Look up and you might be lucky enough to see a Peregrine Falcon soaring overhead - the fastest known living creature. On the top ledge of the northern side of the hospital's eastern wing a pair of Peregrine Falcons have their nest. Tom, the male, is a good age now, but is still very capable of defending his territory. He arrived at the hospital as an adult in October 2011. His long-time mate sadly died but Azina  (a young female) has paired with him since 2021. They have formed a strong bond, mating often! 

Peregrines often lay 4 eggs - true for Azina 2025. Both parents incubate the eggs but the female takes the greater share. The eggs start to hatch after around 34 days. The young chicks are fed largely on a diet of pigeons, parakeets and starlings. After about 6 weeks they take their first flights. Their parents expertly teach them how to hunt in the air. At about 4 weeks old the chicks are ringed. When they set off on their own their progress can be tracked.

When not rearing young, the falcons can often be seen perched on top of vertical structures on the wall of the hospital facing the cemetery, watching over all that goes on and quietly digesting their food. The female is the larger bird.

Photos courtesy of Nathalie Mahieu