PEREGRINE FALCON CHICKS TO BE BANDED AT LIBERTY BANK TOWER
Mystery pair that replaced Snowball and Mercury produce two chicks
DAYTON, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will be banding two peregrine falcon chicks at their nest site located at the Liberty Bank Tower in Dayton, on May 22, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.
Since 1992 Dayton has had peregrine falcons nesting downtown. In that time over 40 chicks have fledged. This year there is a new pair calling Dayton home. The female is unbanded, and the male of the pair is banded but the only half of the band number has been obtained.
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.