Peregrine Falcon Nest in Oudenaarde — Live Webcam

Peregrine Falcons in the City: How Birds of Prey Chose Oudenaarde

Oudenaarde is a small town in East Flanders, about 60 km from Brussels, known for its medieval architecture and tapestry tradition. But in recent years, the city has attracted the attention of ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts for another reason: a pair of peregrine falcons — the fastest birds on the planet, capable of reaching speeds up to 390 km/h in a stoop — lives here. These predators have settled on the tower of St. Walburga's Church, where a special nest box with a webcam has been installed for them.

Nest Box on St. Walburga's Tower

The peregrine falcon nest is not located on the town hall, as is sometimes mistakenly stated, but on the tower of St. Walburga's Church (Sint-Walburgakerk) — one of Oudenaarde's main landmarks. The wooden nest box is mounted on the stone facade of the tall structure, providing the birds with safety and a good vantage point for hunting. It is here that the camera broadcasts the life of the peregrine falcons in real time — from egg laying to the fledging of the chicks.

The Pair Hera and Orion: Nesting History

The first pair of peregrine falcons observed through this webcam were named Hera and Orion. Later, the male was replaced by a male named Han, and the female by Ula. These birds have become true celebrities in Belgium: thousands of viewers follow their lives through the online broadcast. In 2021, the pair raised three chicks, which became an important event for the local bird of prey population.

How Peregrine Falcons Hunt in the City Center

The peregrine falcons in Oudenaarde hunt primarily swifts and other small birds, which are abundant in the city center. Their hunting territories cover the Market Square, adjacent neighborhoods, and the Scheldt Valley. Observing the peregrine falcons' hunt is possible not only through the webcam at the nest but also directly on the city streets — the predators often fly at low altitude, pursuing prey between historic buildings.

Oudenaarde Town Hall: A UNESCO Architectural Monument

Although the peregrine falcons live on St. Walburga's tower, the Oudenaarde Town Hall deserves special attention. This is an outstanding monument of Brabantine Gothic architecture, built by architect Hendrik van Pede between 1526 and 1537. In 1999, the town hall with its belfry was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Belfries of Belgium and France" site. The building is adorned with rich decoration, and the facade features statues and coats of arms telling the history of the city.

Observation Organization: Natuurpunt and City Partners

The webcam in the peregrine falcon nest was installed with the support of Natuurpunt Vlaamse Ardennen plus and the municipality of Oudenaarde. This conservation initiative aims to preserve the peregrine falcon population in the urban environment and educate the public. The camera operates around the clock, allowing observation of the birds at any time of day — both during the day, when the falcons actively hunt, and at night, when they rest in the nest.

Breeding Season: When to Expect Chicks

Peregrine falcons usually lay eggs in late March to early April. The clutch consists of 3-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 30 days. The chicks appear in May and spend about 6 weeks in the nest before making their first flight. It is this period — from April to June — that is most interesting for observation via the webcam: you can see how the parents feed the chicks, how they grow and prepare for independent life.

What the Camera Shows

The webcam is installed inside the nest box and shows its contents in real time. In the frame are the wooden walls of the nest, bedding made of sawdust and dry plant debris, feathers, and small debris — traces of the birds' presence. When the peregrine falcons are present, you can observe them laying eggs, incubating the clutch, feeding the chicks, or simply resting. Outside, part of the stone tower wall and a gravel surface are visible. The camera operates in live broadcast mode, allowing viewers from anywhere in the world to observe the life of these amazing birds of prey in the center of a Belgian city.