Have you seen the Falcon Cam yet?

It’s important for the AGC Washington Chapter to be involved in our community, for there are many ways that we can contribute to the rich and fulfilling lives that our members lead.

One of the more interesting ways that we’ve done this is through a partnership with the Urban Raptor Conservancy. We’ve built a nest box for peregrine falcons – and you can check on them with a Falcon Cam that we’ve put online. Read on for a little history of this partnership and how it ties into life in Washington.

Building homes for falcons

The peregrine falcon was part of the urban landscape in the Seattle area for decades, but then the effects of the chemical DDT caused these animals to become nearly extinct decades ago. Around 1994, peregrine falcons began nesting again in Seattle, with the first known nest at 1201 Third Avenue, which used to be the Washington Mutual Tower.

Since that first re-excursion, peregrines were building from four to six nests a year around the city. It wasn’t until last year, though, that there was a nest on a second Seattle building – our own.

Yes, the South Lake Union neighborhood that houses the AGC of Washington ended up with a nest. We went into action quickly once it was discovered and to do our part to preserve it.

Nesting season is back

By working with the Urban Raptor Conservancy, we were able to host a nest box for this particular peregrine. It’s behind a balcony on the 10th floor of our building.

Peregrines like to nest over water, and fledglings are sometimes in danger as they attempt to fly. To that end, URC kept a kayak vigil for two weeks near the waterfront vicinity of our building to watch for them to fly, with three making the trek from the nest in 2022.

Now that it’s 2023, nesting season has begun again, and we have set up the AGC FalconCam so anyone can watch the full season unfold. You can access it here or from our homepage.

A vital part of our community

Partnerships with groups such as the Urban Raptor Conservancy is what AGCW is all about. Our goal is to build an economically vibrant community where families and businesses can prosper equally.

We focus on strategic decisions and practical actions in the work we do for our members, always tailored to the unique realities that we all face and the changing landscape that’s part of the business world.

To find out more about the benefits and resources we offer, go to our website.