The Rachel Carson State Office Building’s in Harrisburg, PA, resident female Peregrine Falcon, 4/4, a state-listed endangered species, arrived on the 15th floor nest ledge in early May 1999. Based upon her alphanumeric leg band information, the female fledged from the Girard Point Bridge in Philadelphia in the summer of 1998. Dan Brauning, an Ornithologist with the PA Game Commission (PGC), banded her and her siblings before they fledged. She was the first falcon from a bridge nest site to be rediscovered at another site in Pennsylvania. Based upon Dan’s experience and observations from her banding, 4/4 came from a strong family line of extremely aggressive females, which would be seen in 4/4 and her female offspring.
When she arrived at the Rachel Carson Building in 1999, she was 12 months old and too young to reproduce, but hopes were high in 2000, when she would begin reproducing for the next ten years laying 49 eggs and hatching 44 young—all chronicled live through the PA Falcon Cam. 4/4 was the second female at the nest site. In 1997, a banded female peregrine arrived on-site but failed to reproduce with the male for two seasons. From her band code, biologists discovered that she fledged from the National Monument in Washington DC. Her father was an escaped falconer’s bird and his breeding was half Prairie Falcon, half Peregrine. As a result of this hybridization, it was determined that any offspring, including this female were rendered infertile.
The female was live trapped in the spring of 1999 and sent to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh where she served in educational programming.
The Rachel Carson Building houses the offices of the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Conservation and Natural Resources. The building is aptly named for Rachel Carson the author of Silent Spring and a Pennsylvania native, who exposed the dangers of pesticides, particularly DDT, in her landmark book.
4/4 was legendary in her aggressive defense of the nest site and young eyases. The area around the building is locally-known as the “no-fly zone,” because 4/4 would chase away birds and kill raptors that strayed to close to the building, Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks are the most common victims of her wrath. Redtails can be a threat to Peregrine nestlings and Cooper’s feed on the same prey base—other birds.
Like all falcons, 4/4 had long pointed wings and rapid, steady wing beats in flight. 4/4 could reach a speed of more than 200 miles per hour in a vertical dive called a stoop; in level flight 4/4 averaged about 60 miles per hour.
4/4 and the Red-tailed Hawks were fierce rivals. In 2004, a Red-tailed Hawk carried off and killed a young falcon eyas from the ledge. Since then, 4/4 went after Red-tailed Hawks, who entered the no-fly zone, with a vengeance—chasing them into nearby buildings, parking garages, the train station and other nearby structures, or simply knocking them out of the sky to often land on the ground stunned or even dead. Her fury extended to PGC’s banding crew, who, year after year, climb out onto the 15th floor ledge to band the young eyases. Every year, 4/4 grew more and more intolerant of ledge visitors. So much so, that in 2009, PGC Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist, Joe Kosack, was scratched on the face by 4/4’s talon as he opened the ledge window to climb out. PGC’s Pennsylvania Peregrine Coordinator, Dr. Art McMorris, has been hit in the back by 4/4 while banding.
In 2005, the resident male Peregrine, Carson, was found injured at the train station. He was rehabilitated and housed at Zoo America as an educator bird. Carson was the name given to him as now, no longer free and wild, he was valued as a caretaker’s companion and endangered species icon in outreach programming. Ironically, a squirrel chewing through netting facilitated Carson’s escape from Zoo America. It is not known whether or not Carson returned to the ledge to attempt to reclaim his territory. In any case, he will finish out his remaining days as a free and wild raptor, as it should be. After 52 days, a new male, who was banded in May 2003, on the Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia arrived and bonded with 4/4. This new resident male is a superb hunter and mate.
In September 2010, 4/4, at the age of 12, was unable to defend the ledge from a challenging young female peregrine. There were reports that a dead falcon was seen near the train station with a description that seems, with little doubt, to be 4/4. There were reports of a two hour battle, so if the combatants were 4/4 and the new female, the victory was hard earned. There also were reports that she may have been ill, but since no carcass was recovered, no testing could be done to confirm this.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a happy ending for 4/4—because of a lack of timely reporting and detailed information, she wasn’t able to be recovered for rehabilitation. As humans, some may see this is sad, but this is part of nature that ensures the survival of this wild predator. That said we will certainly never forget this memorable and remarkable falcon.
