COLUMBUS, OH - A record 54 peregrine falcon chicks fledged this year from 15 falcon nests across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Five pairs in Cleveland, along with individual pairs in Aberdeen, Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, the Village of Cleves, Dayton, Ironton, Lakewood, Lima, and Toledo all produced between two and four young per nest. Again this year, a pair was observed in downtown Columbus, but no eggs were produced.
"The number of nesting attempts, successful nests, and young banded are all records for peregrine falcons in Ohio," said Dave Scott, peregrine falcon project coordinator for the Division of Wildlife. Established pairs, their young, and other falcons seen around the state suggest that Ohio's falcon population currently is between 80 and100 birds, prior to migration. Single birds and possible pairs have been spotted in other areas of the state, including in Columbus near The Ohio State University hospitals and in Lorain near Ohio Edison's Edgewater Power Plant. These birds could return next year to establish territories and perhaps successful nests.
Anyone interested in following peregrine falcon activity in Ohio can review the latest updates online at ohiodnr.com. The peregrine falcon page features information on the bird's history, nest status, and links to cameras that record activity at several of the nest locations across Ohio.
In 1989, wildlife experts with ODNR began reintroducing peregrine falcons into Ohio. For more than a decade now, peregrines have successfully nested in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo.
Ohio's peregrine falcon management program is funded by donations to the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund as well as the sale of the cardinal Ohio license plate. Donations may be made to the Division of Wildlife, 1840 Belcher Dr., Columbus, OH 43224, or by marking the check-off contribution box on your Ohio Income Tax form. Cardinal plates can be purchased at your local deputy registrar or by calling 1-888-PLATES-3