As the peregrine chicks get older, the parents are leaving them unguarded for longer.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, during the course of the public watch (20 hours in total), the chicks were left alone for nearly seven and a half hours. Although they are still white and fluffy they are growing rapidly and are armed with a sharp beak and large talons, that would be fit to see off potential predators.

Thursday, however, was a particularly wet day, with the adult birds spending much of the time sheltering around the gorge.

Perhaps the wind is coming from a slightly different direction as the tiercel (male) has not been using his favourite perches. Instead he has been spotted on a ledge about four metres to the left of the eyrie and another above and to the left of the eyrie. These appear to be well chosen spots as they both remained dry throughout the day.

Hopefully the weather will improve tomorrow!

Rhian – Seasonal Ranger