The online webcam showing the peregrine falcon nest on the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg will go live on March 6. And what viewers may see is competition between the falcons and a large red-tailed hawk for the same home territory.

“The falcons have become a regular feature of the Harrisburg skyline and FalconCam has become an annual tradition for millions of online viewers each year,” DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said.

“Last year’s season was in jeopardy when the female falcon lost her longtime mate after an injury. A new mate showed up, surprising viewers and bird watchers, and three young falcons hatched from the nest,” McGinty said. “This year’s scenario should be just as fascinating as the female fights off the intruder to maintain her turf. The live Webcam gives viewers a front row seat to all of the action as it unfolds.”

A redtail hawk, presumed to be a female due to its large size, has claimed a park at the Capitol Complex as its prime hunting ground. This female hawk has been spotted atop the Education Building at 333 Market St., a spot often used as a perch by the peregrine female. Earlier this year, the female peregrine sat atop the adjacent church steeple, and the two exchanged some vocal threats.

Peregrine falcons are very territorial and will aggressively defend the airspace near their nests. Their range is about 30 miles with their nest in the center of their range. They do not like other falcons within 3 miles of their nest site. Fights to the death are not uncommon, but more typically falcons will fly in such a way as to display superiority and steer a challenger away from the nest’s “no-fly zone.”

Based on last year’s timing, the female Peregrine falcon should begin to lay eggs sometime this month. Last year, the first of three eggs was laid March 25. The eggs began hatching on May 3 and the young falcons began to fledge, or take their first flight, in June.

This year, visitors to the homepage can choose which format they prefer to view the live video stream --- Windows Media for broadband viewers and a dial-up version in Real Player. The addition of Windows Media should improve access to the site in times of high traffic.

The live video of the falcons will continue through the end of June.

For more information and to sign up for email alerts about activities surrounding the falcon nest, visit the Peregrine Falcon webpage.

3/3/2006