Falcon Family Complete With 4 Hatched Chicks On Cuomo Bridge

TARRYTOWN, NY — The fourth egg laid by a pair of peregrine falcons in a nest box near the top of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge has hatched.

The new chick brings the number of baby falcons — or eyases as they are formally known — to four.

The latest hatching was announced Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, by the New York State Thruway Authority.

Progress of the chicks can be followed via the Thruway Authority’s live webcam. There is also a live video of the nest.

Having four eggs hatch is a huge improvement from last spring when the resident falcons laid four eggs but none of them produced chicks.

The Thruway, partnering with Veolia, has brought back a contest to name the chicks.

Students in grades three to six from Rockland and Westchester counties can submit names until Wednesday, May 10. Judges will choose finalists, and the public will vote on them in a weeklong poll on the bridge’s website to select the winners.

Winning names in the past include Luke Flywalker, Talon Zee, Jimmy Falcon, Cardi Beak and Bridge-ette.

Experts say the location of the nest near the top of one of the bridge’s 419-foot towers is ideal for peregrine falcons. The raptors can hunt for food from the high spot, reaching speeds of more than 200 mph in a controlled dive.

The Thruway Authority warns the public about watching the falcons. People should remember that falcons are wild animals and the way they act reflects what happens in nature. Some of their actions may be unpleasant to watch, and some of the fledglings may not survive.