Abbey's male peregrine falcon killed by vehicle

A peregrine falcon that had recently begun settling on an abbey roof for the third year with its mate has died after being hit by a vehicle, a charity has said.

Hampshire Ornithological Society said the male from Romsey Abbey, thought to be about six years-old, was struck near the town on Thursday as it swooped to pick up its dropped prey.

The peregrine and his mate settled at the abbey two years ago but their nest, the first known to be set up on the roof was ruined by rain. They nested on the side of the abbey in a gully last year and raised four chicks.

The society said there was a chance the female peregrine was already carrying eggs and would still lay them.

Keith Betton, chair of Hampshire Ornithological Society said one of the pair's male chicks from last year had also been seen and "it is possible that the young male will stay around to take his father's place".

He said if the female peregrine went on to lay eggs "he may take on the role of a helper".

Last year's four chicks, three male and one female, appeared in a gulley at the abbey in early May.