Outside Nest
Inside Nest
Roof
Latest Updates
- Will they hatch?
With the turnover of the nesting female during the nesting season and there being five eggs, it seems unlikely that all will hatch. At many times during the past several weeks occasionally an egg has been observed out of the scrape or nest bowl, where they would be kept warm. Many times this was because Mango, the male was incubating them, and he is smaller than the female, as noted in the previous update.
Just yesterday another egg was observed in this area. As they shift and roll eggs, typically to ensure even development of the embryos, now multiple eggs may be receiving uneven incubation and improper development of the embryos.
The last egg was laid on April 2, so if eggs are going to hatch, then that should begin this weekend. It may be delayed a couple days given the turnover of females and incubation being delayed. But incubation in general has not been normal this year.. So we will have to wait and see what plays out this year.
- Where is Lizzie?
I think we’re all wondering what will happen this season. Will the new unbanded female (nicknamed “UBF” by viewers in the live chat) lay her own clutch of eggs? Will any of Lizzie’s eggs hatch? And where is Lizzie?
To be candid, it seems unlikely that all of the eggs will hatch at this point. Viewers have observed the UBF occasionally using an egg as a “pillow,” and Mango has had difficulty keeping all five eggs properly covered during incubation. While he has been incubating frequently, consistent incubation is critical — and not all of the eggs appear to be receiving it. As a result, the chances of all five hatching are low.
As for whether the UBF will lay her own clutch — we’re not sure. Anything is possible, and we’ll be watching closely.
And where is Lizzie? Unfortunately, we don’t know — and we may never know, similar to what happened with Frida. However, because Lizzie is banded, there is still a chance that her fate could be determined if she is ever found or identified elsewhere.
Either way, this season is shaping up to be one of the most unusual we’ve witnessed at the Union County Falcon Cam.
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,
