Welcome to the Nature Moncton and Magnetic Hill Zoo's Peregrine falcon nest cam in Moncton, NB!

This is a wild Peregrine falcon nest, and anything can happen. We hope that all eyas (chicks) hatched in this nest will grow healthy and successfully fledge each season. However, circumstances such as sibling rivalry, predators, natural disaster as well as territorial disputes can affect this falcon family. Actions cannot be taken to intervene in situations that are found to occur naturally in the wild. This may be difficult to watch and viewer discretion is advised.

Recent Images

Update: April 18, 2024

The female Peregrine falcon laid the 4th and last egg on Tuesday April 9, 2024. The male and female falcons share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and will continue to do so for approximately 31-35 days (which would bring us to May 10-14, 2024 🐣). If you need help distinguishing between the pair, the female ♀ falcon is larger, with lighter colored feathers, and a strip of white feathers between the eyes. The male ♂ falcon is smaller and has darker feathers, especially around the face. 💚💙

Update: April 9, 2024

🤩 How exciting! A 4th egg has been laid! Do you think we will see a 5th egg or do you think the female Peregrine Falcon is done laying for this year? 🥚 Did you notice the gradient in colors of the eggs? The color of Peregrine Falcon eggs can vary from cream to reddish color. The intensity of the red varies not only among female peregrines, but also from egg to egg within the same clutch. Nature sure is remarkable! 😍

Update: April 2, 2024

HOW EXCITING! We noticed an egg in the Peregrine Falcon nest on April 2, 2024. Peregrine nesting generally begins in March with two to five eggs laid in intervals in April. Once all eggs are laid, the incubation period starts for 31-35 days. Hatched chicks grow rapidly and fledge around day 40. When do you think we'll see the next egg? 🐣

Weekly report: March 20-27, 2024

A pair of falcons have been frequenting the nest box 4-5 times per day. So far, we have observed courtship behavior between the pair, nest maintenance (adjusting the materials in the scrape) and prey/food sharing. The longest periods on the nest seem to be in the morning… Is love in the air? ❤️ Are we all ready for possible egg laying in next few weeks?!

The nest cam is located in a nest box on top of the Assomption building in Downtown Moncton, New Brunswick near the Petitcodiac River. This is an ideal location because Peregrine falcons nest close to rivers, on cliff edges of 50 meters or higher, and in areas with an abundance of preferred prey.

 

The nest box was constructed by local bird enthusiasts and installed in 2010. The box was first used by Peregrine falcons in 2011 and every year since; making it, perhaps, the longest continuously inhabited urban Peregrine falcon nest box in Canada!

Species info

Species info

Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) can be found on all continents except Antarctica. They prey on small to medium sized birds which can be caught in the air. They often sit on high perches, waiting to swoop down reaching speeds up to 112 km/h (69 mph). Peregrine falcons are often reported to be the fastest bird in the world.

Conservation

Conservation

Peregrine falcon population numbers have made a remarkable recovery after a significant crash in the 1970's due to DDT poisoning. 

Although Canadian population numbers have stabilized, future threats could include:

  • Loss of wetlands which are their important foraging areas.
  • Severe weather events during key nesting and fledgling periods (too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry).
How you can help

How you can help

  • Reduce greenhouse gases being released into the environment by driving less, turning off lights, layering clothing accordingly instead of adjusting the thermostat, and more.
  • Participate in local bird count events to report sightings of falcons and their prey.
  • Support organizations which protect land for wildlife, including birds!
About the host

About the host

Nature Moncton is a local nature club which enjoys, studies, appreciates, shares, and protects nature. 

 

Nature Moncton spearheaded this project and partnered with the Magnetic Hill Zoo to provide Moncton residents (and beyond) a unique way to connect with, observe, and learn about nature.

About the Zoo's conservation fund

About the Zoo's conservation fund

The Magnetic Hill Zoo’s Conservation fund was created to financially support in situ education and conservation projects around the world – including the Peregrine falcon nest cam!

 

Funds are raised via donation bins at the Zoo, proceeds of some gift shop and map sales, dollar rounding at the Zoo’s gift shop cash, and more!

Nature Moncton strives to provide a live video feed without interruption. However, temporarily interruptions may occur due to technical difficulties or weather interference. If you would like to report a disruption of the live feed, please email naturemonctoncontact@gmail.com. No phone calls please.