find out if it was near me.) @Stefan, Thank you for the plumage info. @All in the 'Peregrine Team', your sterling efforts are very much appreciated, the whole project has made my year!

Jill 18th June 2009 08:23:07

AndyB , ha ha ! if I had tried to have counted the comments I would of probably lost count half way through , but those are amazing stats .

sue 18th June 2009 08:17:13

@ andy b can you tell how many different countries from which people viewed the web cam?

sue 18th June 2009 08:09:01

So there has been 107,021 overall page views on the web site - think fiona and jill probably account for at least half of them!! Lol

Andy B 17th June 2009 23:09:45

Jill - what you mean you can't be bothered to count all the comments... ha ha?? Well it's good job they are all automatically logged in a database... There have been roughly 1130 comments to date (not including the crank ones). The RSPB team project will end this coming Sunday... however this site will still remain live and will continue to transmit live webcam images, but we will discontinue the live webcam images once all the 'not so little Peregrine chicks anymore' have flown the nest for good this year, and then probably replace the live webcam image with a static image until next years nesting season! It all depends on the Peregrines!! As for webpage stats for this Peregrines page, according to our Web analytical technology we use - from 1st April to 16th June 2009 there has been 63,311 unique visitors (meaning unique computers being used to view the webpage over that period of time) and 107,021 overall page views. Hope that makes sense :p

Jill 17th June 2009 23:00:12

Andy B , soz to be apain this late at night , do you know how many comments have been made on this site , also how many times it has been logged in to + when will this site close down .

Jill 17th June 2009 22:51:47

@ Fiona , nce to hear from you , tried to reply to your message on facebook , my pc keeps freezing up , i think its our internet provider , am fed up with them or its my pc , having had to much use just lately , it goes on to watch peregrines at 8am & goes off about well now .

Eve 17th June 2009 22:50:50

PS: I too would help in any way possible :) so please count me in too.

Fiona Arrowsmith 17th June 2009 22:31:13

@ Jill, Hulloo, i'm here, just been a bit busy! this site has been fantastic right from the start, it's soooooooooo friendly and informative. It's a wonderful way for us all to share our love of this beautiful family. I can't imagine how hard everyone must have worked to achieve all this, it is this dedication and commitment to the project that has made all of this possible and i feel it will do nothing other than go from strength to strength. As Stefan mentioned earlier, I for one would help in any way possible :)

Eve 17th June 2009 22:22:45

To all of you guys who have brought these fantastic and beautiful birds into our lives I thank you so very very much. I have always loved peregrine falcons but to have access to what you guys have brought to all of us has meant the world to me, so thank you so very much, it has been an absolute pleasure watching these babies grow up - thank you for all of your hard work and rest assured that it is very much appreciated.

Jill 17th June 2009 22:08:52

@ Dave Arrowsmith , wheres Fiona tonight ?

Jill 17th June 2009 22:07:41

@ Jen , Tom is very mischevious , cute ? mmmm sometimes he can be .

Jen 17th June 2009 21:48:15

Bagsy it not being me who has to do the clean up, I hate heights

Jen 17th June 2009 21:33:32

Yes it was you Jill. Thomas looks so cute and mischievous, I can't help but smile

Jill 17th June 2009 21:09:32

@ Kath , I wouldnt want the job of clearing up after them either .

Dave Arrowsmith 17th June 2009 21:08:52

For anyone that may wish to join the facebook group or may have had trouble finding it, copy and paste the following link into your browser and that should take you in the right direction: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=83931024565 Cheers, Dave

sue 17th June 2009 21:07:49

I hope that maybe now the council have seen how this benefits worcester, they may be willing to provide some cash for the project next year.

Jill 17th June 2009 21:07:49

Ha ha Jen , more like do you hear us shouting at him , Thomas that is ? Yes thats us , our little Tom has Downs syndrome & quite a handful .

Jill 17th June 2009 20:57:44

@ Andy B , you & your team have done a fantastic job , this is my 1st year of watching the peregrines , & I cant believe what enjoyment I have got from visiting the website , visiting the spire & taking pics of these truly magnificent birds , I cant wait until next year , especially with all those cameras.

Jen 17th June 2009 20:50:20

Just checked my emails and found I was a winner for 1 of the names of the babies. I could have got a prize and my photo in the paper but I didn't know until now. The funny part was that I wanted Tinker to remain known as this and it was for him I won!

Kath 17th June 2009 20:40:13

I should hate to draw the short straw when it comes to cleaning up the terraces on the Spire!

Jen 17th June 2009 20:13:04

Jill good look with your Kingfisher hunting Just wondering but I noticed you mentioned your son, do you call him Thomas and is he about 7-8 years old. Just that I've seen a couple down there a few times with a cheeky young man in tow and wondered if it was you

Margaret L 17th June 2009 19:47:39

@ Andy, Chris, Dave and Wilf. You have all been great and done a fantastic job. It's made having the peregrine family even more enjoyable and entertaining. Well done. Don't forget to post a photo of the team if at all poss.

Stefan 17th June 2009 19:31:05

@Andy, Chris, DaveG and Wilf: thanks for the great website and all the hardwork, I for one have really enjoyed watching and photographing these beautiful birds. Andy, I'm glad you like the pictures, I've already emailed you, but just in case, you're welcome to use any of them in any way you want to aid the project, if you want changes or a different format just let me know. Thanks again, and the only suggestion I would make for next year is get some help! I'm sure it's easier to say than it is to do, but reading the good will in all these comments, if you were to call for volunteers I'd be willing to bet you get takers.

