[V]isitors to the peregrine falcon viewpoint at Malham Cove have been treated to the sight of two chicks shuffling out of their nest site.
The chicks are regularly pleasing onlookers by leaving their nest, hidden away in a crevice, to come to the edge of a ledge high up the face of the Cove. Now over three weeks old, they are increasingly keen to explore their surroundings.
On Sunday members of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce team were among those checking out the birds. They joined Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) Wildlife Officer, Ian Court, for a routine walkabout.
The free public viewpoint, at the base of the Cove, is open from 10:30 to 16:30 five days a week, from Thursday to Monday (closed Tues and Wed) until 30 July. RSPB and YDNPA staff or volunteers are on hand to show people the birds through telescopes.
Ian Court said: “It is great that we have finally been able to see the youngsters for the first time. Over the next few weeks the adult birds will have their work cut out to feed their hungry family and we will be looking forward to seeing plenty of activity at the Cove.
“We work closely with the police as we look to keep a close eye on the birds. While the birds are showing well we are encouraging visitors to help play their part in maintaining this as one of the most successful sites in the National Park by adhering to the on site signage, and keeping out of the restricted area at the top of the Cove.”
RSPB Area Manager Anthony Hills said: “We’re really excited to have had the first views of two fluffy peregrine chicks. They peeped out over the bank holiday weekend, delighting our visitors, and it will only be a few weeks until they are taking their first tentative flights. We hope lots of people come to the Cove to see these lovely new additions and their busy parents who are keeping them well fed.”
The latest information about the peregrines at Malham Cove can always be found at:
