Peregrine partners holding out for more good news after the highs and lows of 2021

Peregrine partners holding out for more good news after the highs and lows of 2021

After the highs and lows of the 2021 season for followers of the ever popular peregrine nest atop Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Newton Building in Nottingham City Centre, news that eggs have been laid by the female that took over the nest last year have been welcomed by the university and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust which helps monitor the nest.
The fourth Peregrine Falcon egg has been laid for 2022

The first egg was laid on Thursday evening whilst a second arrived late on Saturday night. The third was laid early on Tuesday 29th with a fourth laid after the snow flurries on Thursday.

Last year saw high drama and mixed emotions as the longstanding female, known as ‘Mrs P’ was found dead and a new female ‘P9’ took her place. The change resulted in the eggs laid by the original female in mid-March not hatching - much to the heartbreak of many of the record number of people who were watching via the webcams.

As the season progressed, sorrow turned to joy as P9 successfully mated with the resident Male – ‘Archie’ and produced two eggs in early April. It wasn’t all plain sailing for the new pair with one of their eggs failing to hatch, but the pair fledged a male chick – making it a successful season despite the challenges.

With the results of a Post Mortem on Mrs P confirming that she died, as suspected, due to a collision, with no sign of foul play, and the new pairing now looking set for another successful season, NTU and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust are once again hoping that the high definition cameras provide viewers from across the UK and beyond with a privileged window onto these amazing wild birds.

Let’s hope Archie and P9 (Peanut) are successful again this year, from the relative safety of their high rise city centre nest – we’ll all be watching the live feed eagerly.
Charmaine Morell, Head of Sustainability
Nottingham Trent University

Speaking on behalf of NTU Head of Sustainability Charmaine Morell said: “It’s a special time of year when the falcons return to their nest at Nottingham Trent University and lay eggs, it’s a sign that the excitement and drama is beginning.  Events in the nest are watched by their huge fan base, some one million views world wide over the past few years, including the staff and students at Nottingham Trent University.  Let’s hope Archie and P9 (Peanut) are successful again this year, from the relative safety of their high rise city centre nest – we’ll all be watching the live feed eagerly.”

Sadly, these birds are still persecuted, and many nests targeted by egg thieves or people intent on killing the birds.
John Rattray, Head of Nature Recovery (South)
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

Speaking on behalf of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Head of Nature Recovery (South) John Rattray said: “Peregrine falcons are one of our most amazing birds of prey and it’s wonderful that we have such a successful nest right at the heart of our city. Sadly, these birds are still persecuted, and many nests targeted by egg thieves or people intent on killing the birds. That’s why we’re delighted to be able to work with NTU to protect our Nottingham pair and that the fabulous cameras provided by the University for security also provide people from across the globe the chance to watch on in awe.”

The Wildlife Trust has been working in partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for the past two decades to protect the nest site and high definition cameras were installed in 2012 – enabling the footage to be shared via the internet for the first time. Since the cameras were installed, viewers have seen 29 chicks fledge – with 40 chicks fledging in total since the birds took up residence. In 2021 the NTU team installed new cameras to ensure that viewers can watch the live webcam online.