Sadly, no chicks
this year.
June 2026 · An honest account of the 2026 season
It is with great sadness that we must announce that 2026 has not been the triumphant comeback we had all hoped for following the difficult events of 2025. Despite our optimism at the start of the season, VJP and his new companion have not produced chicks this year.
"We believe the female in residence this season is a new, immature bird — and while this explains the outcome, it also gives us real reason for hope."
— Yaxley Falcon Team, 2026Our observations through the season led us to conclude that the female sharing the tower with VJP this year is most likely a young, inexperienced bird in her first season. This is not uncommon in the world of Peregrine Falcons — an immature female will often pair with an established male before she is quite ready to successfully raise a brood. It is a natural part of the bonding process, and very much a chapter in an ongoing story rather than the end of one.
We know from VJP's own history — arriving at St Peter's in 2023 and raising three chicks in his very first season here — that this tower is an excellent site. We have every reason to believe that as this young female matures and settles, the prospects for future seasons are bright.
What we believe happened
Looking ahead to 2027
The presence of a young female at such a well-established site is genuinely encouraging. As she matures alongside VJP through the coming months, we believe this pairing bodes very well indeed for the 2027 season. Peregrines are loyal to their sites — and we will be here waiting for them.
VJP's record at St Peter's
VJP remains one of the most fascinating and well-documented urban Peregrines in the region. Born in 2021 at All Saints Church in Stamford, he has made St Peter's his own, and we are privileged to watch his story unfold year by year.
The site and live stream will return in February 2027
We look forward to welcoming you back as VJP and his partner begin a new season on the tower. Watch this space — and thank you, as always, for your wonderful support.
St Peter's Church, Yaxley
Visit the church website at stpetersyaxley.co.uk
On behalf of everyone at St Peter's Church, Yaxley, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to every single person who has followed, supported, and cheered on VJP and his companions over the years. Your messages, your enthusiasm, and your prayers mean a great deal to us. We will see you in 2027.