Ravens move to Chichester cathedral spire — but what do the falcons make of it?

One of the ravens carrying some material for the nest. Photo credit to David and Janet Shaw | other

Chichester cathedral spire has long been home to families of peregrine falcons but will they get along with the building's newest occupants?

A pair of ravens began building their nest on the cathedral's spire last week — only feet away from the nest of a pair of peregrine falcons.

The oily-black scavengers are still settling into their new home but people are unsure how they will live alongside their raptor roof-mates.

Janet and David Shaw, from Worthing, have always had an interest in wildlife and have been watching the peregrines at Chichester Cathedral in 2001 and after setting up a website dedicated to them, their involvement became 'deeper and deeper'.

Janet said: "The peregrines are not very pleased. We were there on Sunday and we watch the female chase after both of them. They are both busy making a nest — [the ravens] haven't laid any eggs.

"They could live alongside each other. They often nest on chalk cliffs. No one I have spoken to has seen them living quite so close."

As scavengers, there is a chance the ravens could steal and each peregrine eggs or chicks, so they will have to be vigilant.

"We will have to wait and see," Janet added, "The peregrines are defending their territory but the are not there all the time."