VIDEO: Peregrine chicks get in a flap over buzzards
Chichester Cathedral's newest additions have trebled in size since hatching just over two weeks ago – and have been causing a stir high up in the clock tower.
The four little peregrine chicks usually spend their days flapping their wings and preening each other in between being fed by their parents.
But on Saturday buzzards flew over the nest while the chicks were alone.
Hester Phillips from the RSPB said: "Mum and dad jumped into action with all manner of squawking and screeching and saw off the buzzards fairly decisively.
"The chicks are slowly being given more freedom, with the mother peregrine spending more and more time off the nest.
"One of the parents is always in close proximity, though, often perching on a nearby turret while the other goes off to find food.
"Both are experienced hunters and bring in a good amount of prey."
The chicks will be ringed in the next few weeks and their sexes will be determined.
It takes about six weeks for the youngsters to grow to full size before they take their first tentative flights.
You can see the peregrine chicks close-up by visiting the RSPB's Date With Nature viewpoint at the cathedral every day until June 21.
Live footage from the nest is beamed to a screen below with experts on hand to answer questions.
Sarah Dale
Click the green play button to see the latest video clip of the chicks in the nest with their parents.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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