Catherine Rusoff
Just a few decades ago, peregrine falcons were virtually absent from California and much of the U.S. due to widespread pesticide use. But now, a couple of the world’s fastest birds are nesting Alcatraz Island in what officials call a “tremendous conservation success” – and you can watch your family flourish live online.
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy has launched a live broadcast from the peregrine falcon’s nest, one of the first known in recent years on the island that once served as a prison for some of the country’s most notorious criminals. The nest was created by a hawk named Larry, short for Lawrencium, who was born in the bell tower at the University of California, Berkeley. Larry and his partner were first seen breeding in 2019.
It was not immediately clear whether the pair were nesting on the island, but in 2020, the conservancy said it was clear they were raising their family in a cave on the west side of the island. In April 2023, they welcomed four cubs to Alcatraz Island, which the National Park Service says “has long been a bird sanctuary.”
“Peregrines are the island’s top predators, which means they can occasionally be seen preying on other birds,” the NPS states, adding that parts of the island are closed from February to September to allow for nesting.
National Park Service biologists have been monitoring the Alcatraz nest since last year, but now with the live broadcast, the conservancy hopes to “share this incredible view of a wild peregrine falcon nest with the world.”
“They are wild animals and the camera will show peregrines bringing prey to the nest and feeding the chicks,” says the group.
Peregrine falcon populations were once “brought to the brink of extinction,” according to the National Park Service, and were considered endangered under the law that preceded the 1973 Endangered Species Act. fastest and most beautiful in nature”, animals have seen significant decline in population numbers as organic pollutants, notably the synthetic insecticide DDT, severely diluted eggshells. But in 1999, they were removed from the list of endangered species.
“This impressive bird has long been known for its speed, grace and aerial abilities,” said the National Park Service it says. “Now, it is also a symbol of the recovery of threatened and endangered species in America.”
Li Cohen