Jill 17th June 2009 19:25:33

@ Dave G , have just had alook at the pic on Flickr 2008 , thats amazing ! & you say that pic was taken in Claines ?

Dave G 17th June 2009 19:05:13

@ Jill, found Tasha's pic from last year in Claines, have posted on flickr 2008 as Tasha G. Looks like one of the chicks. It took a few bites of the pigeon then flew off.

Kath 17th June 2009 18:57:51

We can't thank the City Council enough for giving us the pleasure of the peregrines. We can almost forgive them for the lack of flowers in Worcester! I would like to express my sorrow though for the little Derby peregrine chick. We had gotten to know her.

sue 17th June 2009 18:16:21

@ andy. I second what jill says. This site is fantastic and addictive!! I can't stop logging on to read the latest blogs and see if I can see the peregrines/box!! You have all done so much and for little reward apart from our gratitude.

Lesley Key 17th June 2009 18:00:25

Yesterday having watched on webcam someone devour most of a pigeon on their own for tea I went down to the spire in the evening to see a rather fat contented bird sleeping it off. Two were on the top of the Cathedral who then decided to give a lovely flying display back towards the spire.Charie and Bobbin I would think Charlie now being the accomplished flyer with Bobbin in tow having to put in a bit of hard wing flapping a few times. Third one then made across to the Cathedral as well and they played around there for a while before returning back to the spire preumably for bed. It was a truly wonderful sight to see them.

Jill 17th June 2009 17:48:38

@ Andy B , you say that this site is relatively decent , you are mistaken , this site is absolutely fantastic , all of you involved are very dedicated . ( Can I now have a reduction in my council tax please ? )

Andy B 17th June 2009 16:45:07

@Stefan - Thanks Stefan (aka UKCOOKIE on Flickr)... and btw your photos you regularly post are fantastic. There are only really 2 people that regularly update this website (apart from you bloggers) and that is Chris D who provides/edits most photos/videos and updates the diary, and myself who is the designer/developer/maintainer... however there are other people who have help out such as Wilf our network guru who setup the network transfer of webcam images and of course Dave G who kindly setup the cctv cameras in the first place.

Bee 17th June 2009 15:26:15

Wasn’t been able to get online yesterday and so Popped down to the spire this afternoon as I was in town, not a great deal going on No sign of our little family at all. I actually think they are a lot more intelligent than I am, they were clearly somewhere keeping dry, and all I accomplished was some very wet trousers and feet. I was also devastated to learn about the Derby chick how dreadfully sad. I do however love the ideas everybody has for Peregrine merchandise, what about sun catchers? I would certainly love one hanging on my patio doors.

sue 17th June 2009 15:16:18

@ jill. Yes it a shame the box gone, it wasn't sat on the nest long!! All the little boxlets it hatched must have fledged already!!

Stefan 17th June 2009 14:33:29

@H, the juveniles have the vertical bar on their breast feathers (which is actually more of a dark brown on light brown) and the adults have the horizontal bar on their breast feathers. @Andy, I can only imagine you guys must be feeling very tired - over two months of absolutely first class work. Compare it to last year, when you had one camera, and the family moved round the corner well before fledging, the site is going from strength to strength. Top job. How big is your team btw?

Jill 17th June 2009 14:32:31

@ H , am not an expert by any means , but the black / white breast is an adult , the juvenile more brown with the feathers on breast appearing to go downward.

Andy B - Worcester City Council - Webmaster 17th June 2009 14:06:34

@Graham - In response to your post about giving more information about day to day goings on at the spire! Worcester City Council has no obligation or even a proper budget to build/maintain nest-cam/bird watching websites, nor do we have the staff or budget to monitor the birds full time as we simply do not have the staff resources as we all still have our normal day to day essential council services work to do! However we have managed on a shoe string budget and with help from kind folk like Dave G that provided his cctv camera services for free, and having dedicated staff here putting unofficial unpaid overtime have managed to provide a relatively decent Online dedicated peregrine website to the public! So although we do try our best to keep you up-to-date and provide fresh content, we do heavily rely on observations and blog/photo posts from the public! I hope this answers your question!

H 17th June 2009 13:58:16

To anyone expert - Can you tell me why some of the breast markings appear vertical black on white, whereas others appear horizontal black on white? Is it to do with fledging?

Jill 17th June 2009 13:39:56

We cant even watch the box now ! Ha Ha !

sue 17th June 2009 13:32:46

@ graham it is difficult as the juveniles are now spending most of time out of camera range, which means people who have actually been down to the spire are the only ones who can put any info on the blog. All of the regular bloggers do put an update on when they return home. It was certainly easier to keep tabs on them when they were unable to fly!! @ jill yes isn't it a super logo! We have dave arrowsmith to thank for it as it is his creation. I have thought about doing t-shirts etc to sell to raise cash for the project but I don't want to detract from what chris is doing with the photo's. I will keep you informed if anything develops on that front.

