PHOTOS: The Hudson Valley’s Famous Protected Predators Are Back

It's one of the best times of the year in the Hudson Valley. The snow has thawed, bulbs are growing, and New York's favorite dive-bomber has returned to the Mid-Hudson Bridge.

While the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail and the American Burying Beetle of course have our hearts, it's another one of the state's endangered species that catches our attention in early spring, and for very special reasons.

The Mid-Hudson Bridge Welcomes Back Record-Holding Predator

Every year, the Mid-Hudson Bridge (along with many other bridges in the Hudson Valley) play host to one of the most impressive (and fastest) animals on earth... and the good news is that you can watch all the action from a designated webcam.

Peregrine Falcons Return to the Mid-Hudson Bridge

"Happy Falcon Friday, Hudson Valley!", began a recent post from the New York State Bridge Authority (below). "Our official sign of spring.. with the return of our favorite peregrine couple!"

Peregrine Falcon Nest Is Active Underneath the Mid-Hudson Bridge

The nest, which is located underneath the Mid-Hudson Bridge, has acted as a home for the breeding pair for years, and has provided some absolutely adorable (and kind of hilarious-looking) babies. Check out last year's generation here.

Protected Peregrine Falcons in New York State

Peregrine Falcons have been on a long road to recovery in New York State. After completely disappearing in the 1960s (thanks to the harmful pesticide DDT, which poisoned their prey), a reintroduction project began in the 1970s.

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In 2025, peregrine falcons are doing better than ever in the Empire State, including an impressive statistic of New York City possibly having the largest urban peregrine falcon population in the world. Check out the peregrine falcon cam here to keep track of the development of the falcons under the Mid-Hudson Bridge.