Peregrine falcon chicks prepare to leave New Milton water tower nest

A BROOD of peregrine falcon chicks on New Milton’s water tower are preparing to fly the nest after surviving “against all odds”.

The prospects for the hatchlings did not look good when, in April, the male falcon went missing shortly after his mate started incubating this year’s eggs.

It was feared that even if they hatched successfully, the chicks would die as the mum would struggle to keep the them warm while hunting enough food for herself and her offspring.

But despite the early fears, in May two eggs hatched, and both chicks – known as eyeasses – have survived.

The protected birds were first spotted on the Bournemouth Water-owned tower in 2016. Since then they have successfully reared three broods.

In 2018 there were only 20 recorded breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in Hampshire.

The chicks have already started to venture out of the nesting box, and last week they were ringed for identification in preparation for when they leave the nest completely.

Bournemouth Water's national environmental programme and climate change manager, Saska McGrath, said: “There have been more than a few anxious moments over the last couple of months. Many people have been willing the female falcon and her chicks to survive.

“There aren’t that many recorded breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in Hampshire, so while we’re very sad that our adult male has gone missing, it’s great news that two more chicks will join the peregrine population.”

Chairman of the Hampshire Ornithological Society, Keith Betton, said: “What an amazing female she is, rearing the chicks against all odds.

“We are sad that her partner has vanished. He was six years old. However, a new male has been turning up recently so hopefully our female will accept him as a partner.”

In February 2017, a nesting box was placed on top of the tower after Keith and Joanna Hayward, from New Milton Town Council, contacted Bournemouth Water to see what could be done to assist the protected birds and encourage them to nest on the 30-metre high octagonal tower.

After an investigation to find the best area, one was installed and, much to the delight of everyone involved, the peregrines started using it in April that year.

Peregrine falcons are a protected species and it is an offence to intentionally take, injure or kill them, or to damage or destroy their nest, eggs or young.

Incubation of peregrine falcon eggs takes 29-32 days, with both parents sharing the task. Brooding and feeding for the first two weeks is carried out by the female, while the male hunts in the air to catch prey – often pigeons – sometimes at speeds of around 200mph.

To observe the chicks by webcam go to 176.35.82.135/control/userimage.html and use the username: water, and password: wat3r