Birdwatchers follow livestream of peregrine falcon chicks hatching on top of CBD office tower

A PAIR of peregrine falcons, nesting on a ledge 33 floors up on a central Melbourne tower, have welcomed three new chicks into their fold. And a fourth egg is yet to hatch.

A PAIR of peregrine falcons, nesting on a ledge 33 floors up on a central Melbourne tower, welcomed three new chicks today.

The chicks hatched this morning on the 367 Collins Street building. Another egg is still waiting to hatch.

The falcons have become annual attractions and have gained popularity through a webcam, which livestreams their nest to curious birdwatchers 24 hours a day.

FALCONS’ BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF CITY

Peregrine falcon chicks nest 33 floors up at 367 Collins St, Melbourne.

A peregrine falcon after three chicks hatched 33 floors up on 367 Collins st Melbourne.

A peregrine falcon with a chick at 367 Collins St.

The birth of the chicks brings renewed hope for birdwatchers following the falcons, after last year’s chicks died after eating a pigeon that may have been poisoned.

The doting falcon parents have been taking it in turn to bring the chicks food, with watchers commenting on the spectacle on social media.

The ledge at 367 Collins has been home to falcons since 1991, but the nest has only been available to view online since 2016.

🚨🚨🚨BABBY PEREGRINES ALERT🚨🚨🚨Three chicks, one unhatched egg. I have a feeling the egg and the smallest chick might not survive unfortunately... https://t.co/9ADkWpJGDB https://t.co/iAI344jldP pic.twitter.com/Szf72NiE4W

— Harry Saddler (@MondayStory) October 2, 2018

Before that, a camera used to broadcast footage of the birds to a television in the foyer of the building.

Peregrine falcons are hunting birds, and swoop on their prey at speeds up to 300km/h.

They also mate for life, and co-parent their chicks, with the male and female taking it in turns to hunt for food for the babies.

For those eager to keep an eye on the chicks, the livestream is available at 367collinsfalcons.com.au/