The peregrine falcon couple roosting outside the York Mills area headquarters of romance novel publisher Harlequin are now a happy family of five.

Female Quest and mate Kendal hatched two eggs May 9 and a third May 10.

“We’ve got a front row seat to all the action,” said Donna Hayes, publisher and CEO of Harlequin. “Everyone is caught up in the drama and excitement and looking forward to welcoming three new peregrines into the family.”

They mark the newest addition to the brood since their first chick, affectionately known as Harlequin, was born last spring.

Mark Nash, co-founder of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, has been following Quest’s progress for seven years. He says the births are of great significance to the threatened raptor species.

“The press and media, they say the species has recovered. That couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said. “The species has not recovered. The species is in recovery.”

The Harlequin falcons are part of a new trend of city-loving birds. According to the Nash, this new distinct “urban subspecies” could help push up the raptor’s population.

“Our urban birds have adapted incredibly well to city living, and they’re producing, for the most part, every year,” he said.

That is to say Quest and Kendal will likely hatch a few more additions to their family next year, he said.