iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

A new unbanded female is on the roof today. Webster was in the nest box and head-bowing to her when she flew in and landed on the camera arm, then the roof next to the box.

New unbanded female peregrine falcon standing on the Du Bois Library roof.

021

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Happy Halloween! Webster decided to go as Perry(grine) the Platypus. He's excited for Trick or Tweet!

Adult male peregrine falcon Photoshopped to be colored teal with beak, eyes, and feet orange and wearing a brown fedora like Perry the Platypus from "Phineas and Ferb."

051

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

What happens to the nest box after nesting season concludes for the year? Well...

Adult male peregrine falcon standing outside nest box which has a "Spirit Halloween" banner Photoshopped onto it.

094

Reposted by Du Bois Falcons

UMass Amherst Libraries @umasslibraries.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

A huge thank-you to Tom Ricardi for bringing his Birds of Prey program to the Libraries! Tom brought five unreleasable raptors in his care, including a golden eagle, saw-whet owl, barred owl, black vulture, and, in the spirit of our own rooftop residents, a peregrine falcon. #UMassHomecoming

Tom Ricardi holding a large golden eagle on his glove.

051

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

A Homecoming Weekend special event! Tom Ricardi's Birds of Prey, Friday, October 3, 1-2 p.m., Du Bois Library, Lower Level. No registration required.

010

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

How could we not celebrate Hobbit Day when one of Tolkien's characters shares a name with our beloved falcon species? Follow Peregrine "Pippin" Took's lead today and enjoy se-cawed breakfast with a side of adventure. Here's Webster doing his best Gandalf impression just for the occasion.

Adult male peregrine falcon Webster standing in nest box facing the entrance. He is Photoshopped to be wearing a gray wizard's hat. The entrance to the nest box has a photo of Bilbo Baggins's green door with Gandalf's mark on it from "The Hobbit" Photoshopped over it.

020

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Ahoy! Webster be wishing ye a happy Talk Like a Pirate Day with his favorite joke: What's a pirate's favorite part of the library? The arr-chives! 😆

Adult male peregrine falcon standing in nest box, Photoshopped to be wearing a red and white spotted bandana and a black pirate hat with a skull and crossbones on it.

000

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Webster and the unbanded female hanging out together on the roof. Note how he's head-bowing to her, which is an act of pair-bonding between two falcon mates. Pair-bonding activities are not exclusive to nesting season.

Adult male peregrine falcon Webster in nest box head-bowing to unbanded adult peregrine falcon female perched on the camera arm.

030

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Happy National Video Game Day! Here's Webster playing Caw of Duty.🎮😆 #NationalVideoGameDay

Adult male peregrine falcon Webster standing in nest box doorway with head up and beak open, Photoshopped to be wearing a headset, holding a video game controller, and having a computer monitor in front of him.

022

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Captain Pi-cawed? 😆Happy Star Trek Day! 🖖 #StarTrekDay

Shot of the bridge of the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation with adult male peregrine falcon Webster Photoshopped in sitting in the captain's chair, Photoshopped to be wearing the captain's pips and comm badge.

020

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Of course our girls would win the Idol Awards. They're super talon-ted. #KPopDemonHunters

3 peregrine falcon chicks Photoshopped to have purple braided hair, black side-buns hair, and long pink pigtails hair, respectively, to look like the 3 girls from KPop Demon Hunters. Black background with neon curved lines to look like the Honmoon from the movie.

031

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

Brief correction: We initially thought this falcon pictured here was Merriam, but now, we are not sure if it is yet another interloper. We'll keep a close watch and try and get some zoomed-in screenshots.

121

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Hello, falcon fans! We wanted to wait to have all the info before making a post: Last week, we received a call regarding a falcon casualty by Lederle. The adult female interloper had struck a window while hunting a racing pigeon. (1/4)

Adult female peregrine falcon Merriam perched on top of the nest box.

121

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

The Caw-mazing Spider-Man? 🤔🕸️🦅😆 Happy Spider-Man Day! You can check out volumes of Spidey and other superhero comics at the Libraries. #SpiderManDay

Adult peregrine falcon perched in nest box with Spider-Man Photoshopped to be hanging upside-down from the nest box opening, reading a copy of a Spider-Man comic omnibus.

022

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Merriam has been in the nest box every day since her return, laying claim to her territory. We saw her and Webster head-bowing to each other yesterday, so they are back to pair-bonding with each other. We've seen no sign of the interloping female since Merriam's return.

Adult female peregrine falcon Merriam lying down in nest box with beak open.

090

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

We're gonna need a bigger nest box... Happy Shark Week! 🦈 #SharkWeek

Parody of "Jaws" poster that says "Caws" with a pigeon flying and a large image of a peregrine falcon chick's head and open mouth below it.

031

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Falcon fans, we have some surprising news...Merriam is back! Thanks to falcon fan Lee Breckenridge for alerting us! We don't know what's going to happen with her, Webster, and the interloping female, but we'll be keeping a close watch on the situation.

