The nest cam has been turned off for the 2026 season. Thank you to all the dedicated viewers, Nature Moncton volunteers, City of Moncton staff, and DNRED staff for their collaboration.
Recent Images
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 2011. The box was first used by Peregrine falcons in 2012 and every year since.
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
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
- 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 our partner
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
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!
The Magnetic Hill Zoo 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 info.zoo@moncton.ca. No phone calls please.
2026 SEASON SUMMARY
March 20 – First confirmed sighting of the pair in the nest box.
March 25 – Live camera feed was turned on. Both falcons were seen multiple times in and around the nest box, including scraping behaviour.
April 8 – First egg observed at 7:40 a.m.
April 10 – Second egg laid at 3:30 p.m.; the female began incubating the eggs continuously.
April 13 – Third egg laid at 6:02 a.m.
April 15 – Fourth (final) egg laid at 10:22 a.m.
April 17 – Egg-laying was considered complete; both parents continued incubation, with hatching expected in mid-May.
May 16 – Two eggs had pipped by 7:15 a.m.; the first chick hatched by 8:15 a.m., the second at 9:23 a.m., and a third later that day.
May 17 – Fourth chick hatched.
June 9 – It was confirmed that one chick had fallen from the nest area and did not survive; the three remaining chicks continued developing normally.
June 15 – Juvenile feathers were coming in quickly; chicks were taking larger portions of prey and exercising their wings.
June 24 – The young falcons began perching on the ledge and exploring outside the nest box as the fledging stage approached.
June 27 – Two young falcons were observed on the roof while the third remained in the nest box; first flights were underway/expected.
June 30 – The nest cam was turned off for the season; the webpage recorded 175,994 views by 18,906 people, and planning began for the 2027 season.
2025 SEASON SUMMARY
- March 12 – The peregrine falcon nest box was returned to the top of the Assomption Vie building (new box installed in February); plans underway to get the nest camera running for the season.
- April 4 – The live stream returned after camera issues; a falcon was observed in the nest box doing nest maintenance.
- April 6 (shortly after 11:00 p.m.) – First egg observed.
- April 9 – Second egg laid.
- April 11 – Third egg laid.
- April 14 – Fourth (final) egg laid (clutch complete at 4 eggs).
- April 18 – Egg-laying confirmed complete; both parents began/incubation continued (hatch expected around mid‑May).
- May 13 – Incubation nearing completion; hatch expected soon (approx. May 12–16 window noted).
- May 16 – Three chicks hatched.
- May 26 – One egg did not hatch (considered non‑viable); the three chicks continued growing under attentive parenting.
- June 5 – Chicks developing quickly; pin feathers emerging and increased movement/independence in the nest.
- June 11 – Juvenile feathers coming in; chicks began taking larger portions of prey and exercising wings.
- June 16 – Continued growth; visible “pantaloons” (down around legs) and frequent vocalizing; parents mainly visited to deliver food.
- June 19 – Nestlings began perching on the nest box ledge and nearing the fledgling stage; adults continued to protect and support.
- June 24 – Pre‑fledge behaviour increased (ledge sitting, wing flapping, and exploring the roof/perch area) with parents nearby.
- June 26 – All three young falcons successfully fledged; nest cam viewership surpassed 115,396 page views by 15,137 people.
- June 27 – Nest cam scheduled to be turned off; early planning/discussions noted for the 2026 nesting season.
