Mystery after peregrine falcon chicks living in cathedral found poisoned

Bird lovers across the UK have been left shocked after the Internet-famous peregrine falcon chicks were poisoned.

The chicks started their journey high up on the Worcester Cathedral, far away from human and most animal threats on the ground.

Three chicks hatched in the nest earlier this year, and the delighted cathedral launched a live stream to show their journey to the rest of the world.

Their parents, a falcon couple named Peter and Peggy, tended to the chicks as the world watched on.

But suddenly in May, the three chicks died.

Now a post-mortem examination of two of the chicks has revealed that the cause of their untimely death was ingesting poison.

Worcester Cathedral said: ‘Two of the carcases were recovered by the Peregrine Falcons in Worcester team and sent to a lab for analysis.

The post-mortems have now been returned which show the birds’ cause of death as having ingested poison.

‘It is unknown how the chicks came to ingest a poison, and it is terribly sad that this happened this year, after three hugely successful years previously, where four chicks hatched each time and fledged successfully.

‘Previous years’ juveniles have been sighted as far away as Bolton and London, which is wonderful, and we hope for more success in the future.

‘The established pair of adults, affectionately known as Peter and Peggy, or Mr and Mrs P, have been sighted regularly around the Cathedral and City since May, and both appear to be in good health. They have proven themselves to be excellent parents, so there’s no reason not to look forward to a more positive outcome next year.’

The post-mortem results were reported to the authorities and to the British Trust for Ornithology.

People reacted after the chicks’ cause of death was revealed, with many wishing Mr and Mrs P better luck next year on social media.

One person said: ‘Incredibly sad. Hopefully they nest again this year without mishaps.’

Another one wrote: ‘Possibly poisoning from rodent control and then rodent fed to chicks. Very sad.’

The cathedral tower has become a popular spot for the falcons’ home after it seemed at one point they might not return.

After over a ten-year gap, a peregrine falcon couple moved into the cathedral in 2022, and successfully produced and fledged four chicks.

The pair returned the following year and in 2024 to raise four chicks each season, the cathedral said.

A 24/7 high-resolution camera caputring audio as well was installed in 2023 so bird fans could follow closely what happens in the nest.

Footage before the death of the latest batch of chicks showed them hatching and feeding on various small animals their parents carried in.

Peregrine falcons are no longer considered endangered, but the species came under threat from the widely used pesticide DDT before it was banned.

Metro contacted Worcester Cathedral for a comment.

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