Outside Nest
Inside Nest
Roof
Latest Updates
- Winners of the Falcon Chick Naming Contest
- Getting Close to Fledgling
The two peregrine falcon eyases are now getting close to fledgling age (6 weeks). They have lost the majority of their fluffy down feathers and are eager to hop, jump and flap around the building ledges to strengthen their flight muscles.
They were successfully banded on June 5 with both a federal bird bands and field readable bands (BK/29 and BK/30), that allow biologists to track them through re-sightings of the bands by photographers or other nest cams.
This morning, Betsy had prey on an upper ledge and both eyases were freaking out. Running and flapping all along the lower ledge. It didn’t take long for BK/30 to run and get some air to hop up onto the upper ledge! A great tactic by the adult female to help allow these young falcons to gain more skills, hopping and short flights, before they actual fledge.
Next week they will be six weeks old and this is when most young males fledge. Soon they will take to the sky on their first flights. It has been amazing watching these two falcons grow up at this site, under the most bizarre circumstances. If you live in the Elizabeth area and are interested in volunteering for fledge watch, reach out to Ben Wurst via email.
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,
