Peregrine Falcons on St George's Church

A pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting at the University of Sheffield has become Yorkshire's first urban breeding pair, thanks to the concerted efforts of staff and volunteers from the University and the Sheffield Bird Study Group.

Warning: These webcams contain live unedited footage of peregrine falcons. Please understand that at times this may include disturbing images.

A nest platform was placed atop St George's Church in early 2010. In 2012 it was finally confirmed that the pair of peregrines using the platform had bred successfully for the first time.

Phil Riley, Energy Manager in the University's Department of Estates and Facilities Management, recently installed this webcam near the nest. The webcam not only acts as a security camera to ensure the nest is not tampered with, but will allow the University to make high quality images of these beautiful wild birds available to the public.

Peregrine Falcons have previously been an endangered species, but their population has steadily increased since the 1970s because of better legal protection and control of pesticides. The birds are usually found around the sea coast but have recently been seen in more built up areas.

Professor Wood from the University's Department of Hispanic Studies and Chair of the Sheffield Bird Study Group: "Peregrines are one of the most spectacular species in Britain, traditionally associated with remote sea cliffs and inaccessible sites, and to be able to see them in urban Sheffield is an absolute privilege. I know they have brought a great deal of pleasure to local residents around St George's and beyond, as well as to me personally."

Phil Riley said: "The success has been a University-wide effort. I worked closely with Professor Wood, Jim Lonsdale and other colleagues in the University's Department of Estates and Facilities Management to ensure a suitable nest box was constructed and appropriately located. I am delighted that all our hard work has been rewarded."

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