Peregrine Falcon Chicks Hatch at Oshawa Hospital

The family of Peregrine Falcons has returned to the Oshawa Hospital!

These rare birds were first noticed by the Engineering team about nine years ago. With help from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, a nest box was set up on the roof. Since then, the Engineering team has witnessed new falcon chicks being born nearly every year.

This year, three peregrine falcon eggs hatched, welcoming Jessie, Eva, and Don. On Tuesday, May 31, the Canadian Peregrine Foundation came to band the chicks. Identifying the chicks makes it possible for researchers to track their journeys and monitor patterns.

The Canadian Peregrine Foundation safely removed the baby falcons from the nest and brought them inside to weigh them, measure their talons, and confirm the sex before there were returned to the nest. As the fastest birds on earth, the teams involved in the banding had to keep a close eye on the mother falcon, who kept a close eye on her babies throughout the process.

Over the next few weeks, the chicks will prepare to fly or fledge for the first time. Until then, they’ll enjoy the views from the Oshawa Hospital, getting strong enough to take their first flight. Check out the photos from Tuesday.

Thank you to Canadian Peregrine Foundation and Ministry of Natural Resources for continuing to partner with us to keep this falcon family safe and healthy.

Watch the video of the chicks here.