MN DNR Falcon Cam
New high-resolution camera and sound enhance user experience
Falcons in the nest, photo taken with new camera in 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ FalconCam is live for the 2026 nesting season. This year’s livestream is using a new camera that offers a much sharper view of peregrine falcons – and, for the first time, the DNR FalconCam includes sound.
Now in its 16th year, the DNR FalconCam provides a close-up, high-resolution view of the seasonal behaviors associated with nesting, such as courtship displays and nest preparation. Viewers may also hear occasional calls by the falcons.
One of the two adult falcons using the nest box is the same female as last year: a 14-year-old who fledged from St. Cloud and has nested in the downtown St. Paul box since 2016. The DNR will update the FalconCam webpage (mndnr.gov/falconcam) if more is learned about the male bird.
The birds have dug a shallow bowl in the gravel, forming a nest, called a “scrape,” where they may soon lay eggs. If the eggs hatch again this year, viewers will be able to watch these notable raptors rear their chicks throughout the spring. Last year, the pair laid their first egg on March 31, and eggs could appear around the same time this year. Peregrine falcons usually lay three to four eggs per season.
“We hope the FalconCam inspires appreciation for this fascinating species of special concern — the fastest birds in the world — and helps Minnesotans feel a connection to the incredible wildlife around them,” said DNR Wildlife Engagement Supervisor Jessica Ruthenberg. “We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Sentinel Properties and the Town Square building tenants, who help make the FalconCam possible.” The webcam gives a seasonal look at the lives of nesting peregrine falcons and enhances educational and research opportunities. Peregrine falcons usually nest on high, open ledges, such as rocky cliffs or, in the case of this pair, on tall structures like skyscrapers.
The livestream also supports peregrine falcon conservation efforts in Minnesota. The opportunity to view these raptors is the result of a long and successful conservation effort. In the 1970s, peregrine falcons nearly went extinct in North America. Populations were restored in the state with the help of Minnesota falconers, the Midwest Peregrine Society and the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program.
Minnesotans can support the Nongame Wildlife Fund through donations on state tax returns or at the DNR Donating for Wildlife webpage (mndnr.gov/nongame/donate/index.html). These donations fund projects that protect rare and vulnerable wildlife across the state. These projects include the peregrine restoration project and the DNR FalconCam.
The FalconCam livestream is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/falconcam) and on the DNR YouTube channel (youtube.com/channel/UCkibG4ONyUmGlnOR3F3qq6Q).
Stay up to date on FalconCam activity by signing up for alerts on the FalconCam webpage (mndnr.gov/falconcam) and by following the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program Facebook page (facebook.com/MinnesotaNongameWildlifeProgram) for educational content throughout the nesting season.
Comments