The two chicks of popular Malham peregrines have taken their first flights from the nest and are delighting visitors to the cove.
Staff and volunteers from the RSPB and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) are running a special, free peregrine viewpoint at the foot of the cove where visitors can watch the exciting activity of the chicks and their parents.
Jon Carter, RSPB Face to Face Area Manager, said: “Now is the perfect time to come and see the young peregrines taking to the air. They are discovering just what their powerful wings are for and have been spotted swooping and playing above us as well as perching out on the iconic ledges of Malham Cove. It’s the ideal backdrop for visitors to witness these famously fast falcons in action.”
The viewpoint is open from 10.30 am-4.30 pm Saturdays to Wednesdays inclusive (weather permitting) until 31 July.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Wildlife Conservation Officer Ian Court added: “It is fantastic news that once again, the Peregrines have managed to raise a brood at Malham Cove. This is now the 20th year that a pair have been successful, proving just what an important site this is for these magnificent birds of prey. We are now looking forward to several weeks of spectacular views as these young birds practice their flying skills in and around the Cove”.
As in previous years, people are being asked to stay away from the nest site, and the British Mountaineering Council has once again agreed to impose temporary, voluntary rock climbing restrictions around it. An area at the top of the cliff has also been sealed off and visitors are asked to follow any on-site signage.
Along with the peregrines, visitors to the site can get views of a great variety of other wildlife that calls Malham Cove home including green woodpeckers, house martins and little owls.
The Malham project is run in partnership with the YDNPA as part of the RSPB’s Date with Nature programme of events, which makes rare and spectacular birds and animals accessible for everyone to see.
Volunteers at the viewpoint will be providing weekly updates on a special National Park Authority website at www.malhamperegrines.org.uk and the birds are featured on Twitter using @malhamperegrine and on the RSPB’s Facebook pages.
