Author: Matt Perry

Today was an active day at the Utica Peregrine Falcon nest box. Most significant was the hatch of the 3rd egg, which happened around mid-morning. At least 4 feeding sessions occurred during the day – a few of which were not seen well due to Astrid’s body being stationed between the camera and the chicks! Little did she know how much frustration she was causing for our viewing audience! All were eager to see that 3rd chick. When she finally began feeding them in the open, some folks became concerned that she was neglecting to feed the new chick. Not to worry! The latest hatchling is cable of going for at least a full day before being fed. It would still living off the nutrients from the egg. Regardless, later in the day, Astrid was seen feeding the new chick.

Astrid was busy feeding her 2 chicks at 6:00 this morning. The food was already in the nest box at that time. Presumably she or Ares brought it in earlier. It’s amazing that these fearsome raptors are able to be so gentle when they feed their hatchlings. She tears tiny pieces of meat off and so delicately puts them into the open mouths of her young. We have finally confirmed that one of the 2 remaining eggs is starting to pip. We hope this means that another hatch is imminent.

We now have 2  falcon chicks in the nest! At about 5:30 this morning, Astrid came back with some breakfast and began feeding the siblings. She tore tiny pieces of meat off a carcass and tenderly fed the chicks for about 10 minutes before settling back down on them and the remaining 2 eggs. With such cold morning temperatures, it’s very important that she keeps the brood warm.

The first sighting of the new hatchling Peregrine Falcon was at 6:14 PM Sunday Evening. Also, a second egg appears to have been pipped. Here are some stills from the web cam that have just become available.

At 6:14 PM, a hatchling was seen when Astrid stood up to adjust herself and the eggs. Astrid moved the chick briefly to the front of the clutch and then within a minute had placed it back behind the still intact eggs. The chick appeared very pink – a sign that it had only recently emerged from its shell. This all happened very quickly and I was unable to get a good screen shot of the chick. I will post one when I can.