More time to see Malham Cove falcons (From Craven Herald)

More time to see Malham Cove falcons

9:00am Tuesday 14th August 2012 in News

Visitors to Malham Cove have an extra few weeks to see the resident Peregrine falcons in action.

A special, free peregrine watch viewpoint run jointly each year by the RSPB and the Yorkshire Dales National Park was due to close on July 31 but will stay open until August 27.

The two adult birds nesting on the rock face have produced two chicks and, as in previous years, the family has been a real crowd puller, with visitors watching their airborne antics through high-powered telescopes at the viewpoint.

Ian Court, the park’s wildlife conservation officer, said: “Despite the terrible weather, it has been another successful year for the falcons. Poor weather in April can be potentially very dangerous for the chicks because they can get wet and chilled and eventually die. But the two reared here have not only survived but are doing really well.”

Peregrines started nesting at the Cove 19 years ago and since then they have raised 40 young.

The viewpoint opens each week from Saturday to Wednesday inclusive between 10.30am and 4.30pm (weather permitting).

More information about the Malham Peregrines can be found at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/peregrines and they will be featured on Twitter using #malhamperegrines and on the Malham Peregrine Watch Facebook group.