VISITORS are nothing new to one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe - but the latest two are very special.

For a pair of high-flying guests have now taken up residence at York Minster – making them real birds of pray.

Two peregrine falcons – the fastest members of the animal kingdom – have been nesting on one of the great towers, to the delight of bird enthusiasts.

And they believe the birds of prey – a protected species – may be about to extend their family, turning the cathedral into a crèche.

The raptors have been seen mating and nest scraping - behaviour which experts from the RSPB suggest means they are about to lay eggs.

“While peregrines don’t physically build a nest, they do construct a scrape – a shallow depression deep enough to prevent eggs from rolling away,” said senior investigations officer Mark Thomas.

“They normally choose raised locations – for example cliff edges - but tall buildings are increasingly being used, so York Minster will seem like a perfect home to them.”

He added: “Their breeding season is in late March or April and this, along with the behaviour observed over recent weeks, suggests the female is about to lay eggs.

“In the British Isles peregrines do not migrate and the majority stay within 100km of their birthplace, so any offspring may well stay within the Yorkshire area.”

The female peregrine normally lays three to four eggs with both birds sharing incubation, which normally takes around 29 to 32 days per egg.

The birds are renowned for their speed and during a dive to catch prey can reach up to 200mph or more.

Staff at the Minster are delighted with their new guests.

Superintendent of works Rebecca Thompson said: “We’re excited the peregrines have chosen this iconic building to nest and look forward to following their story.

“We’re taking advice from experts to ensure we protect the birds from any disturbance as we continue our ongoing restoration and conservation work on the building’s 800-year-old fabric, and hope to have news of new arrivals soon.”