Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California, was once known for being home to the most notorious prison in the United States. But now, the island is slowly shedding its infamous reputation and becoming one of the breeding hotspots for birds.
Recently, a pair of rare Peregrine falcons decided to make a nest on Alcatraz and captured the attention of scientists and bird lovers. This prompted the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to set up a live stream to allow everyone to admire this special event without disturbing the birds.
Viewers can see the chicks growing up, getting taken care of by their mother, and much more.
According to the Parks Conservancy, the Peregrine falcon who built its nest on Alcatraz is named Larry. She and her partner were spotted breeding for the first time in 2019 and have already welcomed four chicks on Alcatraz back in 2023.
The peregrine falcon is considered the fastest member of the animal kingdom, reaching speeds over 200 mph. Their population was dwindling in the 20th century due to pesticides, but recovery efforts in recent decades have helped put an end to this trend. Peregrine falcon populations are trending upward across the world, and the species was removed from the U.S. endangered list in 1999.