Hattie and Orton, the current resident pair of falcons in Rochester, have been spotted visiting the nest box periodically this month, with Orton stopping by recently to start work on a depression in the gravel for the eggs. The falcon cam is now live, giving viewers a front-row seat to all the action as the falcons prepare for a new season.
Below is a general timeline showing what to expect during the nesting season. To learn more about the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program, visit the Falcon program tab on this website and follow the falcon program on Facebook.
- February–March – The adult falcons are in the area, and there may be territorial battles if several adults are competing for the nest box.
- Mid-to late March – Hopefully an adult pair has claimed the nest box. If so, the first egg is laid by about March 30. Typically, there are 2 to 4 eggs laid. The adults take turns tending to the eggs, although the female peregrine does the majority of incubation while the male falcon generally does the majority of the hunting.
- Eggs hatch about 33-35 days after they’re laid.
- Mid to late June – Falcon chicks “fledge” – make their first attempts at flight. Parents and chicks are still in the area although not seen as often on camera.
Pictured: Orton on a recent visit to the nest box atop the Mayo Building in Rochester.
