MALHAM COVE’S pair of Peregrine Falcons are in for a hectic time over the coming months following the arrival of some chicks.

But RSPB and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) volunteers who man the Falcon Watch station in the cove are eagerly waiting for the moment the chicks leave the nest – to find out how many there are.

Ian Court, the YDNPA’s Wildlife Conservation Officer, said: “It is fantastic news that the peregrines have now got young.

“We can’t see into the nest because it’s obscured by grass but we know there are some chicks because the behaviour of the adult birds has changed.

“They are taking food into the nest all the time which means they are incubating youngsters but we don’t know any more than that – which is quite frustrating.

“The staff will be keeping a very close watch on the birds during the coming days to try to work out how many chicks there are.”

Matthew Capper, the RSPB’s People Engagement Officer, said: “Now is an excellent time to visit the Cove as visitors over the next few weeks can expect to see an increasing amount of activity as the parent birds will be spending more and more time providing food for the youngsters.”

As in previous years, the RSPB and the National Park Authority have teamed up to stage a free Falcon Watch throughout the summer so people can follow the magnificent birds through high-powered telescopes.

The site is open every day between 10.30am and 4.30pm (weather permitting) until 30 August.