But, the story of the Rachel Carson Building peregrines continues to unfold. There is a new, unbanded adult female who is pair-bonding with the resident male. Falcon watchers will need to continue watching the new pair to witness their progress in the months to come.
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At 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 1st, I saw a hole on top of an egg with a small beak pulling at the edges!!!!! What a treat!!!! This was while an adult was feeding the first chick. Today, I saw that it was okay with an adult feeding both chicks!
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Our 7th grade science class at Buford Middle School has been watching your site for weeks. We have collected some neat pictures today! Thanks for such a wonderful, educational experience.
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I am pretty sure that I just witnessed the first egg hatching, today, April 29th at approximately 2:45 p.m. This is so exciting!
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I have been watching the Pennsylvania Falcon live cam for three years now, and wouldn't miss a season! After reading the other Falcon Stories, it is amazing how people get so attached to these magical, mystical and beautiful birds; me included!
I was introduced to these birds six years ago when a Peregrine, named Aaron, claimed our hospital as his territory. A nest box previously was installed on the hospital’s roof, but it remained vacant until Aaron arrived.
Last year, Aaron was injured and spent several months in recovery. His mate died the previous fall, so we missed the nesting season. I can't believe how his injury tugged at the hearts of everyone who knew him!
I'm happy to report that our boy is back, strong and healthy, and has a new girlfriend. No eggs yet, but we haven't given up hope.
We were very grateful to watch and share the falcon season via the webcam. We don’t have one, so we keep your site on in our office. We've become so attached to the birds! Thank you for sharing the nest site with everyone!
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So glad to see the first egg. Keep up the good work.
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I am praying that the male is okay. This has me feeling sad to think that something could have happened to him. I hope that he comes back. This has me in tears.
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I’ve been watching the birds at least once a day since forever! Thank you for this site—it is so great! I did not see either adult for two days—not even hiding on the light fixture on the Rachel Carson Building. I thought they might be two of the 50+ raptors migrating over Hawk Mountain out in Berks County (PA). This made me sad.
But today, after a very rough, sleepless night, I clicked on, and they were BOTH by the nest box! I was so happy! It's always such a joy to witness God's beauty around us. Seeing them always lifts my spirits! Thank You!
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My wife and I saw a falcon catch a bird in mid-flight close to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 5, 2009, around 6:30 p.m.! This happened right along Route 202. It was very cool, not only to see a falcon but to see it hunting. A life time memory!
Then today, when I took our dog out this morning at our home in Falmouth, Pennsylvania, I saw a falcon fly out of our large locust tree, land on our neighbor’s garage and sit there for over five minutes. I wondered why there were no birds or wildlife at the feeders this morning, and now I know!
To see a bird of prey is something, but I was fortunate to see two in less than a week! Very good job to all the people involved in the falcon program. We also have eagles flying over the house daily. : ) Keep up the good work!
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This is not so much of a story but a hearty “thank you.” My office staff and I have been watching since the eggs were laid. It has been a journey of joy and sorrow, and now we hope for the well-being for all the Harrisburg falcons. Our thanks go to the staff that have answered our questions; calmed our fears; and reported both the good and bad news.
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I've been watching since May 20 and have been captivated! I feel like they are family to me. This is a wonderful site. My boss is the one who directed me to it.
Thank you.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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Dear Mr. Farster,
It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Farster, and we wanted to thank you, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and everyone else involved, for making it possible to watch the Peregrine Falcon Banding Event.
Not knowing that we would be able to experience it live, we were pleasantly surprised when the camera panned to the auditorium. Being a first-time viewer of this event, I felt the banding process was well-presented and so informative that it answered most of my falcon-related questions.
I appreciated how well the nestlings were handled with the utmost care and gentleness, and then returned to nest box as quickly as possible. It was amazing to see them up close. The whole process added so much to their story that has been unfolding daily.
I thought the audience's interest and participation was wonderful, and I know that the session must have inspired the children toward preserving these magnificent falcons.
I sincerely hope that this whole process, from egg-to-flight via the live Falcon Cam, continues on into the future so that generations to come can enjoy, learn about, and make their best effort toward securing the falcon's survival and existence.
