Peregrines, which fly at speeds of over 200km/h, were dying out during the 19th and 20th centuries because of illegal killing and contamination from toxic chemicals. Sadly, by 1963, 80% of peregrines had been wiped out.

The good news is that the chemicals were banned and peregrine numbers have been steadily rising ever since.

The birds traditionally live in remote areas, such as craggy rocks and cliff faces. However, as landscapes have changed, many peregrines have started to find homes in cities.

Tall buildings in cities actually offer peregrines the same benefits as cliff faces, as they are high, away from danger and have food sources nearby.

Peregrines have been spotted in cities across the UK now. Some even have made their homes in famous buildings such as the Tate Modern museum in London, Lincoln Cathedral and Cardiff City Hall.

Val Osbourne from the RSPB said: “It’s not so much the bright lights of the big city that draw them in, rather more the tall buildings that provide ideal nesting sites.”

Our picture shows a cheeky peregrine peeking through the window of a block of flats in Stroud. Deirdre Baker, who lives in one of the flats, says the peregrine comes to visit every day!

So keep an eye out for a peregrine in the skies near you, but you’ll have to be quick… these birds are super speedy!