Falcons On The Nest High Atop Cuomo Bridge

TARRYTOWN, NY — Two peregrine falcons have returned to the Hudson Valley, taking up residence in a nest box high above the river on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

And they've already set to work adding to their family.

As of Monday morning, there are three eggs being cared for by the parents.

A webcam was installed in the box to document the lives of the migratory raptors. It's available online here.

The endangered birds can scour for and dive after prey from the high vantage point near the top of the bridge.

Peregrine falcons can reach speeds of more than 200 mph in a controlled dive, making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom, according to experts.

"Peregrine" means "wanderer"; the raptors migrate great distances, flying north or south as seasons change.

The falcons typically lay three to five eggs in the early spring, with chicks, called eyases, hatching one month later.

The man-made nest box in the new bridge was specifically designed for the needs of the falcons, a bridge spokesperson said.

Progress on the falcons and their eggs can be followed on Twitter.