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Meet Frida and Mango on Union County’s Peregrine Falcon Cam

two falcons in their nest
Two endangered falcons take turns tending four newly hatched eggs in their nest, located on the roof of the historic Union County Courthouse tower in Elizabeth.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents of all ages to take a look at the County’s Falcon Cam, which provides a live stream of the action in and around the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof of the County Courthouse.

“Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species and Union County is very proud to assist in ensuring the survival of these remarkable birds in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This live feed helps builds an appreciation for preserving our natural heritage, and provides an enriching experience for County residents and observes from all over the world.”

The Falcon Cam has chronicled the activity of multiple pairs of adult peregrine falcons throughout the years. The pairs have been nesting on the roof of the historic tower of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth.

Falcons have been nesting on the courthouse every year since 2005. After the first falcon couple was unsuccessful at building their nest due to weather conditions, Union County staff stepped in to help. With an assist from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife zoologists, the County installed a repurposed igloo-style dog house and cameras inside and outside of the nest.

The cameras provide schools, researchers and birding enthusiasts with new learning opportunities and last year, the nest cam was equipped with audio.

The pair currently at the nest site is named Frida and Mango. Zoologists generally shy away from naming wildlife but in this case, since the pair are not banded and cannot be referred to by their band numbers, officials gave them names that would help observers tell them apart.  The female is named after the South American artist, Frida Kahlo because of the wide marking or “unibrow” between her eyes. The male, Mango, is named for his bright yellow-orange bill and feet.

This nesting season, Frida has laid four eggs and the pair has begun incubating consistently.  The eggs are due to hatch between April 26 and April 29.

To watch them tend to their eggs, and later care for their chicks or eyases, visit the Union County Falcon Cam at ucnj.org/falcon or ucnj.org/falcon-mobile-page.

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 quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County, visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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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