BIRDWATCHERS are holding a round-the-clock vigil to keep rare birds of prey from the clutches of thieves.

Around 80 nature-lovers are keeping a close eye on Beeston Castle, near Tarporley, Cheshire, as two peregrine falcons try to raise their young.

Wild peregrine falcons have been nesting and breeding at the castle for many years.

Bird enthusiasts launched Beeston Peregrine Watch in 1993 to protect them, but it ended after 10 years.

The new watch was established after the theft last spring of three chicks from the clifftop nesting site.

There was no evidence of birds being trapped or killed, leading investigators to believe they were taken for use in falconry.

The castle’s visitor operations manager, Mark Hodgson, said: “Sadly, some thieves broke into the castle one evening, abseiled down the outer wall and took the chicks.

“This year, they will not have that chance because we have one camera permanently trained on the nest.

“The peregrines may have lost their privacy, but they will have a chance to raise their chicks largely unhampered by humans this year.”

The vigil will run until July, when the chicks are expected to fly the nest.