The City of Moncton is getting the nest camera up and running for the 2026 season. Stay tuned for updates!
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.
2025 SEASON SUMMARY
- March 12, 2025 – 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, 2025 – The live stream returned after camera issues; a falcon was observed in the nest box doing nest maintenance.
- April 6, 2025 (shortly after 11:00 p.m.) – First egg observed.
- April 9, 2025 – Second egg laid.
- April 11, 2025 – Third egg laid.
- April 14, 2025 – Fourth (final) egg laid (clutch complete at 4 eggs).
- April 18, 2025 – Egg-laying confirmed complete; both parents began/incubation continued (hatch expected around mid‑May).
- May 13, 2025 – Incubation nearing completion; hatch expected soon (approx. May 12–16 window noted).
- May 21, 2025 – Three chicks hatched.
- May 26, 2025 – One egg did not hatch (considered non‑viable); the three chicks continued growing under attentive parenting.
- June 5, 2025 – Chicks developing quickly; pin feathers emerging and increased movement/independence in the nest.
- June 11, 2025 – Juvenile feathers coming in; chicks began taking larger portions of prey and exercising wings.
- June 16, 2025 – Continued growth; visible “pantaloons” (down around legs) and frequent vocalizing; parents mainly visited to deliver food.
- June 19, 2025 – Nestlings began perching on the nest box ledge and nearing the fledgling stage; adults continued to protect and support.
- June 24, 2025 – Pre‑fledge behaviour increased (ledge sitting, wing flapping, and exploring the roof/perch area) with parents nearby.
- June 26, 2025 – All three young falcons successfully fledged; nest cam viewership surpassed 115,396 page views by 15,137 people.
- June 27, 2025 – Nest cam scheduled to be turned off; early planning/discussions noted for the 2026 nesting season.
2024 SEASON SUMMARY
- March 27, 2024 – A peregrine pair was regularly visiting the nest box; courtship, nest maintenance, and food-sharing behaviours observed.
- April 2, 2024 – First egg spotted in the nest.
- April 9, 2024 – Fourth egg laid (final clutch of 4 eggs).
- April 18, 2024 – Confirmed the 4th and last egg was laid on April 9; both parents shared incubation (expected hatch window May 10–14).
- May 6, 2024 – Incubation nearing the end; hatch expected later that week.
- May 10, 2024 (3:40 p.m.) – First egg pipped (chick watch began).
- Mother’s Day weekend (May 11–12, 2024) – Four chicks hatched; parents actively caring for the nestlings.
- May 31, 2024 – Chicks growing quickly; pin feathers emerging, more upright posture, and increasingly independent resting.
- June 5, 2024 – Juvenile feathers developing; chicks began taking larger portions of prey and exercising wings.
- June 13, 2024 – Chicks continued strengthening for flight; visible “pantaloons” (down around legs) and frequent vocalizing; parents visited mainly to deliver food.
