Predator Species Takes Up Residence In Woking: Watch Peregrins’ Nest Site Live On A Webcam

Published on: 27 Apr, 2016
Updated on: 27 Apr, 2016

Countryman Malcolm Fincham, whose regular Birdwatcher’s Diary reports in The Guildford Dragon NEWS are much enjoyed by our readers, writes about a pair of peregrins who have nested high up on Woking’s Export House building. You can even watch their progress via a webcam on a dedicated website.

A peregrin flies to the nest site at Export House in Woking. Click on all images to enlarge in a new window. All pictures by James Sellen.

A predator species has taken up residence in Woking. This time fortunately not of the Martian kind that landed on nearby on Horsell Common and featured in the novel The War of the Worlds by science fiction writer H. G. Wells.

In contrast, they are a welcomed guest to birdwatchers. And to many with an interest in nature too. Anyone can now tune in on the internet to a webcam that has been set up to monitor live 24-hour coverage of a pair of peregrines now residing at Export House in the centre of Woking.

Going to the nest site.

I’ve saved it as a bookmark on my computer and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed, and neither will you. Go to: http://wokingperegrines.akikodesign.com

A short interview with fellow keen wildlife photographer James Sellen reveals much of the work that has been going on behind the scenes.

He has also kindly provided some of the photos of the falcons he has taken while following their progress.

The nest site is here!

James said: ”The story so far is that the nest box CCTV installation was completed at the end of January 2016 and mating was seen late February to mid late March.

“Four eggs were laid between March 22 to 28. We are now anticipating and hoping hatching will occur between now and the end of April.

James also insisted I should mention the wonderful work and assistance and time donated by Nick Dixon http://www.urbanperegrines.co.uk/talks/ .

James said: “He has been a tremendous help with our project. He wrote an excellent report which has enabled us to plan, site and install the nest box in time for this breeding season.

“There have been numerous people and organisations who have also helped and given their consent for this project. The partners section on the website shows the main supporters. Craig Denford has built and maintains the website. Top job!”

View from the webcam showing the eggs that have ben laid.

James also mentioned: ”I have been watching this pair of peregrines since February 2015. During the following months they have become inseparable and I kept a friend, John Bannister, updated with my sightings.

“John is a big peregrine fan and represents the Guildford Environmental Forum. In June 2015 he suggested we contact the owners of Export House to suggest the installation of the peregrine nest box.

“By chance, I met Martin Pooley (head of operations at Woking Shopping) a couple of months previous and he was very keen to learn more about the resident falcons.

One of the parents sitting on the eggs while the other looks on.

“John and myself had our first meeting with Martin and this was followed with two meetings in September and October during which Nick Dixon helped with the planning and documentation of the proposed project.

“Thanks to Martin’s management of Export House, contacts with Woking Borough Council and good relationship with the building’s tenants, we got approval for the project and this was further supported by English Nature.

“In November 2015, Jason Fathers (Wildlife Windows) joined us at Export House to plan and quote for the work necessary to construct and install the nest box and supply and install the CCTV system which is now fully operational.

“The nest box and CCTV installation was completed at the end of January and mating was seen late February to mid and late March.

“Nest cam watching is now not an option! We have had offers of help from two local RSPB groups and the Surrey Bird Club. It is proposed they will show visitors to Woking town the peregrines from Jubilee Square and the Peacock’s car park. Permission for this has been granted by Woking Borough Council who are very keen to support our project.”

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