Three peregrine falcon chicks hatched atop UMass library

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Those closely watching the progress of the nesting pair of peregrine falcons at UMass’ W.E.B. DuBois Library have been enjoying seeing live images of three young chicks, which successfully hatched last week.

Four eggs were laid in the nest atop the library in Mid-April. According to a news release sent to 22News by UMass Libraries, experts believe the fourth egg was unfertilized, and it isn’t clear whether it is still inside the nest or the birds removed it themselves.

Since last month, thousands of viewers had watched on a live webcam as the pair incubated the eggs. They are now enjoying seeing both parents feed and protect their young.

“The falcons will be banded sometime in mid-May, and will begin fledgling after that,” said Richard Nathhorst, capital projects manager of facilities planning at UMass Amherst.

A pair of falcons has made their home on a perch atop the library for the last 10 years. A total of 27 falcon chicks have hatched and flown from the site.

In addition to Amherst, peregrine falcon nesting pairs have been found in Springfield, Deerfield, Erving, and Holyoke. There are a total of 25 such pairs last year, and the state now knows of nesting pairs in every region of the state except the Berkshires, Cape Cod, and the Islands.