Sincerely and with my deepest gratitude,
Thousand Oaks, California
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Love watching the chicks grow—I watch every day, every year! I do wish the folks who run this site could put in gauges, in inches, on the walls of the nest box and outside on the building, where the birds are hanging out now, so that we could track how big they are. . .
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I teach a class of special education students in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We are reading “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George. This is our favorite site to watch the progress of the birds. Having live birds really helps the kids get into reading the story. We leave the picture running all during class. Sometimes the students come back into the classroom to check on the falcons during lunch and after school. Since these are the last few days of school, this is a fun way to keep learning right up until the last day.
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Since my teacher, Mrs. Gabler, mentioned this site, I’ve been watching these little critters. My teacher puts this website up on a SMART Board in class, so that we can see what the falcons are doing.
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This is the only website that I visit on a regular basis! With all the bad news around every day, this is such a positive story. I’m a bit concerned that the babies are out of the box and on the ledge now. I hope that they will be okay.
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I have been watching these little cuties since they were a week old. Everyday morning, afternoon and evening, I turn on the web cam to see what these little ones are doing. Peregrine falcons are such beautiful birds, and I really enjoy watching them. Thank you for sharing this experience for everyone to see. . .
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My sister and I grew up in Etters, Pennsylvania, and we inherited our daddy’s love of nature, especially of birds. Although I don’t remember seeing falcons around the area then, I am proud that they populate my homeland!
We have the Falcon Cam on our computer screens from dawn-to-dusk and spend a long time watching the body language among the adults and nestlings, and how they rear their offspring.
I’ve appointed myself their West Coast “baby
monitor.” I’m a vigilant observer and often worry about the progress of each of the nestlings. . . . when the littlest one isn’t being fed as much as the others; when the piece of meat seems too large to fit into their little mouths; and when they seem unattended for awhile, but happy when their crops are full, and they fall asleep upon one another.
From 3,000 miles away via the Falcon Cam, we’ve experienced the miraculous evolution from a clutch of eggs, through hatching, feedings and growth of these five fragile beauties.
We consider this a privilege and great educational opportunity to learn more about falcons and to share their daily lives.
This has been one of our most treasured experiences, and I wanted to sincerely thank all of you for your efforts, time and sharing the Falcon Cam. Because of you, my family and the world has been able to watch, enjoy and learn about these magnificent falcons.
You have to know that you’ve touched so many by making this event possible, but I wanted to make sure you knew how “much”!
For the times that I’ve panicked and emailed about the nestlings’ welfare, I thank you, too, for your immediate response and empathy for my concerns.
Thousand Oaks, California
P.S. I’ll be sad to see the young falcons leave their nest and my baby monitor go silent for another year!
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I worked for the PA DEP for 20 years in Philadelphia and have been to the Rachel Carson Building many times since it was built and the falcons took up residence. I spent many hours watching them on the Falcon Cam and was THRILLED to see several in "my" neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia in the past. Although I have no way to tell if they are the same falcons, I have seen them sitting on lamp posts on I-95 at Academy Road, I-95 at the Woodhaven Exit and New Jersey Route 130 at the cloverleaf from the Betsy Ross Bridge. They are such amazing birds. I get excited EVERY time I see them and concerned when I don't see them for a while. I have no idea where the nest(s) are, just see them watching the world go by. . .
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I just wanted to say that we have been watching your Falcon Cam for three years. Last year, we came to Harrisburg to visit my wife's family and to actually SEE the falcons flying LIVE at the nest site! What a great experience! To see the falcons live on the Net, then live in person. THANK YOU for all of your hard work in saving these wonderful predators.
Benton, Arkansas
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I have watched the Falcon Cam for many years now and tell others about it. I saw my first peregrine falcon in the wild last month while out on a boat tour in the Gulf of Mexico to see whooping cranes at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. It has taken up residence on a building built by a gas field company in the Gulf. It was great to see it up close and live.
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I watched your Falcon Cam the past two years and again look forward to watching another season of miracles, when the adult pair return this Spring to lay their eggs, until they teach their fledglings how to hunt and fly, then send them off in the Fall.
I live in Kenosha, WI, and work at a hospital where a nest box was installed on our roof in the 1990's. A male falcon finally found it in 2004 and raised three families here. We don't have a web cam, although a camera is set up for our closed circuit TV, and patients, or anyone, with a television can watch. Unfortunately my office does not have one, but I do try to sneak away and find one now and then.
