Imagine glancing out of a high-rise office window only to find nature’s fastest predator perched nearby. For the folks at OCBC Centre in Singapore’s Central Business District, this isn’t just a flight of fancy — it’s their reality!
Up on the 34th floor, a pair of peregrine falcons have found a cozy spot to call home. Forget millionaire clients; these birds are the real high-fliers, literally! With their solid black heads and lightning-fast dives, this local subspecies is a sight to behold. And now, with eggs spotted, it’s more than just a temporary stay.
A Surprise at the Top
Located 10 meters above an affluent client’s balcony, these falcons have picked prime real estate. But why here? The OCBC Centre offers safety with its overhangs and handy recesses. It’s like a cliffside, but with city views! Plus, the abundance of pigeons makes dining around here a delight.
Not just anyone can move in; these birds mate for life and have a wingspan reaching up to one meter. When not nesting, they can be seen zooming through the air at speeds over 320 km/h, their solid black heads cutting through the cityscape like nature’s tiny jets.
Research and Discovery
In August, researchers from the National Parks Board (NParks) made a groundbreaking discovery. For the first time in Singapore, a documented sight of peregrine falcon eggs was reported. This is a milestone for local wildlife documentation! But there was a catch — the eggs appeared abandoned.
Rather than despair, researchers enlisted the ingenious folks from the Singapore University of Technology and Design. Armed with creativity and a claw machine-inspired device called Ernest, the team retrieved the eggs. They even had to dissect the eggs to determine their fertile state. Hint: it was a mixed result.
Building a Better Nest
Amid concerns of egg abandonment, NParks stepped in with some home improvement ideas. On November 22, a lavish gravel-filled nesting tray was installed to woo these avian tenants.
“A softer surface will help in nesting,” explained Dr. Malcolm Soh, the principal wildlife researcher. With the addition of a CCTV, researchers now have the Falcons’ equivalent of the Big Brother house right at their fingertips. Expect some serious reality TV-level insights into their nesting behaviors soon!
The improved nesting setup aims to encourage more successful breeding among these falcons. Nesting season kicks off between late January to early February, with hatching anticipated by March 2025 if all goes well. Fingers crossed for chick sightings come April.
City Birds with Countryside Habits
Despite their urban setting, these birds keep some countryside habits. In the wild, limestone cliffs are their usual hangouts for nesting. However, Singapore’s modern architecture offers a concrete substitute.
The CBD’s skyscrapers, like OCBC Centre, give the falcons a sense of safety. “Tall buildings attract them when they have the right features,” affirmed Dr. Soh. Not everywhere makes the cut; it’s all about the right balance of protection and accessibility.
The presence of plentiful pigeons is a bonus, providing a reliable food source for these fast flyers. As Dr. Soh observed, “The OCBC Centre is perfect due to its design and location for nesting and dining challenges.”
A Lend of a Helping Hand
Not just a passive backdrop, the OCBC Centre is an active participant in these falcons’ new lives. They’ve even invested $10,000 to aid in the birds’ nesting setup and surveillance.
“Embracing this natural wonder right outside our windows is something special,” said Koh Ching Ching, OCBC’s head of brand and communications. With history in partnership with NParks, they’re not just watching — they’re part of the action.
The presence of these remarkable falcons seems to echo an old belief: a nesting bird brings fortune. Whether true or not, for those at the OCBC Centre, these feathered neighbors are both a delight and an educational opportunity.
Future Prospects
Despite their global presence, meaning peregrine falcons aren’t rare, their breeding behaves in the tropics, which makes their latest nest fulfillment significant.
Dr. Soh is excited about what these findings mean for broader falcon behavior studies. It bridges a gap in understanding peregrine falcons in tropical environments, showcasing unique nesting habits that studies in temperate regions miss.
As with any scientific study, the research doesn’t end here. The team will keep tabs on nest activity, making adjustments as necessary to ensure the falcons’ stay is no fleeting affair. Any additional observations contribute valuable data to global falcon studies.
A Historic Moment
The joy of sighting such a majestic animal at close quarters cannot be understated. More than just a marvel, this marks an important moment for Singapore’s urban wildlife.
To attract such esteemed avian guests, it must be offering ideal conditions. The findings could place Singapore on the map as a key player in wildlife study.
Furthermore, the research contributes not just to local knowledge but adds to global understanding of avian urban adaptation.
With skyscrapers turned into makeshift cliffs, city’s gray jungle welcomes these falcons with open arms. It’s an adventure worth following closely.
An exciting prospect as we await not just egg hatching but more insights into how these predators adapt and thrive in our urban world.
