Wildlife

Wild Peregrine Nest Site Protection

Peregrine nest site protection prevents disturbance during incubation and chick rearing, with wardening schemes supporting breeding success.

Key Facts

Peregrine falcons return to the same nest sites (eyries) year after year
Nest disturbance during incubation causes egg cooling and desertion
RSPB provides round-the-clock wardening at some key peregrine sites
Nest sites on urban buildings and bridges require different protection approaches
Illegal egg collecting and persecution continue to threaten some peregrine populations

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine welfare at nest sites depends on freedom from disturbance during the critical breeding period. Nest desertion from disturbance causes total breeding failure. Wardening schemes that allow public observation from safe distances protect welfare while engaging the public in this charismatic bird's recovery.

What You Can Do

View peregrine nests from designated public hides or viewpoints only
Support RSPB nest wardening programmes
Report suspected nest disturbance or egg collecting to the police wildlife crime unit