Downtown Hamilton has been home to a series of breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons since 1994. Peregrines exhibit a trait known as "site fidelity", returning to the exact same nest, year after year. This virtual brings you to the sidewalk across the street from the Hamilton hotel where the current pair, McKeever(F) and Judson (M) lay their eggs and raise their chicks. Look Up! The Scape, or Nest is high up outside the 18th floor, just under the "N". You can see the web-cameras off to the side.
To claim this Virtual Reward, All you have to do is include a minimum two pictures with your Log:
1) A picture of the nesting site from GZ (like above) You must include something with your Caching Name, Date, and TIME.
2) A picture of an Adult or Fledgling Falcon(s). I am hoping you will be able to see the birds coming to and from their nest and be able to get a video screenshot. Or you may see them perched on one of the surrounding buildings. If all else fails, there is a webcam that shows the nest.
2-A) If using a Webcam Photo: The screenshot must be of a falcon that can fly....It must be of one of the adults or a fledgling chick. Fledgling means they have flown! A screenshot of a non-flying chick is not sufficient to claim this virtual. The screenshot MUST be within 6 hours of your visit to GZ.
2-B) If you are able to grab a pic of a falcon anywhere else in Hamilton or the surrounding area, then please include coordinates of where you saw them, and the date (which must be after the publishing of this cache)
The Hamilton Peregrine Community Project Webcam and Lots of Information on Peregrines
Peregrine Falcon's population declined drastically between the 1940s and the 1960s, and they disappeared completely from Ontario in 1963. This was due to exposure to the pesticide DDT. They were an endangered species, but thanks to captive releases they have made a comeback and are now listed as a Species of special concern.Peregrine Falcons have adapted to life in cities, where food is plentiful and tall buildings provide high perches and nest sites like this one. Mckeever and Judson usually overwinter in Hamilton as there is plenty of food, but the best time to do this Virtual would be from March to August, which is when they are laying their eggs and raising their young. September to February they can still be seen checking their nest but it will be infrequent and more challenging getting a picture of a falcon.
Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.