Rare falcons delight Moncton birders

A pair of peregrine falcons have moved into their makeshift home, on the top of Assumption Place, Moncton's tallest office building.

Birdwatchers built the house for the rare birds last year. Peregrine falcons tend to nest on tall buildings, and their eggs often fall off.

Alain Clavette helped build their new home.

"To see it in an urban setting like this, it's absolutely great. We knew they were here but to know where they are and to know they're well protected, well taken care of, it's amazing," he said.

Two birds have now moved in and laid four eggs.

Clavette said he expects the eggs will hatch in mid-May.

The falcons are birds of prey that eat pigeons. Clavette said the birds will have plenty of food.

"In the past we used to call them Duck Hawk. We see that the marshes here are filled with ducks," he said.

"There's also the gulls that are a very good source of food for them. I think the food is plentiful when it comes to gulls and pigeons in Moncton, so they should do well."

Clavette said he wants to set up a camera to allow people to watch the chicks on the internet.