SAN JOSE -- A U.C. Santa Cruz scientist repelled from the top of San Jose's city hall on Friday. It was the first chance anyone has had to get an up close view of the three new peregrine falcon chicks. The researcher determined the gender of the chicks; two girls and one boy. The chicks were banded for future tracking and identification. The bands will help researchers learn more about the birds' lifespan and breeding habits.

The chicks, who were born to Clara and Carlos on April 22nd, have yet to be named. Dozens of Bay Area school children submitted name suggestions as part of Mayor Chuck Reed's "Name That Falcon Contest."

The falcon family has reached celebrity status of sorts in San Jose. The Falcon Cam website averages about 18,000 visits each day. You can view the Falcon Cam for yourself on the mayor's website at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/mayor.