UCFC ~ Both Chicks Make It To Terrace 💖 Sweet Siblings Holding Talons! Help Name The Chicks Contest!

Union County Falcon Cam May 30th 2026 ~ The video opens with Mango coming to the terrace and one of the chicks actually leaving the Igloo for the first time! Mango does not stay long and the chick returns inside. Mango returns with prey & does a food transfer to Betsy who takes it inside and feeds the chicks. Later in the early evening, we have both chicks venturing out on the terrace together! They are enjoying the sunshine and fresh air when Mango arrives to the top rail. He will go inside the Igloo briefly but come back out and departs. The chicks continue to enjoy their freedom on the terrace. They will huddle together, give a quick beaky kiss & then hold talons - such sweet siblings! NAME THE CHICKS!! The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and nature fans of all ages to help name the newest peregrine falcon chicks living atop the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth. Members of the public can now cast their votes on this page by choosing two patriotic names for the chicks in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Voting will remain open through June 12. LINK to name chicks: https://ucnj.org/falcon-camera/ The eight names selected for the public vote are: Liberty, Patriot, Justice, Glory, America, Independence “Indy,” Valor, and Anthem. “Every year, the Falcon Cam gives residents a unique opportunity to experience wildlife and nature right here in the heart of Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This year’s naming contest is a fun way to celebrate our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary while also helping educate residents about the importance of protecting endangered species. We are proud to continue our partnership with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey to share the story of these remarkable birds with viewers here in Union County and around the world.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ History: Nature is amazing and certainly can bring joyous opportunities in otherwise difficult situations. In this Union County New Jersey Falcon nest, the resident Mom Lizzie laid 5 eggs and her partner Mango were settling down to incubate them when a new female came into the area and pushed out Lizzie and took over the nest. It is unknown what has happened to Lizzie who was last seen on April 7th. Territorial disputes are common and resulted in the previous resident female Frida's disappearance when Lizzie first showed up in June 2025 and took over as Mango's new mate. Mango (male falcon) & UBF (now called Betsy) incubated the five eggs but it led to inconsistencies with Mango not being large enough to incubate all 5 eggs and also leaving them uncovered for long periods of time. UBF (Betsy) shared incubation duties with Mango. But against all odds, two of the five eggs hatched and the female (Betsy) began to take care of the chicks & raise them as if they were her own! Since Betsy is unbanded, there is no information on her history but she seems to have had breeding experience which is making her an excellent Mother to Mango's chicks! The other three eggs are not viable. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eggs laid March 23rd, 26th, 28th, 31st & April 2nd 2026 1st egg hatched May 11th 2026 2nd egg hatched May 13th 2026 Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk Courtesy of Union County Falcon Cam / Nestbox View & Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ Link to cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3UhyDziCTQ and rooftop view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t2TxgM8YQs