Peregrine Falcon Chicks To Be Banded At Terminal Tower
Watch the banding take place online at www.falconcam-cmnh.org

CLEVELAND,OH – Wildlife biologists from the ODNR Division of Wildlife will be examining peregrine falcon chicks and placing identifying metal bands on their legs on Friday, May 8th, 2009. A total of three chicks began hatching on April 18th. A fourth egg remains in the nest unhatched.

“Each year we briefly “borrow” the peregrine falcon chicks from the nest, just long enough to give them a physical and place identifying bands on their legs,” explained Damon Greer, assistant wildlife management supervisor for northeast Ohio Division of Wildlife. “Peregrine falcons suffered greatly from the effects of DDT in the 1960’s and their populations have come a long way since that time.”

There are currently 19 active nesting pairs of peregrine falcons throughout the state and ten of those are in northeast Ohio. Seven out of the ten are located in the Cleveland area. 

“Appreciation for the peregrine falcon has grown as falcons make headlines through a rather unusual course of population recovery, nesting and breeding on the skyscrapers and office towers of Ohio’s major cities,” said Greer.

These banding events not only allow wildlife experts to examine the chicks but also to obtain blood samples for DNA fingerprinting. The leg bands act like a social security number, providing very valuable information. The ability to identify each bird helps keep the Division of Wildlife as well as the public informed about their history, movement, and migration routes.

To watch the banding take place, go to www.falconcam-cmnh.org The “Falconcam” is managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to provide educational and research opportunities for falcon enthusiasts around the world.

Read more about Ohio's peregrine falcons