SINGAPORE – The OCBC Centre, located high above the bustling Chulia Street, is not just home to high net worth clients, but also to a pair of unexpected residents: a pair of peregrine falcons. These incredible birds, known for being the fastest animals on Earth, have made a historic nesting attempt in Singapore’s central business district.
First Recorded Nesting Attempt
This pivotal moment was captured when the falcons laid eggs in a crevice approximately 10m above the 34th floor of the OCBC Centre. Unfortunately, this nesting attempt in 2024 was unsuccessful with the eggs believed to have been abandoned due to unsuitable nesting conditions.
Retrieving the Abandoned Eggs
- The first sign of the falcons’ breeding was documented in August 2024 by researchers from the National Parks Board (NParks).
- When it became clear the eggs were left unattended, NParks partnered with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to retrieve them.
- They devised an innovative tool named ERNEST—an acronym for Egg Retrieval and Nesting Enhancement Support Tool— to safely extract the eggs without disturbing the birds too much.
The Eggs’ Journey
The two eggs were taken to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum for examination. One egg was found to be non-viable, while the other, although intact, was likely non-fertile due to early shell damage. Researchers have been closely monitoring the situation, aiming to create a more suitable nesting environment for the falcons.
Nesting Innovations
On 22 November 2024, a nesting tray filled with loose gravel was installed in the recess to facilitate the falcons in creating a more suitable home. This initiative aims to mimic a natural environment, as peregrine falcons typically nest on soft surfaces like gravel. The birds typically breed from late January to early February, so the new setup’s effectiveness will soon be put to the test.
Urban Adaptation
Dr Malcolm Soh of NParks emphasised the adaptability of peregrine falcons—pointing out that, despite being naturally found on cliffs, they can thrive in urban environments if the conditions are right. With ample food sources like pigeons around the central business district, the OCBC Centre provides a suitable alternative for these raptors.
Looking Forward
As researchers eagerly await the next breeding cycle, there’s hope that these magnificent creatures will successfully reproduce in Singapore’s urban landscape, providing vital insights into their behaviour and ecology in tropical climates.