Du Bois Falcons

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Located in the very center of campus and visible from miles away is the symbol of UMass Amherst, the W.E.B Du Bois library. Du Bois is not only home to 28 floors and over 5.9 volumes, but atop the 286.5-foot building rests a falcon nest. For years, UMass Amherst has taken care of these falcons, and they have now become part of the community. UMass faculty have built wooden houses for the falcons to rest on top of a few buildings around campus—they particularly like the W.E.B Du Bois Library and Thompson Hall. 

In spring 2022, there is a falcon family: father, mother, and four newly hatched chicks. Thanks to UMass Amherst Office of the Vice-Chancellor Research & Engagement, UMass Amherst Physical Plant Division, UMass Amherst IT, Library Technology Systems, and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for caring for the falcon and sponsoring the Du Bois Falcon Cam. The Falcon Cam broadcasts the nests around campus, documenting the growth and daily activities of the UMass falcons. If you would like to tune in to watch the falcon family check out the Du Bois Library Falcons website. 

The Du Bois falcons are truly one of the many wonders of the wildlife and nature of  UMass. Walking around campus, you might see the campus cats, the ducks, and geese that swim around the campus pond, or look up and watch the magnificent Du Bois Falcons circling, protecting our campus.