• The public can nominate and vote for names for two peregrine falcon chicks at Charles Sturt University in Orange that can be viewed online

The peregrine falcon couple that occupy a specially prepared nesting box in a cavity in the water tower at Charles Sturt University in Orange have again produced a pair of chicks from eggs laid earlier in the season.

Dr Cilla Kinross, Adjunct Lecturer in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences said the two nestlings hatched in the past few days.

“The peregrine falcons at Charles Sturt University have done a good job again this year and produced two healthy nestlings, hatched on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 October respectively,” Dr Kinross said.

“Both nestlings are eating well ─ starlings and various native birds their parents catch ─ and are quickly putting on weight.

“The female, ‘Diamond’, does most of the feeding, but the male, ‘Xavier’, is a very caring and gentle father and likes to help out as much as he can.

“He is also doing all the hunting now that Diamond is busy keeping the little ones warm and fed. When they are able to regulate their own temperature, she will join him to help provide for the family.”

Dr Kinross said the falcon chicks are predicted to take their first flight (‘fledge’) after 40 to 45 days, i.e. from about Sunday 12 November.

If you would like to vote for their names, please head to the FalconCam Project website and look under NEWS for the link. Voting will be open until 5pm Sunday 15 October.

This research and education project has been running since 2008. There is a wealth of interesting information on the website, as well as links to the livestream and chat for the community to get involved.

For more information contact Dr Cilla Kinross by email ckinross@csu.edu.au or phone (02) 6365 7651.

Dr Kinross is an Adjunct Lecturer in wildlife management and biodiversity conservation, particularly in agricultural landscapes.