Peregrine Falcons in Montreal — Online Webcam from University Nest

Peregrine Falcons Over Montreal: Feathered Residents of the Metropolis

Observing wildlife in a massive city is a rare treat. The University of Montreal's peregrine falcons have proven that birds of prey can live comfortably among concrete and glass. This online camera opens a window into the secluded world of high-rise nesting, allowing you to witness the lives of the planet's fastest birds without leaving your screen. Montreal has become home to a remarkable colony of feathered predators that chose noisy streets over quiet cliffs.

History of Falcons at the University of Montreal

Peregrine falcons appeared on the University of Montreal campus in 2007, when a pair of falcons was spotted near the Roger-Gaudry Pavilion tower. In 2008, an artificial nest box was installed on the initiative of Ève Bélisle, a researcher from Polytechnique Montréal. The first pair of falcons was named Roger and Spirit. Since then, the university tower has become a true nursery for peregrine falcons, attracting the attention of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts from around the world.

Roger-Gaudry Tower: A High-Rise Home for Predators

The artificial nest box for peregrine falcons is located on the 23rd floor of the Roger-Gaudry Pavilion tower at the University of Montreal, facing Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery. The choice of location is no coincidence: high-rise buildings perfectly mimic the rocky cliffs that peregrine falcons prefer in the wild. The cemetery, in turn, attracts many small birds that become prey for these swift predators. The webcam is installed inside the peregrine falcon nest box, located on the 23rd floor of the Roger-Gaudry Pavilion at the University of Montreal, with a view of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery.

Life Cycle: From Egg to First Flight

The incubation period for peregrine falcons is 33–34 days. A typical clutch contains 3–6 eggs, which the female lays at intervals of 2–3 days. The chicks hatch at approximately the same time. In 2020, three chicks hatched in the University of Montreal nest. Watching fluffy little balls transform into swift hunters is a true delight. The chicks grow quickly, and within a month and a half they begin making their first attempts to venture to the edge of the nest.

How to Watch Peregrine Falcons in Real Time

You can watch the University of Montreal's peregrine falcons online in real time through the official website faucons.umontreal.ca (section "Caméra en direct"). The live stream is available around the clock, allowing you to observe the birds' lives at any time of day. The camera operates continuously, so you can catch feeding of the chicks, courtship displays of adult birds, or simply the falcons resting on the building's roof.

What You Can See on the Camera

The camera is aimed at the artificial falcon nest installed on the flat roof of the building. In the foreground, you can see a wooden nest box filled with gravel and twigs, alongside metal structures, a ventilation duct, and cables. In the background is the brick wall of the building. On the right side of the frame, a street lamp illuminates part of the roof. In the distance to the right, the lights of the city skyline are visible. The image is transmitted in monochrome (infrared) mode, allowing you to observe the birds even in complete darkness.