Ohio’s Peregrine Nesting Successes
COLUMBUS, OH – Biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife monitored 36 territorial peregrine falcon pairs and banded young falcons at 17 nest sites during 2012; limited access at some nest sites prevented all young from being banded.
It was estimated 90 eggs were laid this year, and 59 young peregrine falcons fledged from 26 successful nests across the state. In 2011, 67 peregrine falcon chicks fledged from 24 nests.
Young peregrines from this year’s hatch are now flying around several Ohio cities including Cleveland, Akron, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Dayton, Lakewood, Lima, New Richmond, Warren, Wrightsville (Adams County) and Youngstown. Individual falcons have been also spotted in other areas of the state. These birds, as well as the territorial pairs that did not nest this season, could return next year to establish territories and perhaps successful nests.
From 1989-1993, along with several other Midwestern states, the Ohio Division of Wildlife hacked 46 birds throughout the state. Peregrine falcons were delisted as federal endangered in 1999 and down-listed in Ohio to state threatened in 2008. Peregrines remain on the state threatened list, and the Division of Wildlife continues to monitor the population.
Anyone interested in following peregrine falcon activity in Ohio can view the latest updates online at wildohio.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 each spring.
No state tax dollars are used to support this program. Monitoring and recovery efforts are supported by the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund, which receives donations from Ohioans through the state income tax check-off program and by the purchase of cardinal license plates. Individuals wanting to donate to the fund can also donate online at wildohio.com.
The new Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp provides an additional funding opportunity to support conservation especially among wildlife watchers, photographers, campers, hikers and others who support wildlife causes. The $15 collectible Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is available annually and highlights a different wildlife species each year chosen through a photo competition.
Federal funds for endangered species and wildlife diversity efforts are also provided through the State Wildlife Grant Program, which targets species with greatest conservation need.
