Spring has sprung and with it, two unsuspecting reality TV stars are once again providing the town with widespread delight and fascination as Woking’s Peregrine Falcon pair returns to raise another feathery family.

Perched atop a ledge on the tallest building in Woking, they can be regularly seen guarding the entrance to their custom-built nest box in Export House.

Avid observers of the birds online were left shell-shocked last week as one egg after another arrived in quick succession during the female’s laying period. Since 16 March, she has laid a record number of five eggs and the parents are now taking turns to incubate the impressive clutch.

Last year, in a pioneering project, Woking Borough Council and numerous partners installed the safe, warm nest box, along with a live stream webcam, for the two falcons that had made their home there for a number of years. The plan was to support a successful breeding season, whilst capturing every moment on film.

Craig Denford, the website manager for the project said: “The scheme was a huge success last year and this year there are three cameras and infrared settings to allow for night viewings of the birds. The website has had traffic from all over the globe and the story was even picked up by ITV News London. We have had feedback from as far away as Thailand, where it has been used by an English teacher in one of her classes!”

Birdwatching enthusiast and WWF employee James Sellen has kept a close eye on them. He said: “It is a real joy to watch the birds undertaking their roles as parents once again, blissfully unaware of the stir they are causing in the town below and around the world. Over the coming weeks, we expect members of the public to be able to witness the eggs hatch, the feeding of the young and then the parents teaching them how to fly, hunt and eventually fledge the nest, to start their own family elsewhere. Lucky locals may even get a live show if they take a few moments to look up as they pass the foot of Export House.”

Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Sustainability, said: “Only 50 years ago, Peregrine Falcons were almost extinct. When the species found their wings again, they adapted to life in an urban setting and made their way to Woking where sightings have been regularly recorded for over 15 years.

“To have reached a point where we can celebrate the endeavours of an actively breeding pair in our home town is a triumph for nature and a wonderful jewel in Woking’s tallest crown.”

The eggs are normally incubated for just over a month and so the first chick is expected to hatch just after Easter, around the end of April. Last year the event was a cracking good show, as two juvenile birds survived and were raised to adulthood.

This year, hopes are high for more success and anyone interested hearing ‘tweets’ directly from the beak of the birds should follow @wokingperegrine on twitter or tune in at www.wokingperegrines.com

For further information, please contact Tracey Haskins, Woking Borough Council’s Green Infrastructure Manager on 01483 743477 or email [email protected]

The Woking Peregrine Project is supported by partners, including Akiko web design agency, Arcom IT Support, Woking Borough Council and Woking Shopping, WWF, Nick Dixon and Wildlife Windows. A full list of partners can be found on www.wokingperegrines.com.

Article by Woking Borough Council