Golden State Today

UC Berkeley's iconic Campanile is once again abuzz with excitement as peregrine falcons Annie and Archie have welcomed four new eggs to their nest. According to Cal Falcons scientists, the eggs arrived about two days and four hours apart, with a hatching expected on April 23 or 24.

Annie, who has been raising young on the tower since 2016, will be the primary parent incubating the eggs, while Archie, her new mate, will take on the responsibility of hunting for their daily meals and eventually for the chicks. Sean Peterson, an ecologist with Cal Falcons, noted Archie's quick adaptation to his new duties, saying, “It’s possible he’s done this before!”

While Annie typically lays four eggs, she has never hatched more than three chicks in a year. The upcoming Hatch Day on April 24 will be celebrated with an all-day party at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, where falcon experts will be present to answer questions and engage with visitors.

Following the hatching of the chicks, a banding session and a naming contest will be held. It is expected that the chicks will fledge at different times, with male peregrine falcons generally taking flight before females.

Meanwhile, a potential threat looms near Annie and Archie's nest as drones have been spotted flying around the bell tower. Peterson expressed concern over the drones, stating, “The last thing anyone wants is to lose this nest site due to someone flying too close with a drone.” UC Berkeley's policy prohibits unauthorized drone flights on the main campus, and violators will face disciplinary action.

Despite the presence of drones, the community is encouraged to follow the falcons' journey through the three webcams on the tower and Cal Falcon's social media accounts. As the falcons prepare for the arrival of their chicks, the UC Berkeley community remains hopeful for a successful nesting season while also remaining vigilant against potential threats.

The Berkeley falcons' story continues to captivate audiences, showcasing the delicate balance between urban life and wildlife preservation.