THE public is being asked to help name the four new peregrine falcon chicks that hatched high on top of Salisbury Cathedral.

People are being urged to visit the cathedral website, where they can suggest water-themed names for the four chicks.

The aquatic theme ties into the cathedral’s year-long celebration of water.

The popular birds were ringed on Wednesday (May 14) at around 21 days old.

Nigel Jones, from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) went up the 332 steps to the top of the tower at Salisbury Cathedral to weigh, ring, and measure the birds, as well as get a sample of their DNA.

READ MORE: Salisbury Cathedral’s peregrine chicks now ringed

READ MORE: Falcon family complete as four chicks hatch at Salisbury Cathedral

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.

This year it is estimated there are three males and one female, who is considerably larger than the males.

Their sex will be confirmed when the DNA samples come back.

Peregrine during the weighing and measuring Picture: Salisbury Cathedral

All three males range between 520g to 620g, whereas the female weighed in at 890g. Females usually are larger than males for this species.

The young peregrines will begin fledging in approximately three to four 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.

This year will see the return of A Date with Nature from June 4, 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.

This will run on certain days until June 30.

Click here to suggest names.