Union County, NJ – Two peregrine falcons that live on the roof of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth are welcoming new occupants into the nest. The pair have been watching over four eggs for several weeks, and the first one hatched on the morning of May 1. The other three eggs will hatch one at a time, over the next few days.
Union County residents and people all over the world can observe the falcons and watch the eggs hatch by tuning into the County’s free livestream Falcon Cam, at ucnj.org/falcon.
“Union County has been helping to preserve and protect peregrine falcons in our area since 2006, and we are all very proud to be part of this conservation success story,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The population of peregrine falcons was decimated by use of the pesticide DDT during the 20th century. They have been making a comeback in New Jersey, following an intensive preservation effort that began in the 1980’s.
Falcons have been nesting on the Courthouse every year since 2006, when County personnel affixed a nesting box to the roof under the guidance of state wildlife experts.
More livestreams, videos and activities about wildlife are available through Union County’s falcon education partner, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, at conservewildlifenj.org.
Union County provides nature and environmental programs throughout the year, and is offering additional online resources for all ages online during the COVID-19 outbreak.
For more information visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, or the Union County Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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