Louth peregrines

It seems to be the case with all raptors. The female is two-thirds larger (or the male two-thirds smaller) than the partner so she is best equipped for brooding, and also seeing off any intruders. The male is better equipped for agile hunting. Something just didn't work this time. Very disappointing though, and as I write this, the female has been calling for her partner on and off since 4am this morning

Thanks for that clarification, Geoff. Somehow seems a bit unfair that the female cops most of the flak.

I believe that the male provides all the food for the female and chicks, but only broods for short periods when the female wants a break. From the pictures and video we have, the female had problems brooding all 5 chicks and even when there were only 2 left, one was usually out in the cold (literally). Towards the end, she rarely brooded, and with no siblings for warmth, the chick left the nest tray 2-3 weeks early, succumbing in the torrential rain.
Presumably birds learn, and she will do better next year – or not!

Just wondering - does the male peregrine have no parenting responsibilities?

All 5 chicks have now died, the last one, ringed on 7 June was found a short distance from the church this morning, presumably dropped there by the sdult female.
It has become clear over the past months that the adult female is an inexperienced bird with this probably being her first clutch of eggs, and she just wasn’t able to brood and feed the chicks sufficiently. The recent wet weather didn't help, as she was rarely seen to brood this last chick.
Latest news and photos at: www.louthperegrines.org.uk/news.html

The female is currently incubating 5 eggs on the tray at St James, Louth. I'm told 5 is a first for Lincolnshire and only 2% of females lay that many.
Latest news and photos at: www.louthperegrines.org.uk/news.html