Jill 17th June 2009 13:31:33

H , thank you , it looks like Im going to be busy looking for kingfishers , Salwarpe is lovely , used to spend a lot of time around that area as a youngster + my Mum & Dad came from nearby Hadley .

H 17th June 2009 13:25:02

@ Jill, re. kingfishers. A friend saw one down by Salwarpe Church, whilst leaning over the canal bridge. That's a bit nearer to you I think?

Jill 17th June 2009 13:02:22

Graham , i havent seen any movement at all upon the spire so far today , i keep looking amongst trying to get some work done , they are all probably over by the cathedral . @ Sue , what a wonderful new logo on facebook for the friends , we should definately have some T-shirts printed .

Graham 17th June 2009 12:57:01

Sue says: "Its up to us bloggers to keep everyone informed" But actually there is not that much in the way of information on the blogs. Can we have more in the way of updates each day telling us what is happening?

Jill 17th June 2009 10:54:36

Thanks Dave !

Dave G 17th June 2009 10:10:27

@ Jill, still looking for the photo, I think it's on a network drive which is currently disconnected. Will reconnect & search again tonight.

sue 17th June 2009 09:47:47

As margaret says, it is fantastic that people from all over the world are taking an interest in worcester's little family. Its just a shame that now the juveniles are so mobile, they don't often get to see them. So its up to us "bloggers" to keep everyone informed of what has been happening. Welcome to everyone around the world who are watching this.

Jill 17th June 2009 09:26:27

@ Dave G , sorry to be a pest , have you uploaded that pic to Flickr yet ? The one that your daughter took outside your house . would love to see it !

Jill 17th June 2009 08:04:08

Ha Ha . that box has moved ,

Margaret L 17th June 2009 08:01:29

Fantastic to hear that people are watching from the USA, France, Canada and Chili and now Singapore. Welcome Justin. Wow. We are famous now. Good for the birds and good for Worcester.

Jill 17th June 2009 07:54:54

@ Justin in Singapore , welcome to Worcester & our magnificent birds , glad you are enjoying watching ,

Jill 17th June 2009 07:53:36

@ PW , thanks for the lead on Kingfishers , I lived in country for 27 years , have never seen one , as much as i fancy Goa , cant afford ! Will have to be Alfrick .

PW 17th June 2009 06:39:26

Jill, if you want to see kingfishers, try the knapp paper mill in alfrick pound, they have a hide oposite a nesting bank and its only 15 mins from worcester, OR, try Goa ,LOL, which is 12 hours away, but kingfishers are everywhere,sat on telephone wires, branches, etc, all shapes and sizes, beautiful!

Justin 17th June 2009 05:22:51

A warm welcome from Singapore! its fantastic watching these birds go about their everyday lives. they are just adorable!

Fiona Arrowsmith 16th June 2009 22:42:55

Firstly i'm so very sad about the Derby female, I was so happy when I got home this evening but i was soon shedding tears of sadness :( However, we have had a lovely evening down in the fair city, I so love it! We arrived to discover that most of the family were over on the cathedral so we had a lovely trot along the river to see what we could see, we arrived at the cathedral quarter just as the cheeky trumpets promptly and swiftly flew straight back to the spire!! Back at the spire we learned that they were just having a little evening snack, we did get to see Tinker and one of his sisters doing lots of preening and wing stretching. Mum was perched up on top whilst dad stayed put over on the cathedral. I'm so in love with them, i shall look forward to our next visit which i hopw will bw most soonest! Also to know that we were right by the spire where the box is currently nesting was super, we await the boxlets with much anticipation......

Libby 16th June 2009 22:38:57

Very sad news indeed from Derby. We have all become so attached to these wonderful creatures who simply are what they are and live how they live. Right from the days of dear Johnny Morris and Tales of the Riverbank (oops...my age is showing!)we have always suffered from a degree of anthropomorphism (whoa... that's a big word for 10.30pm)and that makes any loss much more heartfelt. @Jill and sue...we're probably changing our website in the autumn term which could eventually link up with all the county schools so there's scope for lots of interest.

Eve 16th June 2009 22:37:59

Ah bless, all cuddled up with a Happy Meal on camera one - is that Tinker?

Jill 16th June 2009 22:34:36

Thanks Sue , have heard of Slimbridge , will have to have a day out there , am sure hubby would like to go & take his camera & as long as we take a picnic , Tom will be happy too!

Jill 16th June 2009 22:26:51

Thank you for telling me where you saw a kingfisher , me & the hubby will go and have a look , i suppose you are more likely to see them by water , hence the name , i am 3 mins walk from canal , but must admit am not fond of going on my own in daylight hours .

sue 16th June 2009 22:26:08

@ jill. Yes I knew fiona was coming down. I hope she saw tinker fly! I know a great place to watch kingfishers but it not local. Slimbridge wildfowl trust has them nesting in a bank oposite a hide. You can watch them coming and going during the breeding season. It lovely down there and a really good day out. A little tip for you, kingfishers have quite small territories and so if you know where one is, it won't be long before you see it if you wait patiently. They are quite active birds.

Jill 16th June 2009 22:19:43

Am so sad , reading that about one of the Derby youngsters , what a damned shame , am gutted !

Jen 16th June 2009 22:18:21

Thats so sad. I guess our 4 are so lucky to have come this far considering what has happened/could happen.

