PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s popular live-streaming peregrine camera in downtown Phoenix will unfortunately remain dark this season, after the nesting pair failed to return to the nest this breeding season.

“We have been monitoring the nest for several weeks and neither of the birds have returned, and being that it’s so late in the breeding season, it is very unlikely they will this year,” said Randy Babb, AZGFD Watchable Wildlife program manager. “This is unfortunate, given how the streaming camera resonated with the public, who were given a window into Arizona’s wildlife. Through that window, thousands of people worldwide learned about and began to have an appreciation for downtown Phoenix’s peregrine falcons.”

Last year AZGFD installed a high-definition camera, which became an instant hit with viewers worldwide as the parents cared for four eggs, with only one egg hatching – on Mother’s Day. However, the lone chick eventually fell from the nest and succumbed to internal injuries.

Ahead of this year’s nesting season, AZGFD completed upgrades to the nesting box based on input from the Peregrine Fund and other experts. The box was modified to allow the birds to get into the box more easily, which should help nesting success.

An air conditioning unit was also planned for installation to help keep the box cooler during dangerous triple-digit temperatures. Installation of the AC was generously donated by Forrest Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. in Phoenix with unit design by Otterbein Engineering. Despite efforts to renovate the box, the pair chose not to return this year.

Peregrine falcons often nest in cliffs, steep canyon walls and in urban locations, such as skyscrapers, water towers or power poles. They have been known to live up to 15 years in the wild and are considered the fastest animal on the planet, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 200 mph.

Peregrine falcons have nested in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade and early on, the birds selected the Maricopa County Administration Building as a nesting site. Until this season, birds have used the nesting box since 2014.

It is hoped the birds will return to the nest box next season.

For more information on peregrine falcons, visit www.azgfd.com/peregrine.