***PHOTO OPPORTUNITY***/ MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2011
PEREGRINE FALCON CHICKS TO BE BANDED AT PNC BANK BUILDING
Princess and new mate produce three young
XENIA, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife biologist will be banding peregrine falcon chicks at their nest site located at the PNC Bank building in Cincinnati June 13, 2011. The banding will take place at 10:30 a.m.
Princess and her new mate have produced three chicks at their downtown Cincinnati nest. Princess now 12 years old was originally hatched at a site in Wisconsin. She has spent each nesting season in Cincinnati, although not always at the same nest site. Powerhouse her mate since the 2006 season has been replaced with Dwight. He’s an Ohio bird hatched at the PNC nest in 2004.
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 39 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 .
Members of the news media wishing to attend the PNC banding in Hamilton County are requested to meet in the building’s lobby at 10:00 a.m. to be escorted to the banding site. The PNC Bank is located at 1 W. Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.