Anne 16th June 2009 22:14:51

Sad news from Derby today. One of the chicks found dead on a roof having flown into some smoked glass.

Jen 16th June 2009 22:07:04

Yep thats the one, cheeky imp! Jill I'm not sure on the road, but the car park by Waitrose in Droitwich, cross over the road and go to the canal and I was on the stream side by the small bridge where the small houses are. It was late afternoon and I'd always wanted to see a Kingfisher too, when one appeared and went seconds later. Bit of a rambling description but the best I can manage tonight!

Jill 16th June 2009 22:00:10

I think we have the culprit caught on camera that pushes that box , He he !

Jill 16th June 2009 21:58:33

Jen thats fantastic that you have a friend that watches them from America .

Jill 16th June 2009 21:57:30

@ Jen , i am in worcester , by perdiswell.

Andy B 16th June 2009 21:53:43

@Jen - well LIVE right at this moment in time there are 4 from the USA, 1 from France, 2 from Canada, and 2 from Chili have just left :) - and of course loads from all around the UK.... so now you know that we know ;)

Jen 16th June 2009 21:43:29

I'd love to know how far away people are watching our family. I have an online friend who watches them in America

Jen 16th June 2009 21:42:17

Jill where do you live? I saw my one and only Kingfisher in Droitwich

Jill 16th June 2009 21:11:26

@ Sue , do you know if Fiona is down at the spire tonight ? She said she was coming down , pity she couldnt stand in the carpark & give us a wave .

Jill 16th June 2009 21:08:41

I somehow think these birdies have made a real mark on our lives .up until now had only seen peregrines at falconry displays , but nice to see them roaming the skies so freely , the next bird I would really love to see is a kingfisher.

Jill 16th June 2009 21:03:03

Im a dip*****, you just said perhaps they could sell in TIC. Ignore me tonight , think the heat has got to me

Jill 16th June 2009 21:01:28

@Sue , I know you were jokin' about shop . but what a good idea though , would Worcester tourist information be able to stock a few things though?

sue 16th June 2009 20:49:20

@ jill. I was joking about the shop!! But it would be nice!! Perhaps they could sell the goods in the tourist information centre.

Jen 16th June 2009 20:36:50

I'm loving the idea of a peregrine shop, we'd have to have models of the family too so we can admire them when they aren't here

Brian Hughes 16th June 2009 20:32:05

I would like to reiterate thanks to all those whose hard work and vision relative to this project and the website has enhanced the lives of those in Worcester and beyond.

Jill 16th June 2009 20:16:40

On cam 1 , they are definately having their tea , think its Mum & 2 youngsters.

Jill 16th June 2009 20:13:02

@ Fox , am not sure what I will do when they all decide to go , probably get on with some work.

Jill 16th June 2009 20:11:27

There are 3 on camera at mo , think they might be having there tea , @ Eve , yes all of them can fly now , but parents are still catching there food .

Eve 16th June 2009 19:52:53

Does anybody know what the babies are up to these days? I rarely seem to catch them on the webcam - are they all flying around Worcester now, and are they catching their own dinner or are Mum and Dad still doing that for them?

Jill 16th June 2009 18:46:26

Whos going to run the shop ?

fox 16th June 2009 18:39:58

what yo all going to do when they've gone

Kath 16th June 2009 18:29:59

The dog, cats, rabbits etc on front of the box hardly ever move, it's like watching paint dry!

sue 16th June 2009 18:07:18

@ libby yes that is a super idea and one that has been talked about down at the spire. Like you say, it is good to get the kids involved in with wildlife and this is ideal way

sue 16th June 2009 18:02:05

@ chris - when and where is the "peregrine gift shop" going to open then??!!

Jill 16th June 2009 17:55:18

@ Libby , what a wonderful idea !

Jill 16th June 2009 17:52:30

I like teatowels idea.

Libby 16th June 2009 17:10:19

One of my colleagues brought a group of children from our primary school to the Spire last week. They were entranced by the Peregrines and loved all the gory pigeon plucking/eating details! Maybe next year we could extend the interest for schoolchildren? It would be amazing to use our very own falcon stars in my lessons. I'm also Admin on the school website and would love to put links to the webcam and post updates on the birds' progress. I think it's most important to capture children's imagination when they are young, then they will carry the love of wildlife to adulthood. (eek! a bit profound for 5pm on a Tuesday I know!!!)

Fiona Arrowsmith 16th June 2009 17:04:32

Wallpaper, bedding, teatowels, the list is endless, i'd have it all!!! :) We are heading down this evening and i simply can't wait!!

PW 16th June 2009 16:33:47

Mousemat

sue 16th June 2009 15:07:26

Yes would love keyring, fridge magnet and how about a mug??

Yasmin 16th June 2009 12:33:18

Wow I went and saw them amazing so fast and im only 14

Graham 16th June 2009 11:30:36

Fridge magnets would be a good idea.

Jill 16th June 2009 10:46:12

Just been having a really good look at all the pics on Flickr , everyone who has submitted has made a wonderful job of capturing these magnificent birds , Brilliant ! Really like Stefan' little trio .

sue 16th June 2009 09:48:03

Is that box incubating little boxes in that nest??!! Are we to have a second family up there I wonder??!! I haven't seen daddy box arrive with food!!!

Harriet 16th June 2009 09:24:46

They should have a peregrine falcon on the side of that box!

