On the day of reporting, both the male falcon Pelle and the female Pernilla were visible at Uppsala Cathedral, with the female sitting in one of the towers calling for the male, according to official sources. According to SVT Uppland, Curt Johnsson, a birdwatcher active in Uppland's Ornithological Society, described observing two mating attempts that day. Pelle first appeared at the cathedral in 2022, as reported by official sources.
For many years, various peregrine falcons have been seen at Uppsala Cathedral, according to official sources. According to SVT Uppland, Curt Johnsson described that peregrine falcons often return to a nesting site they like. According to SVT Uppland, Matilda Helg, the dean, described that visitors come to Uppsala Cathedral specifically to watch the falcons.
When they have found a place they like to nest, they often return to it.
Uppsala Cathedral, the tallest church in the Nordic region, is not optimal as a nesting site for peregrine falcons because they need a horizontal surface, which is scarce high up in the towers, according to official sources. According to SVT Uppland, Curt Johnsson described that if the falcons attempted to nest, their eggs likely ended up in the gutters of the cathedral. It remains unknown whether the falcons have successfully nested or laid eggs at Uppsala Cathedral in the past.
Curt Johnsson, together with Uppland's Ornithological Society, has initiated an effort to install a nesting box for the falcons at Uppsala Cathedral, according to official sources. Upsala Nya Tidning was the first to report on the initiative for a nesting box, according to official sources. A design for the nesting box is ready, and a site inspection is scheduled for Tuesday, according to official sources.
We notice that there are people who come here to watch them.
The Church of Sweden's officials are currently reviewing the question of installing a nesting box, after which it can be taken up by the Uppsala Diocese Church Council, according to official sources. The County Administrative Board must also give its approval before a nesting box can become a reality, according to official sources. The exact location within the cathedral where the nesting box is planned to be installed is not specified, and the timeline for decisions by the Church of Sweden officials, the Uppsala Diocese Church Council, and the County Administrative Board remains unclear.
According to SVT Uppland, Matilda Helg described that the church views the plans positively, as long as it can be done safely and without affecting the cultural heritage. It is also unknown whether the falcons will use the nesting box if it is installed.
I have seen two mating attempts today.
If they have made an attempt, I guess that their eggs have ended up in the gutters here.
We view the plans positively, as long as it can be done in a safe way and without affecting the cultural heritage.