COLUMBUS, OH -- The first peregrine falcon egg of the Ohio nesting season was observed yesterday at the Rhodes State Office Tower nest in downtown Columbus, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
State wildlife biologists expect to soon see similar activity from nine other peregrine pairs located throughout Ohio, including Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Lima and Toledo. Single birds also have been seen at several sites, including a Cleveland area power plant where a new nest box was installed on a smokestack last week. These birds are probably attempting to locate mates and establish territories.
Last year, there were eight successful peregrine falcon nests in seven Ohio cities; a record 27 young peregrines were fledged. Four additional pairs of falcons were identified that did not nest in 2000.
Peregrine falcons are birds of prey and have been successfully introduced to cities where tall buildings take the place of their natural rock cliff habitat. In Ohio, the Division of Wildlife uses volunteers, known as the "peregrine patrol," to monitor falcons, their nesting behavior, and their young. Whenever possible, young peregrines are banded and blood samples are collected for genetic analysis at approximately three weeks of age.
Falcon enthusiasts are able to view the nesting cycle via the ODNR web site at: www.dnr.state.oh.us
Those without access to the Internet can view the capitol city peregrine nest via a TV monitor set up in the lobby of the Rhodes State Office Tower at 30 East Broad Street. During daylight hours, visitors can view "real-time" video footage of the falcon nest.
Peregrine falcons are classified as a state endangered species in Ohio. Wildlife diversity projects, such as the peregrine falcon restoration, are made possible through contributions to the wildlife diversity state tax checkoff program and through sales from wildlife conservation license plates. Featuring the cardinal (Ohio's state songbird) or the bald eagle, wildlife conservation plates can be purchased through a deputy registrar license outlet or by calling the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles toll-free at 1-888-PLATES3 (1-888-752-8373).