The feathered lovers of the Université de Montréal

It’s been 17 years since the first pair of peregrine falcons was observed at Université de Montréal’s Roger-Gaudry Pavilion. The following year, in 2008, a nesting box was installed on the 23rd floor of the pavilion tower to encourage the reproduction of this species of raptor, which is designated vulnerable under Quebec’s Loi sur les espèces menacées et vulnérables. Since the installation, several pairs have given birth to healthy falcons. To find out more about the nest’s occupancy history, visit the Université de Montréal’s page dedicated to this project.

Interestingly, a camera has been installed next to the nesting box, enabling the raptors to be observed live on YouTube here. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to follow the lives of these fascinating birds from the comfort of our home. This year, the female, named Eve, laid 4 eggs between April 6 and April 13. These eggs are due to hatch on May 15. It will therefore be possible to witness the fledglings’ first moments of life. At present, it is possible to view the incubation by the falcon pair, composed of Eve and M. They are indistinguishable, as the plumage is identical in the male and female of this species.

By offering peregrine falcons a safe habitat and enabling the public to observe their lives up close, the Université de Montréal is contributing to the conservation of this vulnerable species. Thanks to this initiative, everyone can appreciate the beauty of the peregrine falcon.

Photo credit : Jonathan Eisen