Adult female peregrine falcon Merriam laying down in the nest box with her bad leg sticking out.

0100

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

We have some sad news. It appears as though Merriam is gone. While we will continue to look for her around the area, it is most likely that she has been either killed or driven off by a new, unbanded female that has begun to pair bond with Webster: unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence. (1/7)

Adult female peregrine falcon Merriam perched in nest box on the Du Bois Library roof.

101

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

The Powergrine Girls here to remind you to take care of yourselves in this heat wave! Did you know peregrine falcons pant like dogs to cool down?

3 juvenile peregrine falcons; 2 inside the nest box and 1 outside of it in the shade of the nest box. All three are panting in the heat.

140

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Happy first day of summer from the Powergrine Girls! All three are chilling on the roof together this morning. #NESTFLIX

3 juvenile peregrine falcons all hanging out together. 1 is standing in the doorway of the nest box. 1 is lying down in the front of the nest box. 1 is lying down next to the nest box.

050

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

"Sorry, Mom...I promise not to land inside the roof again..."

Adult female peregrine falcon Merriam perched on perch on nest box looking at juvenile female peregrine falcon Buttercup. Buttercup is hunched over a bit, almost appearing chastised.

040

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Buttercup helicoptered down into the walled area of the Du Bois roof and needed a hand from the falcon team to get back up to the nest box. It's very common for young fledglings to get a little stuck like this, and she's completely fine, if a little embarrassed at her misadventure.

Richard Nathhorst retrieving peregrine falcon fledgling 96/CA Buttercupt from beneath the cooling tower on the roof of the Du Bois Library.

172

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Blossom here would like to announce that the Powergrine Girls fledged this weekend! We'll be keeping a close watch on the cam to try and capture clips of them flying to share with you. #NESTFLIX

Juvenile female peregrine falcon 94/CA Blossom standing on the parapet on the Du Bois Library roof.

081

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

The video recording of our 5/23/25 Banding Day is officially posted! It is available on the UMass Amherst Libraries YouTube channel as part of the Falcon Curriculum playlist. Link: youtu.be/WtVglASAY2Y

youtu.be

021

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

We've received quite a few questions regarding Webster's whereabouts. He's around! Here he is doing some stretching while watching his girls explore the roof this morning.

Adult male peregrine falcon stretching on the rooftop.

030

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

The Powergrine Girls are enjoying the nice weather! From left to right: Buttercup, Blossom, Bubbles. #NESTFLIX

3 peregrine falcon chicks. 1 perched on the camera arm. 1 lying down in the nest box. 1 standing in the front of the nest box.

041

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Our chicks have begun to branch, a.k.a. exploring outside of the nest box. It won't be long before we see some fledging! Quick reminder that if you see one on the ground, DO NOT TOUCH THEM. Keep an eye on them and call: Richard Nathhorst: (413) 545-6497 Office (413) 530-5424 Cell (413) 367-2422 Home

Peregrine falcon chick 96/CA Buttercup loafing on the rooftop by the nest box.

030

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Introducing...The Powergrine Girls! 💗 94/CA: Blossom 95/CA: Bubbles 96/CA: Buttercup Thanks to everyone who participated in our annual naming contest!

3 female peregrine falcon chicks Photoshopped to have hair like Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup from the Powerpuff Girls, respectively. Text: "The Powergrine Girls."

Pie chart of the results of the Falcon Chick Naming Contest Final Voting Form 2025:

Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup: 21.4%
Corn, Beans, Squash: 18.5%
Arwen, Eowyn, Galadriel: 11.2%
Dorothy, Blanche, Rose: 10.8%
Hamp, Berk, Woo: 9.0%
Charlotte, Anne, Emily: 8.4%
Clotho, Lakhesis, Atropos: 7.9%
Monica, Rachel, Phoebe: 5.1%
Winifred, Sarah, Mary: 4.1%
Balerion, Vhagar, Meraxes: 3.7%

0112

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

The name suggestions for our 3 female falcon chicks have been tallied! Please vote with this form for your favorite: bit.ly/falconvote25 The voting form will be open until Thursday, May 29, 11:59 p.m. The winning names will be announced on Friday, May 30.

3 peregrine falcon chicks sitting on a blanket with gloved hands from MassWildlife employees helping them sit up.

0187

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Banding Day & Naming Contest! Happy Banding Day! We are proud to introduce our Class of 2025 falcon chicks: 94/CA: Female 95/CA: Female 96/CA: Female And now they need names! Announcing the official annual public naming contest for the Du Bois Falcon chicks! Here's how it works:

3 female peregrine falcon chicks sitting on a blanket.

8193

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

We continue to work with MassWildlife in monitoring Merriam. On a lighter note, if you're wondering what that white stuff is all over Merriam's feathers: lying down in front of the nest box opening puts her right in the chicks' poo-zooka range, and they are certainly eager to show off their skills.😆

Adult female peregrine falcon lying down in front of nest box opening with white chick poop on her feathers. A chick in the background is giving her a look.

