Tolkien inspires naming of four peregrine falcons

Down the riders came, tearing down from the mountains of Mordor, through Rohan to the Shire - and there they found Frodo, Merry, Pippin and Sam.

OK, it might not have gone exactly like that but those are the four names which have been chosen for the peregrine falcon chicks hatched this year at Leamington Spa Town Hall.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust invited people to share their ideas for the three females and one male before putting them to a final vote (Sauron was barred from voting).

More than 900 took part in the poll and the Lord of the Rings-themed names emerged victorious, named after JRR Tolkien's hobbits.

Other suggestions included the sky and stars as well as names with connections to Leamington Spa - but ultimately, the trust said, the Middle-Earth theme was a "clear favourite".

A spokesperson added that the names were submitted by Natasha and Charmain and Charmain added: "The Lord of the Rings is a British classic and these four little ones will soon wander."

A live video feed continues to monitor the peregrines' progress after the chicks hatched at the end of April, at the Grade II listed town hall.

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