Your web cam is wonderful!
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I was fishing with my brother on the Delaware River and saw my first Peregrine Falcon! Apparently, it is nesting under a bridge, where we were fishing, and we heard it screeching. It flew high above our heads and landed in the bridge’s rafters above me. Then it was gone. . .
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I've been watching the falcon cam regularly to keep track of the new family. These are beautiful birds, and it is so educational to watch the parents take care of the young ones. We have several bird feeders in our yard, and it's a real treat to watch the moms and dads bring the young ones to the feeders and teach them how to get the food. It is inspiring to observe the natural instincts of wildlife up close and personal. Keep sharing the pictures and please keep us posted on the progress of the young ones!
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I do not actually have a Falcon story, but would love to share that I have been monitoring the Falcons for as long as I can remember. I first learned about this option to watch them on our “local news” years ago and decided to give it a try. Talk about addictive – I cannot stop! I have learned a lot about the Falcons, and share what I know with others when it comes into topic of a conversation. I really hope to one day see one of the banded ones.I also think it is a great idea that the world can view this website. Keep up the great work! Oh, and the new change to your site is much better! =).
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I have enjoyed seeing the falcon back on the ledge all day today (February 11, 2008). It's nice to think that winter will soon give way to warm falcon season!
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I'm so sad because my beloved she-PF didn't arrive this time, after visit us regularly for four years, since 2003 here in Antofagsta Chile. I'm afraid she's dead already. She used to winterize in my building, 16th story. From mid october to the beginning of april, when she returned to the north hemisphere. Last time I saw her was april the second 2007, when my wife made her a videoclip. She will live deep inside in our hearts forever. What an incredible bird.
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I live in Yardley Pa on the Delaware river. I have multiple bird feeders on my property which attract a large amount of birds to the area. The other morning I noticed alot of birds on the feeders as many as 20 in all. On the ground there were at least 10 doves. My phone rang so I picked it up and walked out the front door. To my shocking surprise I saw a gray streak of feathers fly right by my face from around the back of my house where the feeders are located. It really startled me because it came so close that it almost hit me in the head. As it flew away I noticed that it was in hot pursuit of a small finch and about 8 to 12 inches off its tail. They both zigged and zagged around the yard and disappeared over the trees. WOW what a show I got!! I then came in and checked on the internet to see what kind of beautiful bird this was. You guessed it a Peregrine Falcon.
This was an experience that I will never forget. Thank God it didn't hit me in the head because I'll bet it would have really hurt.
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I have been watching the webcams of the falcons in Harrisburg for a couple of years now, but have never seen one live...UNTIL TODAY!!!!!
I was out walking this morning (Oct.20) near the corner of Lisburn Rd. and Slate Hill Rd. in Camp Hill, PA when I happened to glance up at the roof of an apt. building where it was sunny. I could see a big bird but couldn't see it clearly, so I took out my little binoculars that I carry with me on walks. It was a juvenile peregrin falcon and it had a blue band on its leg. It stayed there for about 2 minutes, looking around, then flew off over the back of the building. It made my day!
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This is for real, I looked out my front window yesterday and found about 9 dove birds. Well on the top of my truck was a Peregrine Falcon. I was totally surprise, since we live in Bethel Park PA. The Doves of course took off, and the Falcon, which was a young bird, was just sitting on top of my truck looking around. I tried to see if i could see a band on the foot, but i couldnt see the foot. But, I was wondering if the bird was part of the group born in Oakland this past Spring. Hope i see it again.
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Commonwealth Media Services has decided to extend the falcon video viewing period. The live stream will be provided through the 16th of July. The remaining juveniles have been seen more often at the ledge in the morning and evening hours. By the end of July we expect them to begin wandering far and wide as independent young raptors.
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Hello, I'm a falconer with over 50 years of active falconry experience and a breeder of peregrine falcons, goshawks and gyr falcons for nearly 20 years - duly licensed by the Federal Government (USFWS) and the State of Utah. Early last season a falconer friend told me about your marvelous Web Cam site. These past two breeding seasons I've been monitoring it on a near daily basis. It is extremely interesting and informative, particularly in reference to the intimate raising and interaction of the eyases (young) and the shared responsibility of their devoted parents. It's just great. Thanks to your Web Cams I've observed and learned more in a few months about the development, food requirements and social behavior of these magnificent predators than I have in years of handling them up close and personal. Thank you.
