VISITORS to the peregrine falcon viewing point at Malham Cove have been treated to the sight of young birds taking their first flights.

Two six week old falcons - already the same size as their parents - have taken to the skies, after spending a number of days building up strength in their flight muscles by wing-flapping on the edge of their nest ledge.

The young will be dependent on the adults for food for quite some time and so will spend the next few weeks staying close to the nest site, practicing their flying skills in and around the cove.

The free public viewpoint is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, five days a week, from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) until July 30. Wildlife charity, the RSPB and national park staff or volunteers are on hand to show people the birds through telescopes.

Anthony Hills from the RSPB said “We’re excited to see the two peregrine chicks taking to the skies. Visitors to the cove are being treated to great views of the youngsters as they learn how to swoop, dive, perch and hunt with their parents. These famously fast falcons provide daily drama, so why not bring your family along to the viewpoint where the staff and volunteers will be only too pleased to point out the birds and give you the latest news.”

Ian Court, the national park's wildlife officer, added: “It is fantastic news that once again the Malham peregrines have successfully fledged young. In the coming weeks visitors to the viewpoint should get some spectacular views as the young often fly right overhead.”

People are asked to adhere to the seasonal access restrictions that are in place at the cove to help prevent any unintentional disturbance to the peregrines. Restrictions will be in place until the young birds have left the area.

The free public viewpoint is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, five days a week, from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) until July 30. RSPB and national park staff or volunteers are on hand to show people the birds through telescopes.

The viewpoint is part of the Malham Peregrine Project, a partnership between the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the RSPB which is now in its 16th year. The latest information can be found at:twitter.com/malhamperegrine

and at: facebook.com/natureinthedales