Minnesota’s FalconCam Is back, and for fans like me, this season is going to be extra special!

If you’ve followed along with me over the years, you know I absolutely love sharing the live wildlife cameras from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The FalconCam is officially live again for the season, but this year, it has a totally new look...and sound!

YOUR FRONT ROW SEAT LOOKS AND SOUNDS BETTER THAN EVER

Between the EagleCam and the FalconCam, it’s like having a front-row seat to one of nature’s most incredible shows. The FalconCam is officially live again for the season, but this year, it has a totally new look...and sound!

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THE NEXT BOX STARTED BACK IN 1987

This nest box has quite a history. It was first installed back in 1987, and peregrine falcons began using it the following year. Since then, 93 falcon chicks have hatched here through 2025, which is pretty incredible when you think about it.

But the biggest change viewers will notice this year is the camera upgrade.

The new high-resolution camera delivers a much sharper view of the nest, and for the first time ever, there’s sound!

That means fans can now hear the Falcons calling, interacting, and eventually the chirping of chicks once they hatch. It's a completely new experience for those who love to watch them.

OTHER FALCON STORIES: Falcon Watch 2025: Nesting Season Begins!

OUR VERY OWN ARCADIA IS BACK!

Here's the best part of all. Arcadia is back!

If you’ve watched the FalconCam before, you probably recognise her. Arcadia has been the star of the show for the past 10 seasons. She's been using this nesting box since 2016.

We have a special connection for Arcadia in Central Minnesota. She was banded as a young falcon in 2013 at a nesting box at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud.

WHO IS ACARADIA'S MATE THIS YEAR?

The only mystery right now? It appears she may not have stayed with the same mate. I'm actually kind of shocked, because compared to the partner she had in years past, last year's mate was quite helpful.

If he's not the same, it makes me wonder what happened to him. Did he perish?

THE NESTING SEASON IS JUST BEGINNING ON THE DNR CAM

While Wildlife officials try to confirm whether the male falcon currently in the nest is the same partner from previous years or someone new, the nesting season is just beginning for peregrine falcons. I'm sure we will find out soon enough.

Right now, the pair is busy preparing their nest by creating what’s called a “scrape". A 'Scrape' is a shallow bowl in the gravel where eggs will eventually be laid.

If the season follows the typical timeline, here’s what we can expect:

• Falcons usually lay 3–4 eggs
• Eggs are laid about every 2–3 days
• Incubation lasts 30–35 days
• Chicks grow quickly and leave the nest after about 35–40 days

Last year, Arcadia and her mate hatched three chicks around late May, and the young falcons were flying by late June.

POPULATIONS HAVE RECOVERED THANKS TO CONSERVATION

Peregrine falcons nearly disappeared from North America in the 1970s. But thanks to conservation work from organizations like the Minnesota DNR Nongame Wildlife Program and groups such as the Midwest Peregrine Society, their populations have recovered.

CAMERAS HELP PEOPLE CONNECT WITH WILDLIFE

The cameras help people connect with wildlife in a way that makes conservation feel personal.

For me, that’s what makes these cams so special. Every spring, thousands of Minnesotans check in, watching eggs appear, chicks hatch, and eventually see those young falcons take their very first flights.

And now with a clearer camera and sound for the first time ever, this season is shaping up to be one we won’t want to miss.

If you’re like me, don’t be surprised if you find yourself checking in on the FalconCam more than once a day, because once the eggs arrive, it gets really exciting. The new view and sound really are amazing!