THE four peregrine chicks at Salisbury Cathedral have now been named thanks to help from members of the public.

When Salisbury Cathedral put out a call for people to submit names they were inundated with suggestions, with 437 creative submissions received.

The cathedral asked for water-themed names to tie into its theme of programmes of events throughout the year, and the public didn’t disappoint.

Some of the suggested names ranged from rivers around Salisbury – Avon, Bourne, Wyle and Ebble – while others came up with names such as River, Rain, Storm and Puddle.

But the winning names are:

• Male 3NJ – Douglas (Scottish meaning Dark River)
• Male 33J – Afon (Welsh for river)
• Male 3RJ – Ford (English meaning river crossing)
• Female 3ZJ – Shannon (Irish meaning Wise River)

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A Salisbury Cathedral spokesperson said: “We’ve had a whopping 437 submissions for names for our not-so-little peregrines. We have loved hearing every single suggestion!

“The winning suggestion had a very creative link to water, the theme of a programme of events at the cathedral in 2025.”

They added: “Thanks to Sharlene, who submitted these names.”

The last of the four chicks was welcomed into the world at around 11am on April 26, joining its three siblings high up on the South Tower of the cathedral– the first of which hatched in March.

The three Peregrines after the ringing process Picture: Salisbury Cathedral

The popular birds, which have been watched by thousands through the livestream, were ringed on May 14

A metal ring is put on their right leg in order to track and keep a record of them, and an orange plastic Darvic ring on their left leg, which bears a unique ID code so eager bird watchers can know who is who.

The young peregrines are expected to start fledging in the coming weeks and will stay around the cathedral for at least a month, learning survival and hunting skills from their parents before striking out on their own.

There is an opportunity to see the peregrines up close tomorrow (June 4) with A Date with Nature, where the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) South Wilts Local Group will set up a gazebo in the Close with telescopes so eager bird watchers can see close-up views of the adult and juvenile peregrines.