Only "Heaven knows" how the Lincoln Peregrines tolerate the absolute 'din' (if I can put it that way), that characterises the Lincoln Cathedral immediate area on occasions. The Cathedral has 20 Bells : there are 13 in the SW Tower, 2 in the NW Tower and 5 in the Central (E) Tower including the Cathedral's largest Bell, Great Tom of Lincoln. In addition, there is a loud, booming quarter-hour striking Clock, installed in the early 19th century.
The Peregrines' nest area is high up in the Central Tower, very close to the 'din' and just below Great Tom of Lincoln. Recently, in addition to double-clicking on the live webcam picture to achieve full-screen facility, I've been adding the available auditory experience. When the clock chimes, say, midday, even on a low volume, it's all ear-splitting. I accidentally had the volume at a higher level yesterday and when the Clock struck, I almost fell off my chair and the dog shot up about 2 feet in the air.
The sound of normal breathing is c.10 decibels, a washing machine at full pelt is c.70 and heavy traffic is 80-90 decibels. Prolonged exposure above 85 decibels will damage human hearing. I would reckon that the Peregrines half way up the Central Tower must be exposed occasionally to 100+ decibels....and yet they choose to nest there. I wonder where deaf, old Peregrines go to live out their final years ?
Falcons have 'keener' hearing than us.......and may God have mercy on their ear-holes.
Freddy
PS. Another 2 days have passed since my Sunday report and the falcon is still sitting on those 4 eggs !
