2022 Peregrine Cameras
University of Alberta
Seasonal Summary: 2022
After a brief hiatus, the University of Alberta livestream was back this year. And also always, Radisson and Chase did not disappoint our viewers. This year, they had two eggs, which both hatched. The juveniles both fledged successfully at the end of July.
Camera Timeline
2022-07-20: Fledging the Day Away
The birds are fledging! Unfortunately, one was unsuccessful, but the second one is still around. Here's hoping the best for the remaining bird.
2022-07-09: Awkward Tween Phase
The two "chicks" (they are so big now, can they really be referred to as chicks?) have nearly molted all their greyish, thermal down (or mesoptile feathers) and are being replaced by their fully formed juvenile feathers. They are getting ready to fledge. Stay tuned.
2022-06-10: Hatched 2.0!
The first egg at U of A hatched this morning! And the second one later in the day. Both chicks seem to be feeding well with Radisson and Chase.
2022-05-31: Hatching is Imminent
The eggs at U of A should be hatching very soon?could be within a week! Stay tuned for sightings of the new chicks.
2022-05-24: Nothing New
Radisson and Chase are staying steady brooding their 2 eggs.
2022-04-29: Falcons Return
We are happy to provide the U of A livestream camera this year! And with great news to report. The resident birds, Radisson and Chase, have returned to the nest box. Radisson has been settling at this location since 2008, when she was 2 years old--she will be 16 years old this year! Chase (not banded and therefore we don't know his age) has been with her since 2012. They look to already be brooding 2 eggs. Here's to a great fledging season!
MULTISAR = Multiple Species at Risk
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.