The wait is finally over. The fourth and final Peregrine falcon hatched in its nest high atop the PPL building in Allentown. They are the first recorded Peregine falcon eggs to hatch in the Lehigh Valley. The first falcon emerged from its egg earlier this week.


   [  PHOTOS ]    [  NEW VIDEO CLIPS ]    [  LIVE FALCON CAM] 

  
The falcons have generated quite a bit of interest throughout the Lehigh Valley and around the world, caused in large part by the 69 News web camera installed above the falcons' nesting area. We have received comments from as far away as the United Kingdom. The continually-updated pictures and video on WFMZ.com are also being viewed by students in classrooms around the region.

Call them the fab 4. Jeff Luzenski: "It was a great day with the 4th chick hatched." Sometime Wednesday night the 4th and final baby falcon stretched it's beak and squawked hello world. "It's a privilege, nice to have this, nice to have building that supports the Peregrins". These birds are very territorial, which is why I'm wearing a hard hat and sunglasses. They also breed for life and will come back to this spot every year. The babies once they learn to fly and hunt will fly the coop.  Which is about 45 days from now. But.. before they take flight the birds will be banded by the Game Commission. "If they show up someplace else we have info to where they were."  Tracking the birds is key. Peregrine Falcons are still endangered in Pennsylvania. Which is why PPL's Senior Environmental Professional Jeff Luzenski says this nest is so important. It's the only breeding site in Lehigh County and only 1 of 24 statewide. "What we've seen at other locations is maybe 1 or 2 but not 4. So to have all 4 in the first year is great." And the birds are already starting to attract a flock of attention. "A lot of teachers showed interest and in the city don't get to see wild life." Hopes are once these chicks spread their wings, a new batch will be hatched next year. Enabling the Peregrine population in Pennsylvania to soar once again.

Pictures above courtesy of PPL.

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