Golden State Today

UC Berkeley's renowned peregrine falcon, Annie, has achieved a remarkable milestone in her eighth breeding season as all of her eggs hatched successfully on the Campanile, producing four healthy chicks. Ecologist Sean Peterson from Cal Falcons expressed his excitement, stating, "This is really exciting to see." Peterson also noted the usual occurrence of one of Annie's eggs failing to hatch in previous years, speculating on the reasons behind it.

With all four chicks hatching this time, Annie and her mate, Archie, are gearing up for the challenges of raising a larger brood. Peterson mentioned, "With four chicks, Annie and Archie are definitely going to have their wings full when the chicks get bigger." The latest additions bring the total number of offspring Annie has raised since her arrival in 2016 to an impressive 22.

The hatching of the 22nd chick was a public spectacle observed by guests at the Berkeley Art Museum and Film Archive during the annual Hatch Day event. Attendees watched the nest activity in real-time on a giant outdoor screen, engaging with Cal Falcons experts and asking questions about the falcon family.

Archie, Annie's new mate, has been praised for his active involvement in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. Mary Malec, a member of Cal Falcons, commended Archie as "a keeper" and a "hands-on dad," highlighting his attentive nature towards the offspring. Malec also mentioned the history of male partners Annie has had, with Archie being the latest in the succession.

As the chicks grow, Annie and Archie will take on specific roles in nurturing them. Annie will primarily act as the incubator for the first 10 days, while Archie will provide food for the family. Eventually, both falcons will work together to feed the chicks as they mature.

The chicks will be banded for identification by a raptor biologist in mid-May and will take their first flights around six weeks of age. Peterson expressed excitement about observing the chicks' personalities and interactions as they explore their surroundings, emphasizing the joy in witnessing their development.

Despite the success of Annie's brood, there have been challenges within the peregrine falcon population due to the impact of bird flu. Malec noted the difficulties faced by the species in the Bay Area, emphasizing the importance of successful fledging for each chick.

The legacy of Annie's offspring showcases a mix of outcomes, with some facing unfortunate fates while others thrive. The community eagerly awaits the progress of the new peregrine family, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.