To see a log of current events and activities please visit the Daily Commentary Page or for older information please the Archive Page.
Background
A nesting box with platform was installed in Leicester Cathedral spire in 2016. In 2017, the pair attempted to breed on the platform but both clutches failed. In 2018, the same pair managed to rear two young to fledging, and in 2019, three young also successfully fledged. The next two years both ended in breeding failure: the battle of two females led to the loss of four eggs in 2020, and one egg laid in 2021 by what appeared to be an inexperienced female, proved to be infertile.
In 2022, the same pair that ended 2021 continued to bond successfully and by 1 April, four eggs had been laid. However, The traumas at Leicester Cathedral continued and took another dramatic twist. Our original male, at an age of almost 14 years, died due to injuries caused by an intruding male. The new male took up residence with the sitting female and helped to rear two juveniles to fledge that were not his young – a most unusual process. One juvenile THC, left the territory very early in its development. Unfortunately, there was a serious outbreak of Avian Influenza in the country and the resident female, juvenile TJC and the new male all died from the disease. In addition, another unidentified female found at Leicester University, had suffered the same fate.
The 2023 Season
The full story of the 2023 season will appear here shortly.