Jill 16th June 2009 09:24:35

Along with Fionas idea of keyrings , how about fridge magnets , we all have them , I think !

Margaret L 16th June 2009 08:49:19

Looking forward to wearing a t shirt and showing off 'our' peregrines. Great idea about keyrings. As for the calendar. Thanks Chris for taking up the idea. Personally I would probably only buy one calendar at £25 but several smaller (and cheaper) ones to give out Christmas. What do others think?

Jill 16th June 2009 08:22:26

@ H , thank goodness we didint have to much rain here last night , always a worry for us when we have lots . I think the idea for the calendars is brill, & also the keyrings .

Laura 15th June 2009 23:15:42

Facebook sorted, thanks for the tips! Some of the captions on the photos are hilarious!

Jen 15th June 2009 22:40:15

The prices for photos are very reasonable and I. along with many others would be happy to pay knowing the money was going to a good cause. I love the keyring idea, would appeal to children too with pocket money budgets

stefan 15th June 2009 22:34:33

Hi Chris, I'd certainly be willing to pay those prices. Thank you for organising it.

stefan 15th June 2009 22:31:51

Hi Sue, the three juveniles picture is one of mine (UKCOOKIE in flickr), and was inspired / cribbed from one of chris d's photos. They were indeed on a corner stone, the one nearest the carpark. Glad you like it.

Fiona Arrowsmith 15th June 2009 22:08:57

I've never had so much fun watching a box............ The weather here has been terrible, i hope that the trumpets have managed to stay fairly dry! Weather permitting we will be coming down tomorow evening to see them all, hopefully! I can't wait! @ Chris; I think the prices are really fair, I would certainly pay them. What will the t'shirts have on them? I presume you will be posting details on here of how we order and pay?? What about a paypal account? Also, what bout keyrings? They might sell well in the tourist info office? Just a thought.......

sue 15th June 2009 21:46:08

I love the latest picture of the three juveniles - who took it? Looks like they all on one of the corner stones

chris d 15th June 2009 21:39:28

hi all, lots of action today with at one stage 5 birds on cam 1 and some good close ups especially of T1..also regular feeding on the cathedral yesterday right on the very top parapet..photos are nearly ready so a bit of "market research" if thats ok..the idea is that all can get good quality prints and raise some money for the project next year, so I suppose its "semi donational". There will be two sizes, A4 and 8x6 (half A4), so would people pay two fifty for the small and a fiver for A4? let me know what you think...also good idea margaret to do a calendar, will get that out later, a really nice big a3 one is likely to be about £25, but could also do a smaller and cheaper one....

Jen 15th June 2009 20:59:58

I'm feeling sad today as I haven't been into town to see the family. I spent the previous 4 days at various times watching them. Saw three of the babies on Saturday, Charlie looked like she was dancing to the music in a car below, Tinker was showing off by standing on 1 leg and Bobbin was just looking pretty. What a great idea the t-shirts are, my name is down and can't wait to wear it I can honestly say I've never laughed so much as I have on this site!

H 15th June 2009 20:47:17

@Jill, Fingers crossed for you, hopefully it's only a short storm, doesn't seem to bother the peregrines does it? And yes, that is the farmer. To be honest, I don't think Claines tower would be suitable anyway, especially when bellringing is on. Also, there isn't much shelter at the top.

Unixman 15th June 2009 20:29:02

Heard thunder a few mins ago

Tony Symonds 15th June 2009 20:28:52

@Laura, apparently that doesnt work for everyone, so if you email me your full name etc at tonysymo at yahoo.co.uk.....i will add you as fb friend and then invite you Tony

Jill 15th June 2009 20:21:17

Its absolutely tipping it down here in Worcester , think we are in for a real heavy downpour . Just hope I dont get flooded .

Jill 15th June 2009 20:18:23

@Sue , its not only me that keeps Andy B from his sleep , its that Mrs Arrowsmith too ! She gets up a lot earlier than me in the morning . Yes thanks to everyone , everything to do with these fantastic birds , just truly brilliant !

Tony Symonds 15th June 2009 20:17:03

@Laura, go to your own info page on fb......go down to your groups and click on "see all"....then at bottom of page search for "friends of worcester peregrines"....hope this helps

Jill 15th June 2009 19:54:47

Wow ! I can see all four of the youngsters , thats pretty rare these days to get them all together .

sue 15th June 2009 19:34:12

Dad feeding one of female juveniles in east wing. Now that's lazy of the juvenile - it is more than capable of feeding itself!!

laura 15th June 2009 19:12:32

@Sue - I can't locate the facebook group either... can you help?

sue 15th June 2009 19:03:48

There is one person who has also put a lot of time and effort into this project that we should thank - "Dave G" from Electrodesign CCTV Ltd. Many thanks to you for all your dedication. Along with Andy B and Chris, this would not have been possible without all your hard work. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on this site. @ jill - please let Andy B get some sleep, poor guy must be Kn***ed!! Lol

Jill 15th June 2009 18:58:38

I think cam 1 ok , thats what I thought Tony , you could see boats on river moving , but the youngsters werent . One has moved of the top , so must be ok .

Margaret L 15th June 2009 18:34:55

Funny how they are 'playing' with the cardboard box. Reminds me of toddlers having more fun with the box their Christmas present came in than with the toy itself.

