***PHOTO OPPORTUNITY***/ MEDIA ADVISORY
PEREGRINE FALCON CHICKS TO BE BANDED ATLIBERTYBANKTOWER
Second successful nesting season for Daniel and mystery mate
DAYTON, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will be banding peregrine falcon chicks at their nest site located at the Liberty Bank Tower in Dayton, on May 18, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
The city of Dayton has had peregrine falcons nesting downtown since 1992. In that time over 40 chicks have fledged. Partners in the peregrine monitoring project include ODNR Division of Wildlife, Glen Helen Raptor Center, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the Liberty Savings Bank Tower staff.
A popular pair, Daniel the male, hatched from the Cincinnati nest in 2005; and the female is an unbanded bird nicknamed “Dayton”. Wildlife officials will not be able to obtain any prior information about her due to the fact that she is unmarked. She is likely the same unbanded female as last year. Together they have produced three young this season.
Division of Wildlife biologists will outfit the three week old peregrine falcon chicks with state and federal identification bands. Additionally, blood samples are taken to monitor the genetics and possible contaminants in the birds.
The Division of Wildlife has confirmed a total 23 nesting sites throughout Ohio. Nesting locations include tall city buildings, bridges, steel manufacturing companies, grain processors, and power plants.
Ohio’s peregrine falcon program is supported by the state income tax check-off program, donations to the Wildlife Diversity & Endangered Species Fund, and sales of the cardinal license plate. Donations can also be made via the Internet at ohiodnr.com/wildlife. License plates may be purchased from local deputy registrars or by calling 1-888-PLATES3.
Matching federal funds are provided through the State Wildlife Grant program for this project and other wildlife diversity efforts of the Division of Wildlife that target species of greatest conservation need.
Members of the news media only wishing to attend are requested to meet in the building’s lobby at 12:45 p.m. to be escorted to the banding site. The LibertySavingsBankTower is located at 120 W. Second St. in Dayton.