Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program

Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program Since 1987, falcons have found a home on top of the tall buildings of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Thanks for following!

Follow this page for the latest updates from the nest box and beyond year-round. When Mayo Clinic agreed to help restore the peregrine falcon population in the Midwest in 1987, no one expected the program to create a worldwide following centered around the nest box atop the Mayo Building in Rochester. Each spring, the nest box is home to a falcon pair and their offspring. Through two live cameras

and a microphone, falcon fans can follow along closely as the family grows and provides glimpses into their lives. Whether you're new to the program or have been following nest box happenings for some time, this page aims to bring you news from the nest box and beyond where you are.

06/02/2026

All is peaceful in Rochester at Mayo Clinic's Mayo Building this morning, under Hattie's watchful eye.

06/01/2026

Day 27 to 29: Salt and Pepper Days

The chicks are now about 30% brown: 70% white and seem to change from morning to evening in the same day! They're also starting to sprout small amounts of brown feathering on the top of their head.

Wait! What Happened to the Other Two Chicks?My email box has been filling up lately with several emails about the chicks...
05/31/2026

Wait! What Happened to the Other Two Chicks?

My email box has been filling up lately with several emails about the chicks, especially when it can appear that one nestling is out of view from the inside camera. It's important to stay calm and really look at the live camera feed, from both views. As you can see in these two screen shots, taken at the same time, the chicks can be out of view of one camera view but are clearly there in the other view. Also, sometimes the chicks may pile up, and be difficult to see where one chick ends and another begins.

We appreicate everyone's concerns about the chicks, and be aware that the entire Mayo Clinic peregrine team are closely monitoring the birds throughout the day. Jackie

05/30/2026

Saturday's Snapshot: Celebrating Mayo Clinic Peregrines through Photography

Caption This food delivery by Orton to the nestlings.

05/30/2026

Today's video shows some great behavior of the four eyasses preening their MANY growing feathers.

Preening helps to keep feathers healthy and well cared for, which is essential for flight and protection from the elements. During this feather growth phase, the feathers are covered in a keratin sheath, called a pin feather, which makes them very itchy. This keratin has to come off naturally or through preening, or the bird will not be able to fly. Jackie

TBT!What a difference a week makes! Today vs last Thursday...they don't even look like the same species.
05/28/2026

TBT!

What a difference a week makes! Today vs last Thursday...they don't even look like the same species.

05/28/2026

" I Meant to do That!"

In today's video, at age 25 days, you can easily see the body contour feathers erupting, especially on the spinal and humeral (wing) tract on Vega and Mylo. Don't worry, Belle and Zephyr are n9t far behind.

The chicks are definitely becoming more mobile and active, even in 90+ degree weather, but they're also still spending a lot of time resting.

Sunset in Minnesota, although it doesn't appear that all of the nestling will be going to bed soon...
05/28/2026

Sunset in Minnesota, although it doesn't appear that all of the nestling will be going to bed soon...

Who's Who?Can you tell who's who from behind? Look closely at their primary and tail feather length and development and ...
05/27/2026

Who's Who?

Can you tell who's who from behind? Look closely at their primary and tail feather length and development and you can keep track of the individuals, even without seeing their band. (Check back to the banding post, with the ages of each chick).

I'll give the answer this afternoon. Jackie

ANSWER: Vega, Mylo, Belle, Zephyr (left to right) The two birds on the right can be deceptive with their body size, but the toe digits show the difference between the sexes too).

05/26/2026

The chicks are 21-23 days old today, and their behavior is advancing so quickly. They are more coordinated with their mobility ( all four out on the deck daily since yesterday), more aggressive at feeding time and eating on their own more and more frequently.

Bonus: Can anyone identify yesterday's dinner shown in the video?

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200 1st Street Southeast
Rochester, MN
55904

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