Red Deer’s most famous mom-to-be is now preparing for at least three offspring.
A peregrine falcon laid its third egg sometime between 12:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, to the delight of people watching via a live video feed on the Telus tower in Highland Green.
Judy Boyd, spokeswoman for the Red Deer River Naturalists, said spectators of the peregrine falcon and her mate are keeping a close watch on what is unfolding, sometimes minute by minute.
“A friend of mine went to bed at 12:30 and (the falcon) hadn’t laid anything yet,” Boyd said on Thursday. “Then people started viewing at 5:30 a.m. and saw the egg.”
Boyd said a peregrine falcon lays an average number of two to four eggs, but as many as seven is possible.
Last year, a female peregrine falcon nesting on the roof of the 14-storey Capri Hotel and Convention Centre laid five eggs. Four out of five chicks born on top of the hotel died due to exposure from wind and rain.
Interest is soaring for the feathered couple on top of the Telus tower.
As of Thursday afternoon, more than 17,300 viewers had taken a peek online to see what is now becoming baby watch.
The first pink-coloured egg was laid on May 1 and two days later, another.
“The eggs should start hatching 30 days after she actually starts incubating,” said Boyd. “I’m not sure she’s actually incubating right now because she does get off the eggs for quite a while. It’s been cold, so it may be she’s just covering the eggs so they don’t freeze.”
The Red Deer River Naturalists invested in the webcam while Telus provided the manpower for installation and it will further pay for the power source. Alberta Fish and Wildlife invested in a new and improved nest box — one that will keep owls and ravens out.
Since April 24, the video has been streamed live to the Red Deer River Naturalists’ website at www.rdrn.fanweb.ca and also on www.reddeeradvocate.com
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com