2022 Peregrine Cameras
Genesee Power Plant
Seasonal Summary: 2022
The peregrine pair at Genesee did such a good job of brooding their eggs that viewers were guessing all summer as to how many eggs were actually in the nest box. We didn’t have a definitive answer until we saw four puffballs in view. The late start to the season meant that the juveniles at this site were the last to fledge at the end of July.
Camera Timeline
2022-07-25: Eventful Days
It has been an eventful couple days for the fledglings. Three of the birds fledged on Saturday, while the last one fledged today. This final fledge concludes the fledging season of 2022.
2022-07-20: Large and In Charge
The four young birds are well-developed and seemingly ready to fledge any day now.
2022-07-09: Growing Up
The four chicks are growing up so quickly! They are starting to get their brown colouring, and their girth is filling the nest box. They will start to move in and out of the camera's view as they get ready for fledging.
2022-06-17: Mission: Solved
To answer the initial question, How many eggs are at Genesee?, there are 4! The fourth egg has hatched and all the chicks seem to be feeding and sleeping well.
2022-06-15: And then there were Three
A third has hatched! The three chicks seem to be well-fed, kept warm from the rain and wind, and sleeping under the alternating peregrine pair.
2022-06-14: Two Solved Mysteries
At least two chicks have been seen at Genesee. Have more eggs hatched? The mysteries at this nest box continue to unfold.
2022-05-31: All Seems Well
The peregrine pair seem very diligent in brooding their eggs, which are likely to hatch soon. Keep watching!
2022-05-13: How many eggs do you see?
Are your eyes playing tricks on you? At one point, there were up to 5 eggs…then down to 2…now there are 4 eggs. What is happening? We are still confirming with our sources regarding the egg shuffle. This peregrine pair really keeps viewers on their toes!
2022-05-04: See and Be Peregrine
Peregrines have been spotted, they have settled...and there are 3 eggs! If you remember from last year, the birds were onsite, they just hadn't settled on camera.
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MULTISAR works with many partners to conserve Species at Risk in Alberta’s native grasslands through habitat stewardship. Aside from the ferruginous hawks, there are many other at-risk grasslands species that their work helps to conserve, while also providing a host of benefits to landholders. If you or someone you know manages land in Alberta’s grassland, have a look at what they do here.
For further reading, check out Species at Risk Conservation Stories or find more Species at Risk publications and resources.
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Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus)
The peregrine falcon is classified as At Risk in Alberta with only 50 to 60 breeding pairs across the province. Populations have recovered somewhat thanks to declining pesticide residue in their food.
Peregrines are the fastest birds, diving at over 300 km/h.
Appearance
- Wingspan is 74-120 cm.
- Approximately 45 cm long.
- Slim bodies, relatively large heads and long, thin, pointed wings that almost reach the tip of their tails while at rest.
- Small, sharp projection behind hooked tip of upper bill.
- Heavy black moustache patch and dark crown, neck and face. Back, wings and tail are grey-blue. Throat and upper breast are white.
Habitat
- Migrate from South America north to as far as Alaska and Baffin Island.
- Prefer areas of riparian or marsh habitats but will certainly nest on buildings and other man-made structures in urban areas.
Food
- Has a wide diet including gulls, small songbirds, small rodents, insects and pigeons.
Timeline
- Arrive in Alberta mid-April.
- Nest and raise chicks from mid-April to late-July.
- Migrate south in September and October.
Courtship
- Mainly monogamous.
- Meet and court (mutual roosting, cooperative hunting excursions, courtship flights and feeding).
Breeding
- Birds return to the same area (often the same nest).
- Nests are often a shallow scrape in dirt or sand.
- They lay three to six eggs each year.
- Both parents egg-sit; mostly it’s the female while the male hunts to feed her.
Lifespan
- Incubation is 30-36 days.
- Attempt flight at about 40 days but remain dependent on adults for food for another month.
- Mature at two to three years of age.
- Live to be 12 to 15 years old.