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Vote Now to Name Union County’s Falcon Chicks in Honor of Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and nature fans of all ages to help name the newest peregrine falcon chicks living atop the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth. Members of the public can now cast their votes on this page by choosing two patriotic names for the chicks in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Voting will remain open through June 12.
The eight names selected for the public vote are: Liberty, Patriot, Justice, Glory, America, Independence “Indy,” Valor, and Anthem.
“Every year, the Falcon Cam gives residents a unique opportunity to experience wildlife and nature right here in the heart of Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This year’s naming contest is a fun way to celebrate our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary while also helping educate residents about the importance of protecting endangered species. We are proud to continue our partnership with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey to share the story of these remarkable birds with viewers here in Union County and around the world.”
Residents can watch the falcon family live through Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream, the only live peregrine falcon cam in New Jersey. The livestream provides two live camera views of the nest and surrounding rooftop area. Since the installation of the Union County Falcon Cam in 2016, viewers have followed the lives of Mango, the male peregrine falcon, and his mates as they successfully raised multiple generations of chicks atop the courthouse tower.
This year’s nesting season brought unexpected twists, territorial battles, and ultimately, a remarkable new chapter for Union County’s falcon family. Sadly, as of mid-June 2025, Frida, the longtime female falcon who occupied the nest for six years and successfully raised 26 chicks with Mango, disappeared after being pushed out during a territorial dispute with another female falcon.
Soon after, a federally banded female falcon identified as 1947-31215 appeared at the nest site. With assistance from New Jersey State Biologist Kathy Clark, researchers determined the falcon hatched in 2016 and had previously been captured at JFK Airport before being transported and released in New Paltz, New York. She was later named “Lizzie” in honor of the City of Elizabeth.
Between March 23rd and April 2nd, Lizzie laid five eggs while viewers watched ongoing territorial disputes unfold live on camera. By mid-April, another unbanded female successfully claimed the highly sought-after nest site and was later named “Betsy,” in honor of Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross, who was born in New Jersey and is credited with sewing the first American flag.
With the frequent disruption surrounding the nest, many viewers feared the eggs would not hatch. But on May 11th, viewers watching the livestream witnessed the first chick emerge, followed by a second hatchling on May 13th.
Since then, Betsy and Mango have continued caring for the chicks together, keeping them warm and delivering a steady supply of food while thousands of viewers follow the falcon family online each day.
Peregrine falcons once thrived throughout New Jersey and the eastern United States until the widespread use of the pesticide DDT devastated the population beginning in the 1950s. Following the federal ban of DDT in 1973 and decades of conservation work, peregrine falcons successfully returned to New Jersey through statewide reintroduction efforts launched in the 1980s.
Latest Updates
- Keep Up the Good Work….Betsy!
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation, the unbanded female has been named “Betsy” in honor of Betsy Ross, who is credited with sewing our nation’s first American flag. “Betsy” is also a nickname for Elizabeth which honors the city in which the falcons reside.
The two nestlings are now just over a week old! With cooler temperatures Betsy has been sitting tight to help keep them warm. They are getting close to the age where they can finally thermoregulate their body temperatures better. It is now clear that the other eggs will definitely not hatch.
The nestlings will be medicated preventively for trichomoniasis, which they can get from pigeons that are fed to them. Banding is scheduled for June 5. Stay tuned for the nestling naming contest that will feature names to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation
- Two Hungry Mouths to Feed
We now have two hatchlings! The first hatched late on May 11 and the second on May 13 in the morning. The inside view gave viewers an amazing view of the egg splitting while the chick was nudged by the unbanded female.
Considering all the uncertainty surrounding this nesting season, seeing two healthy hatchlings is nothing short of remarkable.
Watching these tiny falcons enter the world, and seeing the attentiveness of the adults, has been an extraordinary reminder of how resilient wildlife can be!
The fastest creature on Earth
Welcome to the Union County Falcon Cam.
A live stream of the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof
of the Union County Courthouse in midtown Elizabeth.
Welcome message from Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek
Welcome to the Union County Falcon Cam, providing a live stream of the action in and around the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof of the County Courthouse in midtown Elizabeth.
The Falcon Cam is a wonderful opportunity to observe and study one of nature’s most fierce and fascinating creatures. It provides an enriching experience for County residents of all ages, and for online visitors from all over the world.
Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species in New Jersey, and Union County has been part of ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of these remarkable birds statewide.
The live feed will help build an appreciation for the role that we can all play in preserving our natural heritage, both in our parks and in the urban environment.
Peregrine falcons are the fastest creatures on Earth. They are known for their rapid dives, which can approach an astounding 200 miles an hour as they move in on their prey.
Union County’s falcon preservation efforts have been undertaken with the generous assistance of wildlife experts from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.
The Conserve Wildlife Foundation is Union County’s official partner for educational programming related to falcons and the Falcon Cam. For more details about the educational initiative and information on corporate sponsorships, call the Conserve Wildlife Foundation at 609-984-6012 or use the contact form,
