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 1,956 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
2:10
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

2:16
Fire at Fair Lawn strip mall destroys multiple businesses, including popular Zadies Bakery

Fire at Fair Lawn strip mall destroys multiple businesses, including popular Zadies Bakery

2:42
Beautiful weekend ahead for New Jersey with sunny skies and warm temperatures

Beautiful weekend ahead for New Jersey with sunny skies and warm temperatures

1:43
Lead found on Keyport beach not ‘urgent risk’ to public health, no need to close beach

Lead found on Keyport beach not ‘urgent risk’ to public health, no need to close beach

0:29
Man who pleaded guilty to attacking Jewish men sentenced to 30 years on terror charges

Man who pleaded guilty to attacking Jewish men sentenced to 30 years on terror charges

1:01
‘It’s a beautiful sport.’ New pickleball courts open in Howell Township

‘It’s a beautiful sport.’ New pickleball courts open in Howell Township

0:55
EPA completes Phase 1 of superfund site cleanup at Unimatic Manufacturing site in Fairfield

EPA completes Phase 1 of superfund site cleanup at Unimatic Manufacturing site in Fairfield

0:20
West New York school named for Sen. Menendez to revert to original name

West New York school named for Sen. Menendez to revert to original name

0:30
Attorney general: NJ state trooper ‘inexcusably crossed the line,’ admits to punching handcuffed woman in the face in 2022

Attorney general: NJ state trooper ‘inexcusably crossed the line,’ admits to punching handcuffed woman in the face in 2022

0:15
East Brunswick police: Bicyclist killed in Route 18 crash

East Brunswick police: Bicyclist killed in Route 18 crash

0:30
No one injured in Kenilworth house fire

No one injured in Kenilworth house fire

1:04
Attorney general releases body camera footage of fatal Hamilton police-involved shooting

Attorney general releases body camera footage of fatal Hamilton police-involved shooting

0:15
Part of Manchester’s Harry Wright Lake closed due to high levels of fecal bacteria

Part of Manchester’s Harry Wright Lake closed due to high levels of fecal bacteria

0:23
2 dead in Maine plane crash after leaving New Jersey airport

2 dead in Maine plane crash after leaving New Jersey airport

0:18
$1 million lottery ticket won from $20 scratch-off at North Wildwood Wawa

$1 million lottery ticket won from $20 scratch-off at North Wildwood Wawa

1:59
Paws & Pals: Felicity now up for adoption at Associated Humane Societies

Paws & Pals: Felicity now up for adoption at Associated Humane Societies

1:17
Gov. Murphy discusses potential Menendez replacement on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’

Gov. Murphy discusses potential Menendez replacement on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’

0:40
State, federal lawmakers introduce legislation to shorten funding gap for World Trade Center Health Program

State, federal lawmakers introduce legislation to shorten funding gap for World Trade Center Health Program

0:33
New Jersey now has 21 towns where starter homes cost more than $1 million

New Jersey now has 21 towns where starter homes cost more than $1 million

0:48
Jersey Proud: Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis first performed together 78 years ago in Atlantic City

Jersey Proud: Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis first performed together 78 years ago in Atlantic City