Welcome, Herman! New male Peregrine Falcon takes up residence at Wayne State University

Wayne State University's resident Peregrine Falcons are settling into another nesting season atop Old Main's iconic clock tower, with a notable change in leadership. A new unbanded male falcon has overtaken the nest, ousting longtime resident Regal from his perch.

Dubbed Herman through a university-hosted naming contest, the new male joins female falcon Lillie, who migrated to the WSU nest from Port Washington, Wisconsin in 2023. The pair is currently incubating three eggs, believed to be sired by Regal.

According to biologists who monitor the nest, it's unlikely that Regal survived the territory tussle with Herman.  

Peregrines, renowned as the fastest animals on earth, are known to travel hundreds of miles to find their mates. Once paired, most peregrines remain monogamous for life and nest in the same territory for years. Natural cliff-dwellers, urban peregrines have adapted to bridges and skyscrapers as their homes, with Old Main's imposing central tower providing an ideal location for raising chicks.

The arrival of Herman signals the beginning of the sixth nesting season for the WSU falcons, whose antics have captivated both biologists and the public alike.

Since its installation by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) in 2018, the Wayne State falcon cam has attracted attention and regular viewers from around the world. Many falcon enthusiasts check the stream daily for updates.

Michelle Serreyn, WSU's chief falcon enthusiast and three-time CLAS alumna, highlights the importance of this technology in monitoring and understanding the peregrines' movements. "The falcon cam has been instrumental in not only learning from these birds of prey, but keeping them safe as well." Serreyn and a team of volunteers in CLAS have rescued at least five grounded young falcons since the camera was installed. 

Engagement with the falcon cam extends beyond the university community, with citizens encouraged to participate in data collection by sharing observations on social media using the hashtag #WSUFalcons. Serreyn emphasizes the significance of this collective effort in furthering our understanding of these magnificent birds and their urban habitat.

In addition to serving as a valuable research tool, the falcon cam has the potential to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world among students and the broader community. Plans are underway to develop more community programming centered around the falcons, fostering a sense of stewardship and appreciation for urban wildlife.

For updates and to tune into the live falcon cam, visit go.wayne.edu/falcons.