New pictures of peregrine chicks

Photographer Chris Skipper enjoyed a close encounter with Norwich Cathedral's three peregrine falcon chicks and captured some incredible pictures of the youngsters. Chris was able to snap photos like the one below while members of the Hawk and Owl Trust ringed the birds who are being reared on the spire of the Cathedral.

Zoe Smith, the Hawk and Owl Trust's peregrine project officer, said putting rings on the birds helped with research and that each of the chicks has now been given a name - YL, YS and L7.

She said: "Putting a ring on the birds is useful for research and the protection of the birds.

We will now be able to identify where the birds go after leaving the Norwich nest and in a few years we may see them setting up a new territory to breed and we will know they were born on Norwich Cathedral in 2019.

It is useful information to know the age of the bird when it is seen again."

As previously reported, four peregrine falcon chicks hatched on Norwich Cathedral's spire last month (April) but unfortunately one of the chicks died after the adult male accidentally pierced the chick with one of his talons.

People can keep up to date with the Cathedral's resident falcons thanks to the Hawk and Owl Trust's special watchpoint which will be open in the Lower Close every day until Sunday 14 July.

Free telescopes and binoculars are available for people view the birds, and Hawk and Owl Trust volunteers are on hand to tell you more about them.

People can also watch the peregrines while enjoying a cup of coffee in the Refectory thanks to a live video stream from the nesting box.

The birds of prey have developed quite a following in recent years and more than 30,000 people are expected to visit the watchpoint over the next couple of months to see the latest arrivals.

The watchpoint will be in the Lower Close from Saturday 6 April until Sunday 14 July.

It is open every day from 10am until 4pm.