Two more peregrine chicks in 2007

Having developed adult plumage a chick prepares
to fly the nest

THE latest arrivals in the Yorkshire Dales - two Peregrine Falcon chicks - are getting in a flap as they prepare to leave the nest for the first time.

The youngsters are testing their wings before literally taking the plunge after spending weeks in the family home high on the rock face at Malham Cove - and mum and dad will be standing by to put the chicks through their paces once they are airborne.

The whole spectacle will be compulsive viewing over the coming weeks and months as the resident adult birds teach their offspring the flying and hunting skills they will need if they are to survive.

Visitors to the Cove will be able to see the highflyers in action thanks to a special viewpoint set up and run by the RSPB and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA).

A team of RSPB and Park staff and volunteers are on hand every day to show visitors the birds through high-powered telescopes.

This year's chicks have been named Sophie and Joshua after the grandchildren of two of the volunteers.

Ian Court, YDNPA Wildlife Conservation Officer, said: "It really is something worth seeing as the adults teach them to fly and hunt on the wing.

"The parents will provide the food at first but, as the chicks get better at flying, they will give them less and less as they learn to fend for themselves."

David Hirst of the RSPB Northern England Region added: "The coming months are going to produce some amazing sights for visitors as the chicks develop their skills against the dramatic backdrop of Malham Cove.

"They will provide an even better reason to pay the Peregrine Watch team a visit this summer."

The coming months are going to produce some amazing sights for visitors

David Hirst - RSPB

"As always, we really appreciate the YDNPA's help and enthusiasm for the peregrine watch and we would like to say thank you, to the many volunteers who help out with the project and to the people of Malham village for their support."

Last year a pair of nesting Peregrines produced two chicks which the Peregrine Watch team named Clint and Gryke after the limestone blocks and fissures of the Malhamdale landscape.

To see the peregrines, go along to the viewpoint at the foot of the Cove any day until 5 August. The Peregrine Watch team will be present daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Last year around 28,500 people, including 3,500 school children flocked to Malham Cove to watch the birds.

For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk/brilliant