A crack team of bird-lovers will be spending the next few months monitoring two of Sutton’s most predatory but endangered residents.

A pair of peregrine falcons have been nesting on Sutton’s Quadrant House since 2009 but the hectic pace of urban life means they need the help of a group of dedicated volunteers.

Two of the building’s managers, a wildlife officer, the Met Police’s Wildlife Crime Unit and an army of volunteers join forces each nesting season to ensure the safety of the peregrines’ chicks.

Contrary to popular opinion peregrines catch their prey on the wing rather than at ground level.

The birds of prey usually live on clifftops which provide protection, food and a place for their fledgling chicks to learn to fly but in urban areas they tend to gravitate towards tall buildings.

When the chicks learn to fly from a clifftop they can land on a ledge if their flight fails but at Quadrant House there are no such ledges so volunteers are desperately needed.

Rob Dolton, a peregrine enthusiast, said: “The fledglings can fall off the roof but can also be attacked by other birds.

“We’ve tried to involve the RSPB and the police but we really need the help of the local community and anyone who is interested in monitoring the chicks should get in touch.”

Peregrines usually mate at the beginning of spring, incubate until late March/start of April, the chicks have hatched by beginning of May and they should fledge around the second week of June.

The birds catch their prey on the wing so eagle-eyed Sutton residents should witness some spectacular aerobatics this year.

David Johnson, a Regent’s Park wildlife officer for the Royal Parks Agency, said: “The first year there were four chicks but tragically only one survived. Last year was better because they all survived so we’re hoping for better luck this year.”

A camera has been set up by Quadrant House managers Shawn Bradley and Leroy Hanson who can now monitor the birds 24 hours a day.

In addition to being endangered peregrine eggs are highly sought after on the black market.

When fledging the birds sometimes end up at ground-level and need to be rescued, if you do see a peregrine chick around Quadrant House inform reception.

For more information visit london-peregrine-partnership.org.uk.