As a falconer I am "tuned" to noticing and observing all raptors in their natural habitat as well as some of them in their relatively new urban habitat. I don't miss much. As recently as a few days ago I observed an adult female peregrine in a soar over the golf course I was playing golf on near downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. My colleages and I enjoyed watching her until she got to high to follow. We have at least one nesting pair of peregrines here in the city. I've also witnessed singles and fledging families of kestrels, red-tail hawks, bald and golden eagles, marsh hawks, sharp-shin hawks and cooper hawks, also in the city. City Parks, ponds/lakes and open areas (large parking lots, etc.) are good places to look. A good bird book and binoculars helps identify the different species.
My advice to everyone with an interest in raptors is to look up more often, become aware of unfamiliar sounds and movements and you too, will be suprised at all of the wildlife you'll see! Good luck.
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I am thoroughly enjoying the video from your website because sadly, our own local falcons experienced a nesting disaster. After 3 years in the same location, last year they relocated to a new building in downtown Richmond. There they were also successful in raising a new clutch of eggs under the watchful eye of a webcam and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. This year they relocated again to a more scenic, but less suitable location under the Robert E Lee Bridge. A recent thunderstorm washed the nest out and the parents have been seen roaming the vicinity, perhaps looking for a new nest site to start again. We can only hope.
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I saw a falcon on Route 80. At first I thought it might have been an eagle. I did not know it was a falcon until I looked for information on the internet. I don't remember exactly but I would say it was near exit 282, near Blakeslee.
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Recently, my brother was visiting my mother's house in Mifflin Park area, when she mentioned the newspaper article showing Falcons in Reading. He happened to be looking out the window and noticed one fly through her back yard and grab a morning dove from the wire with blazing speed. The bird took it to the top of an electrical pole in the backyard and feasted on the dove. My brother proceeded back to that area snapping pictures of the Falcon, as it looked around with no worries as it devoured it's prey.
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I just have to let you know how much I enjoy watching the Falcons. I found the site last winter and watched the entire process of her laying eggs, through the hatching of the eggs and the growth of the hatchlings. I just found it so fascinating and have spread the word to all of my friends. I might add that they are all watching the falcons now too.
Thank you for sharing the Falcon Cam with us.
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I live in Topeka, Kansas and our local energy company, Westar Energy, has a nesting box on the roof of their corporate headquarters at 818 Kansas Avenue. I was leaving BNSF Railway's office building which is a couple of blocks from Westar and happened to look up and saw a falcon with the notched wing shape flying overhead headed for the 14 story BNSF building. When I returned to the BNSF building I noticed a dead bird with fresh flesh wounds falling 6-7 stories. This surely had to have been the work of the falcon I had noticed soaring overhead when leaving the building a couple of minutes earlier. The falcon had to have been gathering its quarry amongst the tall buildings.
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 We live on a pier on the Delaware River in Philadelphia just south of the Ben Franklin Bridge. We first noticed a peregrine on the west tower of the bridge a few years ago. In 2006 he got himself a mate and they produced a chick who they fed on the cables of the bridge. The chick left in late summer while the pair stayed throughout the year even when it was 8 degrees F or colder. The birds are visible most days on the cable and we've even seen one sitting on the red warning light on the very top, while his/her mate flew in circles around. Sometimes one will eat on top of the tower and we see feathers from the prey blowing around. On March 1, 2007 the male started his courtship behavior, bringing food to the female as she sat on the cable. Can't wait for his diving displays.
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Hi,
My name's Clint and I'm just between two small towns, Hereford and Barto (in PA). Our house is nestled in a small valley, with wooded hillsides and farm fields below. I put up a bird feeder this winter and have been watching all of the birds that come.
I know I've seen at least 3 different red-tailed hawks that watch the fields daily. I have been hearing a different bird sound (coming from a huge pine next to my house) that has been unfamiliar and seeing a few "high speed fly bys" of a bird that I couldn't tell what it was. I am very familiar with the outdoors, growing up in Cameron County and hunting/fishing my entire life, plus going to college for Forestry and Wood Products, but this sound was not registering with me.
