WINCHESTER'S most famous family could be growing yet again.

The resident peregrine falcons, Winnie and Chester, could have four new chicks to care for by the end of next month.

Winnie laid her first egg a week ahead of schedule on March 10.

"After an agonizing five days she laid the second March 15. Since then, two more have arrived (the last was on Sunday)," said Keith Betton, chairman and county recorder of Hampshire Ornithological Society.

"She has now started full-time incubation which will see her keeping the eggs warm for a full month with just a few breaks. During this time Chester will occasionally take a turn covering the eggs and we have been pleased to see him a few times this week.

"We think the hatch date will be somewhere around April 22/23 because of the delay in Winnie laying her second and third eggs."

Last year, Winnie laid five eggs and all five chicks survived, which is uncommon.

"People watching the cameras at night have commented that although Winnie does seem to sleep, she is also very alert, only closing her eyes for a few seconds," added Keith.

"Peregrines at the nest mostly sleep with one eye open, and only half of their brain is alert while the other half is asleep. This is called Unihemispheric Slow-Wave Sleep (USWS) and it allows Winnie to spring into action quickly if a threat approaches, but she is still able to snooze sufficiently if no threat arises."

To view the nest via the webcam, visit Winchester Cathedral's website.