Endangered Peregrine Falcons Return To NYC

by Patricia Collier

You may have seen them around the city, atop bridges, church steeples and skyscrapers. Peregrine falcons have been making a comeback in New York, and some say the goal of restoring their population is within sight.

The peregrine falcon has been on the endangered species list since the 1970s. Toxic chemicals had interfered with the bird’s reproductive cycle, preventing the hatching of healthy births.

The Peregrine Fund, an international organization that works to restore populations of birds of prey, stepped in to help the falcons, breeding them in captivity and releasing them into the wild.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for developing a statewide recovery plan for the peregrine in New York which includes developing and protecting nesting sites.

The first two falcon pairs were brought to New York City in 1983. Now there are 16 known couples throughout the city. Scientists working with the falcons said 12 of those couples attempted to nest during the 2002 season.

New York City seems to be good nesting territory because there is plenty of food; i.e., other birds such as pigeons, starlings, blue jays and more.

Also, bridges and tall buildings mimic a falcon’s natural habitat and enable the bird to sit and watch its prey until it flies into an open area, such as a park.

Falcons have incredible speed and can dive onto their prey at speeds ranging from 99 to 273 miles per hour.

Project workers have been banding the NYC falcon hatchlings for the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service. The bands identify the birds and enable the Service to identify them, track them, and learn how long they live.

While being banded, the young also get brief medical exams to make sure they are healthy before they are returned to their nests.

The falcon project is a result of cooperation between the city, state, and federal agencies, environmental groups like The Peregrine Fund and the New York City Audubon Society, the owners of the places where falcons nest, wildlife rehabilitators in New York State and New Jersey, and the general public.

Officials say the ultimate goal of the project is to build up the birds’ numbers to such an extent that the peregrine falcon can be removed from the New York State endangered species list.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.