Pennsylvania Peregrine Falcon Live Camera – Watch Live Falcons in Harrisburg
Welcome to the PA Peregrine Falcon Live Webcam, brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and powered by HDOnTap. Watch live, uninterrupted footage of one of nature’s most incredible birds—the peregrine falcon—nesting on the 15th floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
With four live webcams, including infrared for nighttime viewing, you can follow the peregrine falcons' daily activities, from their hunting expeditions to the nurturing of their young. These cams allow you to experience the life of these magnificent birds like never before, giving you a window into the incredible world of peregrine falcons right in the heart of the city.
The History of Peregrine Falcons in Harrisburg
The peregrine falcon has become a cherished part of the Harrisburg, PA landscape. The first male peregrine falcon was sighted in 1996 in downtown Harrisburg. Officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission scouted suitable locations for a nesting site, eventually choosing the Rachel Carson State Office Building, a perfect urban nesting site 15 stories above the ground.
In the spring following the placement of a nest tray on the building’s ledge, the male falcon returned, this time with a female peregrine falcon. Since then, the falcons have returned annually to this site, making it their home. The pair typically raise their young each spring, and the peregrine falcon population has steadily increased in the area since their initial nesting.
For more detailed information about the history and conservation efforts behind the peregrine falcons in Harrisburg, visit the PA Department of Environmental Protection website.
About the Peregrine Falcons
Known as the fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons are strong fliers that can reach speeds of over 200 mph when hunting for prey. This incredible speed, achieved while diving (or stooping) with their wings closed, is essential in catching their food, which typically includes songbirds, pigeons, blue jays, and other small birds.
Peregrine falcons are monogamous and often mate for life. They are also larger females than males, though their markings and colors are very similar. These majestic raptors are known for their distinctive markings—dark eyes and a clean white chest with dark streaks.
Though mortality rates are high in the first year of life—between 60% and 80%—the falcons that survive can live up to 12 to 15 years, with many reaching sexual maturity by the age of 2 or 3 years. Despite their initial hardships, the peregrine falcon is now thriving in the urban environment of Harrisburg, making the Rachel Carson State Office Building a prime example of successful urban wildlife conservation.
Watch the Peregrine Falcons Live in Harrisburg
The Peregrine Falcon Nest Box Live Webcam offers viewers the unique opportunity to observe the daily lives of these magnificent birds. With cameras positioned at different angles around the nest box, you can watch as the falcons raise their young and witness the incredible speed and agility they display as they hunt for prey.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or just curious about urban wildlife, the PA Peregrine Falcon Cam Live Webcam brings these amazing birds into your home, allowing you to experience their life in real-time.