051

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Thanks to those who have reached out about Merriam's injury. We & MassWildlife believe it to be a bad sprain, not something broken/serious injury. She is still actively caring for the chicks. We will continue to monitor her and have resources available should the need arise to catch and treat her.

Black and white photograph of adult female peregrine falcon resting in the nest box with her 3 chicks.

080

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Now that the chicks have your attention...Banding Day is coming next Friday, May 23! Tune in on socials that afternoon for cute falcon photos and the official kickoff of the 2025 Falcon Chick Naming Contest! #NESTFLIX

Adult female peregrine falcon lying down in nest box with one of the chicks yelling in her face. Meme text above: "We've been trying to reach you about your caw's extended warranty"

161

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

There's always 1 sibling that despises the group hug. #NESTFLIX

3 peregrine falcon chicks huddled together. 2 on the outside look like they are hugging 1 in the middle, who is making what looks like a grumpy face.

071

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

We're fairly certain the 4th egg is not viable, but we'll gladly take the 3 little fluffballs we have! We'll be posting Banding Day info as soon as we confirm with MassWildlife. #NESTFLIX

Adult female peregrine falcon feeding 3 peregrine falcon chicks.

090

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

Happy Star Wars Day from our Millennium Falcons! May the Fourth Be with You! #StarWarsDay

Peregrine falcon chick Photoshopped to be holding a green Lightsaber.

060

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Thanks to the Fabulous 413 with Monte Belmonte, Kaliis Smith, and Merriam-Webster editor Emily Brewster, who came to chat with us about our falcons! Have a listen at the link below. Link: www.nepm.org/podcast/the-...

nepm.org

April 30, 2025: Common falcons

We check out roosting falcons atop the W. E. B. Du Bois library at UMass Amherst and check in with Amherst College's The Common as it celebrates 25 years of publication.

061

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

FALCON UPDATE: 3 CHICKS!!! 🐣🐣🐣🥳🥳🥳🥳 Chick #3 just hatched at 2 p.m. today!

Adult female peregrine falcon with chicks; newly-hatched wet chick visible amongst the already-hatched ones. Empty eggshell in background.

0121

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

FALCON UPDATE: 2 CHICKS!!! 🐣🐣🥳🥳🥳 Chick #2 appears to have hatched sometime last night or early this morning. #NESTFLIX

2 peregrine falcon chicks sitting in the nest box with their heads poking up.

0114

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

FALCON UPDATE: WE HAVE OUR FIRST 2025 CHICK!!! 🐣🥳🥳🥳 #NESTFLIX (Merriam has also been sitting on a prey item in addition to the other eggs right now, so if you see something that looks out of place, that would be it.)

Adult female peregrine falcon incubating eggs in nest box with 1 tiny falcon chick's head poking out.

1124

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Closeup of the eggs. No pips yet, but hopefully soon! #NESTFLIX

Closeup of peregrine falcon eggs in nest box.

130

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

Visuals on all 4 eggs this afternoon as Webster enfluffels them. We'll be on Egg Watch towards the end of this week, so if you spot something on camera, please feel free to take a screenshot and message us! #NESTFLIX

Adult male peregrine falcon enfluffeling eggs in the nest box.

011

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Merriam posing for her fans. Have a great weekend! #NESTFLIX

Adult female peregrine falcon incubating eggs in the nest box, her head cocked to one side, looking at the camera.

030

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Guess the chicken wasn't fast enough for him...? 🐔🏇

Minecraft zombie chicken jockey rider Photoshopped to be riding adult male peregrine falcon in nest box.

010

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

We're at approximately 3 weeks of incubation right now out of the ~33-35 days it takes for the eggs to hatch. We'll be keeping a much closer eye on the nest box pretty soon! #NESTFLIX

Adult peregrine falcon incubating eggs in nest box.

120

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

If you love watching our falcons, this event is for you! Share your wildlife observations with nature lovers around the world in this global citizen science celebration! Details on how to participate and FAQ workshops below.

050

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

We've received questions about the nest box "shaking" in the bad weather this weekend. It's not the nest box shaking; it's the camera. Our livestream camera is on a long arm apparatus over the edge of the Library roof. It is secure, but will shake a little in the winds that we get up at that height.

030

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" Falcon Fan Brad sent us these screenshots from last Friday, when Merriam defended the nest from an unbanded interloper: not uncommon with an increased falcon population. This interloper appears to be a juvenile, which is why this altercation was on the mild side. (1/2)

Collage of photos. 1. Adult female peregrine falcon in nest box incubating eggs with an unbanded juvenile falcon perched on the edge about to take off. 2. Adult female peregrine falcon standing in entranceway of nest box spreading wings out to block entrance. 3. Adult female peregrine falcon puffing herself up and spreading out her wings to block entrance to the nest box.

141

Du Bois Falcons @duboisfalcons.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Webster doing his best to fit all 4 eggs underneath him. Male falcons are approximately 1/3 the size of females, which is why they are referred to as "tiercels" (an old word meaning "third"). #NESTFLIX

Adult male peregrine falcon moving eggs around underneath him in nest box to incubate them better.

010