After recent bad weather, two peregrine falcon chicks have battled the elements and been seen at Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales.
This comes as particularly good news as numbers fell dramatically in the 1950s as a result of the impact of pesticides. Their numbers now stand at around 1,300 breeding pairs in the UK.
Peregrine falcons have been breeding at Malham Cove, a curved limestone cliff, and the Yorkshire Dales for 19 years and have produced 40 chicks. These two chicks indicate that numbers are continuing to rise.
Wildlife conservation officers now believe there to be at least two chicks. They expect to see them taking their first flights in a matter of weeks. This usually occurs five to six weeks after birth.
Their nest is out of sight and has been blocked off to the public to prevent disturbance, and visitors have been asked to remain away from the nest.
However, the RSPB and YDNPA have set up free viewings until July and the chicks can been seen through telescopes in the viewing area.
This watch site has been running for 10 years and has been hugely popular. this year it is expected that over 170,000 people will come to view these magnificent birds.
For more information on the Malham Cove peregrine falcons, please click here.
Main Image ©Shutterstock
