![]() ![]() “They know what a house is but they don’t know how to maintain it, so they nest somewhere until it falls apart, then they find a new nest.” “These things are like really bad tenants,” Hurley says. Peregines prefer sheltered ledges on the sides of cliffs – or skyscrapers – but in Victoria they have also been known to roost in hollows of towering river red gum trees and in nests stolen from birds with better construction skills. The falcons are ruthless in defending their patch, Hurley says, and nesting sites are prized. There is also a report of a female peregrine falcon killing a wedge-tailed eagle in a territorial dispute. Hurley says he has seen a female peregrine falcon take down an ibis before, although she gave herself a concussion in the effort and, because it was three times her bodyweight, she was unable to take it back to her nest. The male adult falcon nesting at Collins Street specialises in sparrows and starlings, while the female brings in bigger pigeons. “I suppose it’s an artefact of an adrenaline-based lifestyle – they are the fastest animal on the planet and they tend to live hard and fast,” Hurley says. They can live for up to 16 years but most don’t make it beyond six. Just 10% of fledglings go on to have a successful breeding season of their own. ![]() “In previous years those fledglings that were going to succumb were dead by this stage.” “All the prey is in really good condition so it doesn’t have the parasite load,” he says. Those urban green spaces are essential to maintaining the health of the falcons, says Hurley. With a wetter spring providing an abundance of food in green spaces including Albert Park Lake and the botanical gardens, the small birds in the city are in better condition. In drier conditions, their prey – street pigeons, starlings and sparrows – are riddled with parasites, which can kill the fledglings. This is the most successful breeding season for the Collins Street falcons in three years, Hurley says. They are the fastest animal on the planet and they tend to live hard and fast Victor Hurley, Victorian Peregrine Project The site has been used for decades by pairs of falcons but only one pair at a time, and all have shown a preference for this corner, which Hurley says allows them to gather the morning sun but ensures their chicks don’t cook on hot spring afternoons. The box sits on the ledge of a window high on the south-east corner of the building. You won't want to miss it! /Fjk5bK8FHm- BirdLife Australia November 9, 2020 Soon, these fluffy falcons will launch themselves over the edge and into Melbourne’s skies. The 367 Collins St Falcon chicks are due to fledge any day now!
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