Tony Symonds 15th June 2009 18:22:03

Camera one is very weird....its refreshing coz you can see the people moving below in the car park, but whats happened to the chick (s) you can see ?

Jill 15th June 2009 18:08:43

Is all ok with cam 1?

Lesley Key 15th June 2009 18:04:30

Well I thought they had heard the weather forcast when that box was turned on its side last night as it would make a good shelter but today they changed their minds.

Jill 15th June 2009 17:53:37

Have just swiched on pc , I cannot believe where that box is now , i think they are all little rascals.

PW 15th June 2009 17:46:38

Is that whats called a nest box!

natasha 15th June 2009 16:45:10

It seems this box keeps moving a few inches every few hours!? lol

Libby 15th June 2009 16:30:50

Oooh! Two of them sitting right next to Camera 1, on the lookout for dinner.Pigeons beware!

sue 15th June 2009 16:19:32

@ darren. Sorry you having trouble finding facebook group. I don't know why, but sometimes it can be difficult. They don't seem to have made it very easy to search for groups. Keep trying though. I will see what I can do from my end. Sue (creator)

Darren Wright (Leicester) 15th June 2009 16:17:44

OK, I managed to join your group. Am a bit rubbish at facebook! :(

Darren Wright (Leicester) 15th June 2009 15:21:40

Hello again, I'd like to join your facebook group but cannot seem to find it. Can you tell me how? Is it perhaps because my home network is Leicester. I tried searching for "friends of worcester peregrines" but without success. Thanks. Darren.

John B (not the sloop) 15th June 2009 14:58:57

Hi (again) Darren. Peregrines are almost exclusively air to air hunting specialists so a pigeon perched somewhere is pretty safe. Stooping at possibly 200mph a Peregrine needs lots of clear air around its target. Astute switched-on prey species hug the treetops, cliff faces, and buildings when they know a Peregrine is about.

Darren Wright (Leicester) 15th June 2009 14:30:26

Hello again. Thanks to all of you who responded to my query. I am pleased to think it was most likely a peregrin. I have never seen one before. I thought its behaviour a bit curious with all the noise it was making. Sadly I did not have my binoculars to hand. One other thing that was curious: there were a couple of pigeons also perched not far away. I thought these were brave birds! Back to work I guess :( Thanks again. Darren.

Jill 15th June 2009 11:42:07

What a nice red mess , left over from elevenses , they must get an awful lot of flys up on the spire .

Andy B 15th June 2009 11:40:35

Thanks Fi :) I've only got myself to blame anyway... it was my decision to build a comments board on this site which needs moderating! lol... and no I don't live in that cardboard box or even have to be in front of a computer to publish out your comments... I did have to adapt some parts of the admin of this site so I could update via my Mobile Phone just with a couple of clicks... as I soon realised I do actually have a life other than peregrines :)

Jill 15th June 2009 11:40:34

@ H ,i suppose the local farmer you are talking about in question , would be Mr Phillips ? Mind you at about 3pm at the top of Claines school bank quite reguarly is the racing pigeon man , am not sure if he would be too keen on having resident peregrines on Claines church .

Fiona Arrowsmith 15th June 2009 11:28:25

@ Andy b; I must echo Jill in the fact that you have done a sterling job keeping this site upto date, where would be without YOU!! However I didn't realise that you actually had a life, I thought you just sat in a little cardboard box, (possibly the one on the spire)with a laptop updating!! LOL!!! Seriously, you've been fantastic keeping everything going, i know i'm very guilty of being up at stupid o'clock, I hope I haven't been a 'blog pest'!! :)

Fiona Arrowsmith 15th June 2009 11:21:59

Ah, I see elevenses is served in the West wing this morning, there seems to be some desert also on the menu. Two tucking in, lovely to see them growing up so fast! :)

John B (not the sloop) 15th June 2009 11:02:35

Darren - Your Bird of prey flapping around the cathedral was highly likely to have been one of the St Andrews spire brood. The two buildings are quite close together, a very easy Peregrine hop. You can sometimes see Sparrowhawks from the top of the cathedral tower too.

Fiona Arrowsmith 15th June 2009 10:34:27

@ Darren. Yes i would think it would be one of our beauties. The peregrines have nested on St Andrewsspire which is just a stones throw from the cathedral, i'm sure you must have seen it. I don't know if any of the chicks have ventured that far but i do now that the male and female (mum and dad) do like to sit, chill and roost on the cathedral tower. I'm so glad that you got to see them, they really are beautiful. They have provided many hours of joy and pleasure to many people! :)

H 15th June 2009 10:09:08

@ All you 'prospective campers', there is lots of open space in Claines, and we don't get flooded! More revenue for the farmer, and The Mug House too! :-)

H 15th June 2009 10:04:57

@Dave and Jill, I don't know about Rev Agnew, but the local farmer may be encouraged, since he has been in the field behind our houses shooting pigeons - it may save him some time and money if the peregrines did nest a little nearer!

Jill 15th June 2009 09:14:08

Another lovely morning in Worcester , cant see any of the youngsters , that box seems to have moved a bit more though .

Graham 15th June 2009 07:08:34

Yes Darren. You probably did see peregrines on the cathedral. The adults are often there and sometimes pluck pigeons on the tower.

