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***PHOTO OPPORTUNITY***/ MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2009
PEREGRINE FALCON CHICKS TO BE BANDED AT STUART STATION
Pinkie and Jesse have successful nesting season
ABERDEEN, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will be banding peregrine falcon chicks at their nest site located at the J. M. Stuart Power Station on May 22, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.
Aberdeen has had nesting peregrines since at least 2002. The current pair are Pinkie and Jesse. Pinkie the male is an Indiana bird hatched in 2003. The female is Jesse and she is a Wisconsin bird hatched in 2005.
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.
For more information about peregrine falcons and nesting locations across the state, go to: http://ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/falcons/Default.aspx