New Female Falcon Takes Over Nest In Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — There's a new falcon in town. A new female falcon is making herself at home at the nest atop the Union County Courthouse.

Locals can watch the falcon's daily activities on the free livestream Union County Falcon Cam at the nest, which is located on the roof of the historic tower of the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad St. in midtown Elizabeth.

The previous female occupying the nest, identified by a leg band BA/91, was attacked and injured by an intruding, unbanded female, county officials said.

BA/91 was found on the ground outside of the County Administration Building on Elizabethtown Plaza. One of her wings was injured and she was taken to Raptor Trust in Millington, where she is slowly recovering, officials said.

Meanwhile, the new female is making herself at home and the Falcon Cam has captured a series of bonding displays between her and her new mate, the resident male. If the mating is successful, the female will lay up to four eggs this spring, county officials said.

Over the years, the Falcon Cam has chronicled the activity of multiple pairs of peregrine falcons throughout the years. Falcon pairs have raised a family atop the courthouse since a shelter was constructed every year since 2006.

The cameras inside and outside of the nest provide schools, researchers and birding enthusiasts with new learning opportunities.

For more details about the educational initiative, and for information on corporate sponsorships, call Conserve Wildlife Foundation at 609-984-6012 or use the contact form.

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