Hatching of this season’s peregrine falcons at Charles Sturt University is being eagerly awaited and monitored online by a dedicated group of birdwatchers across the world.
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Peregrine falcons have used the nesting box located in the campus water tower to raise young since 2007.
The adult peregrine falcons, Diamond and Xavier, are incubating three eggs which are expected to begin hatching at any minute.
VIDEO: The view of the peregrine falcons’ nest …
Incubation time for Australian peregrine eggs is approximately 33 days.
However, due to the start of incubation being delayed until all eggs have been laid, total time from arrival of the first egg to hatching of first chick can be three or four days longer.
This is Diamond’s fourth season in the water tower nest, and partner Xavier’s second.
In an interesting development this year, a third peregrine falcon, another male, has been seen in the vicinity of the nesting box.
While the resident birds are not entirely pleased by his presence, they appear to tolerate him.
VIDEO: The view of the Peregrine falcons’ ledge …
The birdwatchers have speculated whether he is from a previous clutch hatched here, but as the birds are not banded or otherwise identified there is no way of knowing for sure.
The FalconCam project was established to allow study of the breeding and natural behaviour of the peregrine falcons, and is overseen by Doctor Cilla Kinross and Mr Scott Banks.
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