Well, yesterday morning looking out the kitchen window at the bird feeder here came the bird straight at the feeder and my line of sight. As it turned to snatch a bird out of the air I was confused because it was blue and had sharp wings and a tail.
I have been searching the net and what I came across was it is a Peregrine Falcon!
Now I have my tripod with the big telephoto lense set up, waiting to get a pic.
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It was interview morning and I was going to get ready and suddenly I heard this squacking noise. I checked everywhere and I found this peregrine falcon on my balcony. I never saw one before. My brother told me to keep it but I didn't. The next day when I went outside, the peregrine mother was out to hunt, so I went to have a closer look at the chicks. I didn't harm them but I touched them softly and one of the four started following me into the house. The other three falcons were squacking like madness, so since the peregrine mother won't be afraid, I picked it up and brought it back to the balchony. I put a piece of cloth around the leg of the bird that followed me and hoping that I could see it in my mere future. This happened 4 years ago. This year when I was studying for my test. A peregrine flew in and started incubating its eggs. When I looked at the falcon`s legs, I saw the same cloth that I put on a chick 4 years ago. When I got closer, it was squacking that I should not come close. So I harmlessly left it alone. That same day was the day we also moved. I hope to meet a fledgling soon in our new builing but for now I'll wait patiently.
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Hi! We live in the Wedgewood Hills development off of Progress Ave. in Susquehanna TWP. Our house is close to the greenbelt. I often see Falcons and Hawks using the greenbelt as a hunting and resting area. I just saw one (falcon) today chase a bird into a bush beside the house next door. If you want to get a look at a falcon or hawk, you may want to try a walk or bike ride on the greenbelt in this area. Good luck!
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I am doing a report on these falcons, and just wanted to say how magnificant these creatures are, and that I have learned a lot about them thanks to this website.
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Since moving to my home in Phoenixville, Chester Co., I've seen many peregrine falcons. It seems they nest along the Schuylkill River, which is less than a mile from my home. The hunting must be good here on my block, as I've seen them at least a dozen times from my own windows or patio. Today my grandson and I spotted a falcon set down on a light pole in one of the further out parking areas at the Exton Mall! We got out of the car to watch him but he seemed to be studiously ignoring us. It was nearing dusk, so he was probably looking for some dinner. It's amazing how adaptive these birds seem to be.
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Hi Folks, again my beloved female PF is back in Antofagasta, Chile, (on wednesday 25 october late at night), this is her fourth time she arrives to my apartment. Again she's not banded but she has a white spot near her right eye. Maybe a blooming white feather, I don't know. Maybe you should know better, I send you 4 pics. She looks great and no sign of bird flu. I'm glad she's back again till next april 2007. I hope someday she will come with her boyfriend, I guess she left four juveniles in the States because she looks older, like a big mammy, now she's on vacation in Chile resting after feeding her chicks for a long time. She deserves it.
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We live in a "typical subsurban neighborhood" of 1/3 acre lots in central Bucks County and had an encounter last night. We have a goldfinch feeder on our back patio about 20 feet from the sliding doors off our kitchen. While a window salesman was doing a presentation a falcon landed on our patio right under the the feeder. It spent about a minute scouting the area and we got a real good look at it before it chased a mourning dove through the line of yews that act as a hedge across the back of the patio. It turns out the window salesman is a birder and he made a positive identification that the bird was indeed a Peregrine Falcon.
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My husband & I own a home on the Patapsco State Park in St. Denis, Maryland. We are about 15 minutes outside of Baltimore City's Inner Harbor so we live in a pretty congested area that is surrounded by many highways. The park is huge here though and covers about twenty acres. This morning as I was making our bed I looked out the window and there on our pool fence sat this huge thing, I called for my husband and put on my glasses. It was a Peregrine Falcon. We were very excited it was beautiful, the bird just sat there and then flew to a nearby tree. We have never seen one here before, we see many hawks, herons and occasionally an owl but never a falcon. We will be looking for it and hope to see it again soon.
