Peregrine falcons hatch at Hopewell Rocks

Two peregrine falcon eggs have hatched at Hopewell Rocks and visitors should be able to see the baby birds from one of the park look-offs for the next six weeks.

Kevin Snair, an interpretive guide at the park, says it was the gardener, Crystal McCormack, who made the exciting discovery of the first bird on Wednesday morning, during her regular rounds.

"And she stopped at [the] Big Cove look-off and that's where you can view the nest," Snair said.

"She took a quick look to see how the peregrines were doing and she was so thrilled to see [the] mom get off the nest, and sure enough here was this little white fluff ball."

Snair says she was beaming with excitement when she gave him the news and showed him the pictures.

"I was like a proud father. We've been watching them for five years now they've been nesting here in our park and I personally have quite an attachment to them," he said.

The second falcon egg hatched on Thursday morning, Snair said.

Visitors have unique opportunity

Snair says based on what he's witnessed over five seasons, it takes between 42 and 46 days for the baby falcons to fly after they've hatched.

In the past, the falcons have alternated between two different nesting sites, so he is thrilled that this year they chose the nest that is in full view of visitors.

"That's the beautiful part of it ...You can see their nest no problem at all from that look off, so as the babies develop they have nowhere to go," he said.

"This very small ledge so guests are guaranteed to see peregrines — barring any unforeseen circumstances of course — guaranteed to see them for the next 45 days."

Snair said the baby falcons should be out from under their mother within a week, increasing the likelihood of being able to see them.

Hopewell Rocks have traditionally been seen as a destination for tourists who want to see the Bay of Fundy tides, and people haven't focused as much on the wildlife.

Snair said he hopes people will take advantage of this unique opportunity.

"We see ourselves very much as stewards of the park and really looking after it, so to be able to see a peregrine falcon in the wild in its natural environment that's something pretty special for guests," he said.

Staff at the park will continue to post video and photos of the nest, so people can follow the baby birds until they take flight.