Peregrine Falcon Nest

The camera looks at a nest box fixed to a water tower on a university campus in Orange, in inland New South Wales. Viewers usually see a pair of peregrine falcons at the box, either standing guard, settled over eggs or feeding downy chicks. The open inland sky and the tower structure make the setting easy to recognise.

The most active viewing comes during the breeding season, when the adults are busy incubating and later bringing food to the nest. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be livelier, as the birds come and go. Weather changes the scene too, from clear inland light to cloud and rain, and the chicks grow visibly over the weeks.

Orange sits in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, a region known for cool winters, orchards and vineyards. Peregrine falcons often nest on tall structures such as towers and buildings, which suit their need for a wide view. The campus setting lets people follow the nesting cycle from a distance without disturbing the birds.