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In this updated photo, Pigott, the female peregrine falcon on top of the State Tower Building in Syracuse, is shown up close and personal.

(Michael Hollenberger)

Utica has one up on Syracuse when it comes to cameras on it peregrine falcon bird box that residents can view and enjoy.

On the Utica Peregrine Falcon website there are three cameras focused on the nesting box on top of the Adirondack Bank Buiilding on Genesee Street in downtown Utica - including one that has audio. There's three chicks in the nest. The adult birds have been named Ares and Astrid,

Mike Hollenberger, left, facilities engineer at the State Tower Building in Syracuse, prepares to put in a new camera on the peregrine falcon nest located on top of the building. Also pictured are Chris Turner, center, and Jeff Fish.



Meanwhile, a malfunctioning camera on top of the State Tower Building in Syracuse was replaced Wednesday by staff in the building at the same time state Department of Environmental workers banded the three chicks (called eyases) in that nesting box. At this point, though, there's still problems with the feed. Initially, there were two cameras - one giving an overall shot from above, and another pointing directly into the nesting box.

As of 9 a.m. today, there appears to be only one camera operating. Rather than pointing into the nest, it's pointing away, giving a panoramic view of Syracuse. The cameras were donated by Wholesale Carrier Services, a company that has an office in the building.

The Utica group has started a contest to name its three chicks.

Not so yet for the Syracuse Peregrine Watch group, which keeps in touch with its members on its Facebook page.

Because of the malfunctioning cameras, group members just discovered Wednesday that there's three chicks in the nesting box - one male and two females. The adults, meanwhile, have already been tagged George and Pigott.

The group is also having problems getting together volunteers to monitor the State Tower Building from the ground level as the young birds fledge and has appealed to the Utica group to send over some help.

To volunteer, call Susan Lowe Wrisley at 212-9650.