Peregrine Project - St Wulfram's 2026 Blog

 Live Images via YouTube from St Wulfram's in Grantham!

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5th June 2026

The two Peregrine chicks are becoming increasingly adventurous and have now wandered well away from their original nest tray, exploring the upper reaches of the church tower. In this image they have made their way to the parapet access door, a route that will eventually lead them out onto the tower ledges and their first views of the world beyond the nest site. Curiosity is a vital part of a young Peregrine's development, and these exploratory walks help build strength, balance and confidence long before their first flight. Although still sporting patches of fluffy white down, their wings and tails are developing rapidly, and they are beginning to look much more like miniature falcons. Over the coming days they are likely to spend more time investigating every corner of the tower, exercising their wings and preparing for the next great milestone in their lives – fledging and taking to the skies above the church for the very first time.

4th June 2026

Having grown rapidly over recent weeks, these two Peregrine chicks are now becoming increasingly adventurous and have wandered away from the safety of the nest tray to explore their lofty surroundings. In this image they have squeezed themselves beneath the nest camera, using it as a convenient shelter from the elements while they rest side by side. Their developing wing and tail feathers are now clearly visible amongst the fluffy white down, giving a glimpse of the powerful falcons they will soon become. Although they still look rather untidy and oversized for their surroundings, this period of exploration is an important stage in their development, helping them build confidence, strength and coordination. Over the next few weeks these curious youngsters will spend more time exercising their wings, clambering around the tower ledge and preparing for the moment when they finally take their first flight above the town skyline

2nd June 2026

These two Peregrine chicks are entering one of the most exciting stages of their development. Still covered in patches of soft white down, they are now rapidly growing their juvenile feathers, giving them a distinctive mottled appearance as they transition from fluffy nestlings into young falcons. Their oversized feet and powerful talons seem almost comical in comparison to their still-downy bodies, but these will soon become the formidable tools of one of the world's fastest predators. Alert and inquisitive, both chicks are already spending more time standing and exploring their nest ledge, strengthening their legs and wings in preparation for fledging. Over the next few weeks they will continue to grow at an astonishing rate, with the fluffy white down gradually disappearing as sleek brown plumage emerges, transforming these endearing youngsters into fully fledged Peregrines ready to take to the skies.

31st May 2026

The Peregrine chicks are growing at an incredible rate now, and every day brings a noticeable change. From fluffy white bundles just a short while ago, they are rapidly developing their juvenile plumage and becoming more active around the nest ledge.

With appetites to match their growth, breakfast is a busy affair as the adults make regular food deliveries to keep the hungry youngsters fed. Over the coming weeks they'll continue to strengthen their wings, exercise on the ledge and prepare for the moment every Peregrine watcher looks forward to — their first flight.

For now, it's breakfast with a spectacular view from high above the town!

29th May 2026

The St Wulfram's chick; XZT at 642 gm on Male, XDV at 910 gm Female and XFV at 683 gm Male (c) Alan Ball

The St Wulfram's chick; XZT at 642 gm on Male, XDV at 910 gm Female and XFV at 683 gm Male (c) Alan Ball

XFV a male chick weighing 683g on 29th May 2026 (c) Alan Ball

14th May 2026

6th May 2026

The thrid chick appear at around 04.00am...

5th May 2026

The long wait is over, the first egg hatch today at around 12.30pm

With a second chick appearing later the same day...

6th April 2026

The female, currently on incubation duties, takes a brief moment to shuffle and scratch before resettling on the eggs. Notably, she carefully keeps her talons tucked in and controlled beneath her body, ensuring there is no risk of damaging the clutch. This delicate behaviour highlights the precision and instinctive care birds show during incubation, where even the smallest movement is managed to protect the developing eggs.

5th April 2026

The female is still fast asleep when the male arrives at changeover time…

4th April 2026

After a three hour stint on the nest by the male, the female takes over...

3rd April 2026

It was very windy today. A short clip of the female taking over incubation duties from the male.

2nd April 2026

The 4th egg was laid today at 12.30hrs

The female took a break and the male attempted to cover the four eggs but struggled...

30th March 2026

Change over time, look at the difference in size between the leaving male and the arriving female. We expect her to produce the next egg very soon...

And, the third egg arrives at 17.07hrs. At first glimpse it is difficult to see but there are two under her chest and as she moves it reveals the third behind her. Honest!!

29th March 2026

The male arriving at the nest tray to take over incubation duties on a cold night in Grantham.

The female returns to the tray for her stint on the eggs.

28th March 2026

We have a 2nd egg - appear approx 23.30hrs last night!

27th Mar 2026

The female at the nest tray.

26th Mar 2026

After yesterday's clumsy performance, he had a go at sitting on the egg....

25th Mar 2026
The first egg laid this morning at 07.15

The first egg laid and the male lands in the tray and 'dump' a prey item on it!

17th Mar 2026

Lots of activity on the tray now...visits by both whilst still dark today, and both birds together since

The male and female in the nest tray.

17th Feb 2026

Our regular pair visited at 0800 and 1520, BUT he called to a new female who visited at 1036...can't make out the colour ring but wondering whether it's blue MK.

Photo: The male "VAF" on site on 4th Feb 2026