In addition to providing a critical link for the Hudson Valley, the Tappan Zee Bridge has been home to the fastest members of the animal kingdom. Earlier this year, a pair of peregrine falcons inhabited the man-made nest box within the steel superstructure of the existing bridge to prepare for the nesting season.
Once the eggs were laid in late March, the couple immediately took turns providing warmth. The incubation period lasted just over one month and, between April 24 and 27, the falcons became proud parents. The three chicks—called eyases (“EYE-a-sez”) can be viewed on the project’s “FalconCam.”
The young eyases, or “nestlings,” are unable to fly and will be fed by their 
parents for the next six weeks or so, until they gain their first feathers and take flight. As the nestlings grow, they will not need constant brooding and their parents will spend less and less time at the nest. The fledglings will remain around the nest throughout the summer as they learn to hunt on their own.
Once the new bridge is completed, the camera and nest will be relocated to a new perch in the towers of the new bridge.
Please note: the FalconCam provides an unfiltered window on the day-
to-day lives of these fascinating birds of prey. At any given moment, you may see the adult falcons eating, feeding their young, defending their nest and more. These are wild birds and their behaviors reflect what really happens in nature. Some of their actions may be unpleasant to watch and it is possible that some of the fledglings may not survive into adulthood.
Learn more about the Tappan Zee falcons.
