From a news article:
San Jose Peregrine Falcons Given Out of Box Holiday Present
SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- Bird researchers rappelled down the side of City Hall Friday to install a new bird box on the 18th floor, filled with new gravel.
Glen Stewart with the Predatory Bird Research Group at UC Santa Cruz said there's new evidence that egg hatchability is improved if the gravel is changed out every few years.
The city had just two falcons in 1970, when the species was nearly extinct.
These wild falcons, Clara and Esteban Colbert, have successfully hatched 10 falcon chicks during their three years nesting next to the highest levels of city government.
Like city officials, they are heavily scrutinized. Thousands have thrilled to even their mundane activities via webcam.
Perhaps conscious of all the raptor attention, Mayor Chuck Reed went out of his way to note that no taxpayer money was going to the birds.
One thing -- Clara and Esteban have not raised ten chicks together, since this is Esteban's first year at the nest. The previous male was Carlos.
