WINCHESTER Cathedral's peregrine chicks have been stretching their wings for the first time.

The chicks have been absent from their perch in recent days.

On the cathedral's website, Keith Betton, chair of Hampshire Ornithological Society, said: “Our chicks are growing well and are exercising their wings daily. They often prefer the side gully, which is off camera, although feeds seem to be around the nest tray. Very soon they will be far more mobile and could be anywhere in the gully.

READ MORE: Winchester Cathedral's peregrine chicks receive orange rings to help identify them

“A few people have asked for an explanation of food caching. Winnie and William sometimes cache a portion or a whole kill if they find themselves with too much food at one time. They will push it into a corner somewhere to use later, although usually they will pluck the prey and eat part of it immediately. Often a series of shrivelled-up wings and headless bodies are left abandoned in the gully and never used. It’s a bit grim in the gully already! William will mostly cache food to supply Winnie and the chicks. Occasionally he will take food that Winnie has cached, although he usually does so only once he has alerted her to his intentions using soft “chup” calls.”

Winchester Cathedral are hosting a talk, by Mr Betton, about the peregrines on June 10, at 7pm over Zoom. Tickets can be booked by visiting the cathedral's website.

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