Having mentioned my favorites – the local Peregrin falcons inhabiting the Campanile on the UC Berkeley campus I have been reminded of a couple of other locations where falcons are currently nesting.
First, there is the pair currently nesting on Alcatraz Island. Yes, that Alcatraz. The female of the pair dates from 2018 having been hatched (Annie & Grinnell) & banded at Cal. This camera apparently was turned on 23 April 2024 this year. The chicks are a few days older than those at Cal and already starting to gray.
The Parks Conservatory has further information here – as part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservatory (yes, San Fransisco).
Then, moving south, Alison reminded me of the nest + camera in San Jose. The streaming service (again, YouTube) started in Dec 2020.
the first of the chicks apparently hatched around 1 May.
And to add a bit of the rest of the world (California, especially the Bay Area is obviously the center of the world….), Beverley mentioned that there is a pair of falcons nesting at the University of Glasgow. There is a lovely article here – which includes a bit of video
And, as it turns out there are more than a dozen other locations which currently have Falcon Cams running. From Manchester New Hampshire, through Michigan, Minnesota, Fort Wayne & Kansas City (both tall commercial buildings), several power companies (an attempt to seem environmentally friendly?)
It makes for entertaining viewing. I am still not sure if I enjoy seeing a foot (mouse, dove, pigeon) dangling as Archie or Annie shred prey for those hungry, loud chicks but I certainly appreciate the decrease in the local pigeon populations.
And, if you need it again – here is the Cal Falcon link again
