Peregrines in Hertford, 29th March 2026

With less persecution and poisons banned, Peregrines have rapidly expanded their range over the last couple of decades and recently there have been at least six breeding pairs in Hertfordshire. The most notable ones are the ones on St Albans Cathedral. The Hertford story goes back to February 2021 when a male and a young female were spotted on All Saints Church. They did not breed but the following year a new female arrived. From her ring markings she was christened Flo and fledged on Salisbury Cathedral. Again no breeding and indeed Flo deserted Hertford for Welwyn Garden City! In 2024 and 2025 a new pair arrived and tried to breed on the A10 viaduct raising one chick last year which sadly did not fledge. This year however, two birds have been seen again on the church, so fingers crossed, they may attempt to nest. Time therefore for a visit and I was instantly serenaded by a Blackcap and greeted by this chap!

As well as a small carpet of Wood Anemone.

This Jay also showed extremely well.

But back to the Peregrines! When I arrived one bird was present sat up on a gargoyle. I am fairly sure because of the size, that this is the female and appeared not to be ringed. She stayed put for over an hour, every so often preening.

So no sign of the male today, but Alan Reynolds went down a couple of days later and saw both birds. The male is ringed, and hopefully we should find where he was fledged. It is certainly a different bird to last year. Fingers crossed for breeding this year, and look out for Alan's blog coming soon!