Lovers’ quarrel: This Union County love triangle is for the birds

It’s a soap opera that’s playing out 17 stories above the city of Elizabeth – a love triangle involving three endangered peregrine falcons.

News 12 Staff

Mar 20, 2019, 12:37 AM

Updated 1,871 days ago

Share:

Lovers’ quarrel: This Union County love triangle is for the birds
It’s a soap opera that’s playing out 17 stories above the city of Elizabeth – a love triangle involving three endangered peregrine falcons.
For years a female peregrine falcon dubbed BA 91 has made a home atop the Union County Courthouse with her mate, raising their chicks. The happy couple is live streamed on webcam over the internet for New Jersey fans to watch.
But a few weeks ago major drama went down. Some county workers found BA 91 on the ground with a broken wing. She had been attacked by another female peregrine falcon.
BA 91 was taken to the Raptor Trust in Millington and is still in what could be considered critical condition.
A week later, the attacking female falcon set up in BA 91’s nest with the male falcon and the two birds have engaged in courting behavior.
“Typical male. Somehow it just doesn’t surprise me,” joked one New Jersey resident.
No new eggs have been spotted in the nest just yet, but the new bird couple seems to be getting along just fine.
Meanwhile, BA 91 continues to heal, but the folks at the Raptor Trust say that it is unclear if she will ever fly or live in the wild again.
But, before you feel too bad for BA 91 – there is another twist to this story. BA 91 was once a homewrecker herself. In fact, there have been four females and two males since the falcon nest was established in 2006.
“She kicked the last one out. She came and they had a fight with the first female that was here,” says Michelle Schulz who saw the injured falcon.
Anyone who would like to see how the drama continues to play out can watch the falcons live, 24-7 on the Union County website.


More from News 12
1:42
3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

2:17
Cooler temps today in the 60s for New Jersey ahead of some wet weather this weekend

Cooler temps today in the 60s for New Jersey ahead of some wet weather this weekend

1:31
Fire chief: 20 people displaced in Elizabeth fire that damaged multiple businesses, apartments

Fire chief: 20 people displaced in Elizabeth fire that damaged multiple businesses, apartments

0:41
Aftermath of deadly house explosion in South River shows home blown into pieces

Aftermath of deadly house explosion in South River shows home blown into pieces

0:18
South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

0:38
Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference semis, topping 76ers 118-115 in Game 6

Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference semis, topping 76ers 118-115 in Game 6

2:44
Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

1:12
Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

0:23
South Orange woman indicted for stealing over $1 million federal benefits intended for dead aunt

South Orange woman indicted for stealing over $1 million federal benefits intended for dead aunt

2:10
Paws & Pals: Lilypad now up for adoption with AHS Newark

Paws & Pals: Lilypad now up for adoption with AHS Newark

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

WATCH LIVE: Bridge over section of I-95 is being demolished due to damage from truck fire

WATCH LIVE: Bridge over section of I-95 is being demolished due to damage from truck fire

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

1:20
Pro-Palestinian protest that postponed final exams at Rutgers ends peacefully

Pro-Palestinian protest that postponed final exams at Rutgers ends peacefully

0:36
Jersey Proud: Police officers gather for town cleanup in memory of fallen officer

Jersey Proud: Police officers gather for town cleanup in memory of fallen officer

2:17
Bound Brook starts Lithium Ion Identification Program to help firefighters identify risks

Bound Brook starts Lithium Ion Identification Program to help firefighters identify risks

0:57
Funeral services held in Newark for Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

Funeral services held in Newark for Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

0:22
Prosecutor: 61-year-old man dies in Jersey City high-rise fire

Prosecutor: 61-year-old man dies in Jersey City high-rise fire

NJ Transit teams with BetMGM to provide rail service to MetLife Stadium concerts

NJ Transit teams with BetMGM to provide rail service to MetLife Stadium concerts