New arrivals hatch in nest box and take first flights around ground.
Milton Keynes Dons staff have been celebrating three new arrivals to the club – a trio of Peregrine Falcon chicks.
The baby birds of prey, which hatched from their eggs at the end of May, have been seen by staff for the first time this week taking their first flights around the ground.
They are not strong enough to fly through the top and leave the safety of the stadium yet, but they have been seen – and heard – regularly soaring through the stands.
Falcons have been used at Stadium MK since the ground was built in 2007 and two birds were originally brought in for pest control. But in 2008, a pair of wild birds set up home in the ground and have remained there ever since.
The baby trio are expected to stay in the stadium for a few more weeks before they ‘fly the nest’ and find their own hunting ground. But for now, they are not ready to go.
“One chick was caught in the roof netting yesterday but thanks to the swift reporting from the cleaning team we managed to get it free and flying again,” said Kelly Day, of MK Dons security team, who has been watching over the birds.
“They are likely to be on site for a few more weeks while they grow their strength and are still being fed by mum and dad. They are more scared of us than the other way around. They will make a loud noise as will mum or dad but there is nothing to suggest they will come towards you.”