Tony Symonds 15th June 2009 04:57:49

Thanks Andy, for letting us use one of your excellent photos as the profile pic on the Facebook group....(I put it up for Sue, who was having trouble)

Jill 14th June 2009 23:52:27

Ha ha didnt realise i could blog from my mobile ,am learning ,yes was it Darren frm LEICS ,It was peregrines ! Worcesters finest .

Andy B 14th June 2009 23:38:45

Thanks Jill - BTW I find it quite amusing sometimes listening to all your chit-chat... and its you the public that really has made this Peregrine website so good this year. It would not have been half as enjoyable or informative without all you regular enthusiastic bloggers and photo contributors that keep the rest of us informed of the most recent goings on in and around the spire!

Darren Wright (Leicester) 14th June 2009 23:31:40

Hi all, I was visiting Worcester Cathedral (whilst on holiday) last Friday. Whilst outside I heard a racket coming from the tower. I saw some kind of hawk/falcon flapping about (a bit clumsily actually, as though it was young and learning to fly?) Sadly I did not have my binoculars with me and I am no "expert" on birds of prey but I wondered if it was one of the Peregrins that I heard about on the local news and said to be nesting on a nearby spire (rather than the Cathedral). Could anyone comment whether it was likely that I was seeing a Peregrin? I figured it was about the right size. Thanks!

Jill 14th June 2009 23:26:49

I am going up to my bed now , do you realise girls that poor Andy B isnt getting much sleep because of us bloggers , he fell asleep this afternoon because we are blogging to early & late at night , bless him , ANDY your a star !

Jill 14th June 2009 23:22:08

one of those Winnebago ( Ha ha cant spell that one ) are nice .I must say I like my home comforts too!

Bee 14th June 2009 23:14:31

@ Jill quite true it is high up there. It was in reality a poor excuse rather than me admitting that I love my home comforts so much. I was thinking nothing to fancy maybe a Winnebago although I’m not fussy ha ha.

Fiona Arrowsmith 14th June 2009 23:01:01

@ Bee, ah good point, forgetting the close proximity of river, in-laws do have a tourer on their drive...............

Laura 14th June 2009 22:57:57

Yes, surprising how relaxing it is down there. Enjoyed some peaceful indulgent hours there this weekend while the kids were at their dad's! Like other people, can I reiterate how grateful we are to the RSPB volunteers - and the council - for truly enriching our spring... and hopefully more of the same next year. The sight of Bobbin (or Tinker) scratching his head with his massive talon this afternoon and then looking around with a slightly ruffled head... just made my day.

Jill 14th June 2009 22:43:05

@ Bee , I dont think we would get flooded at the front of the spire , quite high up there .

Bee 14th June 2009 22:38:50

@ Jill and Fiona I think a motor home would be a better option just in case we get flooding.

Dave G 14th June 2009 22:34:42

@H, Yes you probably did see a peregrine in Claines, We live just off Cornmeadow Lane & my daughter Natasha photographed a peregrine in the road outside our house eating a pigeon last year. I will find the photo & post it on flickr 2008. Camera 1 set on wide angle aligns with the Severn to the north so will pick up objects over Claines.

Jill 14th June 2009 22:33:00

@ Fiona ha ha :-) We could do that , couldnt we pitch our tents ?

Carole's mom 14th June 2009 22:21:13

Saw Tinker fly early this evening. First of all towards the Tech. College and afterwards towards the river. Our hearts were in our mouths when gulls started mobbing but he was o.k. and actually landed on the side of the spire on a window ledge. Eat your heart out Carole!!

Fiona Arrowsmith 14th June 2009 22:19:42

I've ordered my tent, so next March through to June then ??................

Bee 14th June 2009 21:58:58

@Jill that sounds like the ideal plan to me camping out with our babies what could be better.

Jill 14th June 2009 21:52:25

@Bee , it is so relaxing down there , despite the Deansway traffic , Fiona did say that she would like to pitch a tent there , maybe next year we should all pitch ourselves a tent .

Jill 14th June 2009 21:50:20

Did that youngster decide to have a sleep in the box , just started raining in Worcester , so prob wants to keep its feathers dry .

Jill 14th June 2009 21:47:38

@Andy B , thanks for that , im such a nitwit , I never thought of creating an account under Steves name , Will do that , Cheers!

Bee 14th June 2009 21:43:13

Visited the spire today, had some superb views of tinker sat sunning himself on the ledge what a sweetheart he is. I managed to get a few good shots with the help of the girls managing the RSBP stand, Thank you so much for all your help. It is so relaxing down there I could literally spend all day just watching these magnificent birds.

Andy B 14th June 2009 21:39:53

Jill, editing a photo that you have ALREADY uploaded to flickr using the 'Photo Editing' facility directly within Flickr site as described in my last post should not use up any more of your storage/bandwidth limit, because you have already uploaded it. Anyway I have just looked at your pics on Flickr and they look fine and cropped well to me!! Also you could always setup another account in your hubbies name or something if you have used up all your monthly limit under your current Flickr account!

Jill 14th June 2009 21:36:54

@ H , do you think Rev.Agnew would agree to having a nest box put on his church ?

Jill 14th June 2009 21:34:40

youngster havin a little snooze on cam 2 . bless ! just beautiful.

