Fastest Animal in the World Back on the Mid-Hudson Bridge

There's always something exciting happening with New York state wildlife, but this month, one of the most special events of the year is happening right here in the Hudson Valley.

There are many "firsts" during the spring season in our corner of New York. Skunks are mating, black bears are stretching their legs, and on the Mid-Hudson Bridge between Highland, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY, the fastest animal on the planet has returned to raise their babies.

New York state is home to the peregrine falcon, the fastest animal in the world. New eggs have just been laid under the Mid-Hudson Bridge (NYSBA via Facebook)

New Peregrine Falcon Eggs on the Mid-Hudson Bridge

"Happy Falcon Friday, Hudson Valley!", said the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) on Facebook, "[It's] our signal of spring with the return of our favorite couple!" The "couple", which have laid at least two eggs in their special nest on underneath the Mid-Hudson bridge, are a pair of impressive peregrine falcons, a hunting bird that can reach diving speeds of nearly 200 miles per-hour.

Two peregrine falcons eggs have been laid in the special falcon box on the Mid-Hudson Bridge in New York (NYSBA via Facebook)

All About New York's Peregrine Falcons

The dark brown eggs, which almost resemble a tree nut (above), will be incubated for roughly 35 days before they hatch. Not only will these new peregrine babies (technically called "eyases") look adorably hilarious when they're born (below), but they will be part of a very important step towards helping their species.

Baby peregrine falcons (called "eyases"), don't look as impressive as their fast-flying parents (NYSBA via Facebook)

Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is doing everything they can to help their population grow. One step are the special falcon nests that are installed on every Hudson River bridge between Albany and New York City.

Every year, peregrine falcon chicks are tagged to help track their population recovery in New York State (NYSBA via Facebook)

Peregrine falcons are one of the few birds that don't make nests, which means that their eggs are often in danger of rolling off their high perches. The "falcon boxes" on Hudson Valley bridges are designed with gravel to keep the eggs secure during the important incubation period. Babies are also tagged (above) to track their movement and lifespan.

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While these record-setting birds are an impressive New York state resident, they're not the only famous bird to call the Hudson Valley their home. The national bird of the United States, the bald eagle, can also be seen hunting on the Hudson River. Check out some amazing shots below.