Last night's joint meeting of municipal politicians from the Ontario and Michigan Saults included an unexpected birth announcement.
Peter Petainen, general manager at the International Bridge, disclosed that three peregrine falcons have hatched recently in a nest box on the bridge linking the twin Saults.
Accompanied by steeplejacks, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) team is climbing the bridge this afternoon to band the new arrivals so their movements, reproductive behaviour and population growth can be tracked.
You can view the birds on the bridge's popular Falcon Cam.
Two of the newcomers are female.
They've been named Barb and Janet.
One is male.
He's been dubbed Chum.
Since 2010, 42 peregrine falcons have been hatched on the bridge.
Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species in Michigan.
In Canada, the species is designated “not at risk” federally, except for one subspecies listed as of “special concern” on the federal Species at Risk Act.
"The peregrine falcon is best known for its diving speed during flight – which can reach more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) per hour – making it not only the world’s fastest bird but also the world’s fastest animal," says Britannica.
