Minnesota DNR Falcon Cam Caught A Peregrine Chick’s First Flight Live

It's one of those moments we've all been waiting for.

After weeks of watching Acadia carefully care for her growing family, the first of her three chicks has officially spread its wings and left the nest.

WATCH AS FIRST CHICK TAKES FLIGHT

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shared the exciting news that the first Falcon Cam chick fledged at 7:22 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7th.

For peregrine falcons, fledging marks a major milestone. It's the day a young bird takes its first real flight and begins life outside the nest box.

If you've been following the Falcon Cam with me this season, you've watched our tiny, fluffy chicks grow into strong young falcons. Now the next chapter is beginning.

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NOT COMIN' BACK

Don't worry if you don't see the first chick back in the nest. Once peregrine falcon chicks leave the nest box, they usually don't return, but that doesn't mean they're on their own.

WATCHFUL PARENTS

Acadia and her mate will continue keeping a close eye on all three of their young birds. The parents will still bring food to the fledglings, protect them from predators, and help them develop the flying and hunting skills they'll need before eventually establishing their own territories.

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WHEN WILL THE OTHER CHICKS FLEDGE?

The Minnesota DNR expects the remaining two chicks to fledge by the end of next week, so there are still more exciting moments ahead.

There's clearly a big difference in the first and the last chicks' development. The last hatchling still has some growing to do, but it all happens so fast that before long, they will all be on their way.

BITTERSWEET MOMENTS

It's always a little bittersweet when our Falcon Cam family leaves home, but it's also exactly what we've all been hoping for.

Every successful fledgling is another victory for Minnesota's peregrine falcon population and another reminder of just how incredible it is to witness nature unfold in real time.

You can continue watching Acadia and the remaining chicks live on the Minnesota DNR Falcon Cam before the nest becomes empty.