2 falcon eggs spotted atop of Hamilton's Sheraton Hotel with more on the way

Hamilton is set to see a new cast of baby peregrine falcons this year as two eggs have been spotted atop the Sheraton Hotel.

The pair of eggs, seen on Sunday and Tuesday according to Hamilton Falconwatch, marks the third year Mckeever and her male mate Judson have occupied the nest on the downtown building.

In 2023, they produced four chicks — Kirkendall, Gibson, Delta and Stipley. The year prior, they also produced four — Wynnstay, Balfour, Auchmar and Dundurn.

Hamilton Falconwatch volunteer Christa Jackson told CBC Hamilton this week that Sunday's sighting was the earliest egg sighting on record, but only by a day. The previous record, March 18, was set in 2020. 

"The fact that it's only one day, [it's] not a concern at this point," she said.

Jackson said Judson will prioritize finding food while Mckeever guards the eggs in the nest and incubates them.

She added volunteers are expecting two more eggs.

Hamilton Falconwatch member Charles Gregory posted to the group's Facebook page, saying the third egg is expected Thursday.

The public can watch the birds via the group's two live webcams. 

Peregrine Falcons were once an endangered species but are now in recovery. The Hamilton group began in the 1990s, part of a continent-wide effort to protect the species. 

Jackson said the appearance of new eggs is always an exciting time for the group. 

"Once the eggs are laid, we know we have a little timer set," Jackson said.

The group now will get volunteers trained and ready for when the eggs hatch in a few weeks and for when the chicks start flying, to protect them from falling or touching ground before they are ready.

"There's a lot to get done and it has to be timed perfectly. If we're off by a few days, it could have disastrous effects," she said.