Welcome to the 2007 "Falcon Flash", news bulletins about the peregrine falcon - fastest creature on earth! We will study and watch one peregrine falcon family during nesting season, approximately late February into June. There has been a nestbox on the 12th floor of "Tower City" in Cleveland, Ohio since 1991.
SW, our resident mom falcon……
If you are new to watching falcons, here is some background. Just 30 years ago, the species peregrine falcon had nearly become extinct in North America because of the use of a pesticide called "DDT". In 1972 DDT was banned in North America and for 30 years scientists and concerned people from all walks of life worked hard to save the species. In 1999 the peregrine falcon was removed from the List of Endangered Species, one of the great success stories in the field of wildlife conservation! The birds are still being monitored and helped by humans to make sure the species continues its recovery.
We have a penpal in Cleveland, Mr. Scott Wright, who has been a peregrine falcon nest monitor for 15 years and who sends news and pictures throughout nesting season. Mr. Wright took this picture from inside the skyscraper window. SW and Buckeye are perched atop the "FalconCams".
and Buckeye, our resident dad falcon……….
have remained at their nestsite during the cold winter months to guard their valuable territory.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History sponsors FalconCams, that are mounted on SW and Buckeye’s skyscraper home, and which allow us an “up close and personal” look into the nest in real-time. To watch the falcons live go to: http://www.falconcam-cmnh.org/news.php
Here is a still captured from the FalconCam on February 2. That’s Buckeye in the nestbox and SW outside it. Male peregrines often “bow” to the female during courtship. Why? Females are larger than males and they can be aggressive toward their mates. Sometimes the female will take food from the male and chase him. Some scientists believe the male approaches his mate cautiously and bows in submission. Scientists also think that because the male is a fierce predator, he may bow to show his mate he is not a threat.
You may think it's winter, but Buckeye and SW are thinking spring, and soon they will begin their annual nesting life-cycle. Courtship, rivalry, survival, new life, parenting - falcons and humans have a lot in common. We hope you will enjoy studying this magnificent species that escaped extinction and now rules city skies. Stay tuned for falcon news.
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams.
Thanks to Scott Wright for his expert commentary during nesting season and for his photographs. They may be used in any non-commercial publication, electronic or print, but please give him photo credit.
