New season begins today for Falcon Cam in downtown Boise
The daily life of a wild Peregrine Falcon family in downtown Boise is once again on view via a web camera that has begun its fourth season.
The webcam follows activities at a nest box on the 14th floor of One Capital Center, 10th and Main streets.
The nest box has been used each spring since 2003. Last year, four chicks successfully fledged from the nest, though one died about a month later from injuries suffered in a collision.
The ledge where the nest box is located simulates the high, steep cliffs the falcons use in the wild. The falcons, which strictly eat other birds, prey on a plentiful supply of pigeons, mourning doves, starlings and other birds downtown.
“The birds are currently in the midst of courtship,” said Connie Stanger, Curator of Birds at The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey. “Webcam followers can expect loud vocalizations as the male brings food to the female. Watch for the birds bowing to each other and scraping out a depression in the gravel at the bottom of the box where the eggs will be laid.”
Last year, the female laid the first of four eggs on April 7. Hatching began on May 16 and the first flight from the nest occurred on June 24. The young birds stayed in the downtown area for several weeks to hone their flying and hunting skills under the watchful eyes of their parents and Boise residents.
“There is only one other building in Idaho that is home to a nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons,” said Colleen Moulton, Avian Ecologist at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. “Boise is very lucky to have front-row seats to the amazing process of raising young falcons.”
The webcam may be seen at peregrinefund.org/falconcam/
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.