A group of adorable newborn peregrine falcon chicks were banded Monday at the University of Massachusetts Lowell by staff from MassWildLife.
Also known as “duck hawks,” the five birds are UMass Lowell’s real-life river hawks, the namesake of the school’s athletic teams.
You can watch the 1-month-old birds here via webcam, called Hawk Watch.
Researchers, students, and volunteers at the university watched as wildlife biologists assessed the health of the falcon chicks and fit them with identification bands before they leave their nest atop Fox Hall, the city’s tallest building.
More than 44 nesting pairs of peregrine falcons have been identified in Massachusetts, according to state biologists.Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff
A four week old peregrine falcon chick that just got banded. Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff
Previously an endangered species, the federally protected falcons, known as the fastest bird on earth, are listed in Massachusetts as birds “of special concern.” Wildlife biologists annually visit UMass Lowell as part of the university’s effort to help restore the local peregrine population, officials said.
A pair of the majestic peregrines has called Fox Hall home since at least 2007, when university employees discovered them on the roof, officials said.
Over the past 18 years, 49 peregrine chicks have been raised on Fox Hall, the university said.
The birds have gone onto establish other nests across the state and beyond, from New Hampshire to New Jersey, the university said.
Go River Hawks, go.
Hannah Goeke can be reached at hannah.goeke@globe.com.