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The kids and I were headed home yesterday afternoon after a day of fishing on Opossum Lake and while driving a back road between Carlisle and Shippensburg, we saw what we *thought* was a hawk on a telephone line. Once passed, my mind finally caught up with my eyesight and I realized that it was no hawk... had to be a falcon. I turned the vehicle around and we stopped about 30 feet from the bird. We watched him fly across the corner of a soybean field and light in a large tree. This was the first peregrine I've ever witnessed (aside from the falcon-cam) and have lived in southcentral PA my whole life. The kids couldn't understand my excitement... but after realizing the rare event they'd just witnessed, we all agreed it was indeed a very special day.
PS: All four of us caught some nice fish on the lake, to boot!.
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Hi, my name is Gary and I'm nearly 8 years old. I have just been watching the movie 'Stuart Little 2' and there is a Peregrine Falcon in the movie. I have decided that I really like these birds so I asked Daddy if he could look for anything about Falcons on the internet and we found some videos to watch, a lot of photos and we read the stories people have sent in. Thank you for the information on your website.
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The Harrisburg site was fantastic. If anyone hasn't seen the 1 hour clip on the banding of the 5 little ones, you really must take the time. It is fasincating!!!
I've learned so much this spring watching these Falcons and the Eagles in BC. I think if anyone who didn't have an appreciation of how important taking care of our environment is, they certainly would after viewing these magnificent birds.
Thanks to the wonderful work that people like the DEP and wildlife specialists do to bring awareness to these issues.
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I am really enjoying this website. I love falcons and do bird surveys every month plus Christmas Bird Counts. During our raptor surveys, we see a few Peregrines and they are such a beautiful bird. Right now we are looking at the Eagle Cam which they have on a nest in Victoria. The original nest the eggs never hatched as they figured the pair were older birds and past their breeding prime.
Keep it up. I will be watching again next year.
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I don't really have a falcon story. I just wanted to say that this is my first year to visit this web sight. I am totally addicted. I enjoy it so much, I have spread the word to my friends and family. To watch the family so up front and personal is just awesome.
Thank you for the opportunity.
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Just to let people know that at PPL's martin's creek power plant on the Delaware River their are a pair of peregrine's nesting in a nesting box on the smoke stack.she is setting on four egg's.
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We have a third egg! She laid it this morning between 0530 and 0620. (I believe.) I checked her this morning, and I believe I only saw 2 eggs after daylight. But now there are 3!! One more to go.
Thanks for having the web cam up again this year. I thoroughly enjoy watching the Falcons!!.
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On a clear, cold day last December, my family was attending an outside ice skating show in downtown Akron, Ohio. I noticed a large flock of pigeons flying above one of the tall buildings. They were flying irratically in a circle with one bird diving into the center and then climbing above the flock. This pattern continued until one of the pigeons separated from the flock and made a streak toward a parking lot. The bird that was diving into the center turned out to be a first year Peregrine (brown coloration). The falcon chased the lone pigeon in a path that took the two birds right over my head, no higher than 20 feet off the ground. The pigeon twisted and turned trying to shake the Peregrine. The falcon closed the distance and hit the pigeon twice, shaking loose a couple of feathers. At the last second, the pigeon dived into a high-rise parking lot. The Falcon swerved to avoid the concrete hall of the parking lot and settled into a nearby tree, I guess to see if the pigeon would come out of the parking lot. The falcon let me approach to within 50 feet of its perch before it flew off.
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I work in Pittsburgh's Historic South Side. I was walking to an appointment recently and a falcon (at least I think it was) swooped down right in front of me and killed a pigeon. All of us on the street just stopped (including some cars) and watched this swift game of predator and prey. The powerful bird then carried off the pigeon to a high rooftop.
I was surprised to see this in the city and it really was quite cool. I immediatly thought it was a falcon, but haven't seen one since to verify. At any rate, this was a unique break from the norm.
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I live in Bayfield Colorado and while hunting with my dad we saw a peregrine roost on a tree. I had just reread one of the My Side of the Mountain books which had peregrines in it so I was very excited. I had not known we had peregrines around Bayfield but as I thought about it we do have one big cliff called chimney rock, so the peregrines could nest there. I went back to the same spot for a few weeks and counting the first one I saw 5 peregrine falcons but one was hit by a car. it has been 4 days since I saw the last one and I won't be going back for a while. I am going to miss my favorite bird .
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