Jill 14th June 2009 21:32:18

@ H , just read you comment , Claines church tower would be fantastic , not sure if high enough though , i am around that area everyday as I work at Claines school + my son goes there .

Jill 14th June 2009 21:28:21

@ Andy B , thank you for the advice on Flickr ,we are already at 90% of our download , without going pro , so will prob be able to get another 2 or 3 pics in , shame on you for falling asleep , its because us bloggers wont let you have a good sleep at night + a lie in . Ha ha !

Andy B 14th June 2009 21:20:55

@Jill - Firstly it seemed to go quiet on here because I erm... fell asleep for god knows how long :) Secondly Flickr has a neat facility to edit your photos that you have already uploaded, just navigate to one of your own pics and there should be a row of icons above the image... and there is one called 'Edit Photo' this should open up a cool web application called 'Picnic' which is very clever and where you can do all sorts of alterations to your image to enhance it... including cropping an image, then just resave it... hope this helps :)

Fiona Arrpwsmith 14th June 2009 21:15:04

Lovely to hear everybodies comments about their trips to the spire, we are coming down on Tuesday evening i think, i can't wait!!! Haven't seen much on here today, it's really starting to slow down on the webcam, i'm desperate to see them! Some excellent shots on Flickr, i'm so glad that you all have decent cameras!! :)

Jill 14th June 2009 20:31:55

Can anyone help ? have uploaded some pics to flickr they are appearing as uncropped pics , when hubby cropped earlier . This hasnt happened before , any ideas ?

sue 14th June 2009 20:27:56

are they sleeping in that cardboard box??

Jill 14th June 2009 20:18:48

its extremely quiet on here tonight

H 14th June 2009 20:08:49

Been watching cameras for some time, Fabulous site!! Just saw what I thought was a hot air balloon in the distance, we often see them over the Claines area, now it's just over to the east of my house. I'm certain that a peregrine landed on my fence a few months ago, we often get sparrowhawks around here. If I'd been on my own I would have doubted myself, but a friend was here too. The more photos I see the better, but the real thing was somethingf else!iLots of open fields around here, and Perdiswell within walking distance. I'm hoping the peregrines will nest on Claines Church tower next year :-)

Liz 14th June 2009 20:02:32

Can anyone clarify? Was at the Spire yesterday mid-morning, saw two peregrines circling high and calling to each other. Would these have been the parents, or has any of the babies learned to fly really well now? Fantastic in the middle of a city! Saw Mum or Dad bring home a kill not long before. P.S. Proudly took my Canon EOS 400 and my brand-new 300mm lens - and then realised some of the other gear around made it look like a box Brownie! Trying to shoot decent pictures did give me a whole new respect for skilled bird photographers!

Tony Symonds 14th June 2009 19:16:43

ive just come back from the spire, where i was priviledged to see one of the chicks flying, but 5 mins before that i was stood under the cathedral tower when one of the adults arrived with a pigeon for a waiting chick....awesome...just wish i had a longer lens on my camera...grrrr And earlier, id just put my camera away when the Vulcan Bomber flew over Worcester...gggrrrrr

Jean 14th June 2009 19:11:12

Just got back from the Spire - great couple of hours with flying galore - particularly good seeing one of the chicks flying while a vulcan went overhead! Chris took lots of photos so hopefully he'll sort them out as soon as he gets back (left him there!) and upload some more tonight. Seagulls getting brushed off much more easily - although one chick did have a hairy landing on the window half way up on the north side when a seagull tried to interrupt his landing!

Jill 14th June 2009 17:26:54

@Robin , nice pics !

Jill 14th June 2009 17:21:14

@Robin , will take a look at your pics , nice screenname , I want to be one too ! Had a lovely couple of hours down at the spire , lots of activity all sides of the spire , I just love it down there , hubby took some more pics , so will post them on Flickr later .

Robin 14th June 2009 17:01:28

@ Jill. Hi Jill, my user name on Flickr is; wannabeaperegrine

Margaret L 14th June 2009 15:58:16

Been to the Spire today, bought a postcard and ordered a t shirt. Brilliant idea Chris. What about a calendar?

Kath 14th June 2009 14:41:24

The nest seems pretty empty these days on camera 2, still we can always watch the antics of the cardboard box!

Kath 14th June 2009 14:33:32

I thought it was the peregrines going over my garden this morning but no, it was the red arrows!

Jill 14th June 2009 11:01:55

An absolute gorgeous morning in Worcester ,dont forget folks if your intending a visit to the spire , the roads Castle street end will be closed until 2pm for the race for life .

Libby 14th June 2009 10:35:27

Beautiful morning. Can just see one bird sunning itself at the moment. We'll be at the Spire this afternoon and with luck will catch a flight or two. @Chris d...great idea to put the photos online to buy.

chris d 14th June 2009 09:24:49

hi all, lots of people have asked for prints of photos and we have a dozen or so at the spire for folks to look at and requests are often made...so I've set up a way of purchasing online a selection of nice glossy prints at a couple of sizes...all the proceeds are for the project and keeping it going in future years. It'll go live early in the week so I'll let everyone know. Meantime still a few postcards left at the tower...I think there will be lots of flying today..and not just peregrines, its Cosford air show today and some of the display flights tend to line up along the Severn so watch out for Spitfires!