*Photo Opportunity*
News Release/Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2010

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 14th, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. A total of three chicks began hatching on April 25th. The falcon parents are Ranger (male) and S/W (female).

There are currently 34 territorial sites of peregrine falcon pairs being monitored by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, 19 of which are in northeast Ohio. A total of 19 pairs are actively nesting throughout the state. Specifically in the Cleveland area, biologists are monitoring 11 sites, of which nine are currently incubating or have hatched chicks.  

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.

Because of nesting success in Ohio and across the nation, the peregrine falcon was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999; it is listed as threatened in Ohio, downgraded from state endangered in 2008.