SW and Buckeye’s eyases were banded today by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Because peregrine falcons were on the List of Endangered Species for 30 years and because they are still rare, the birds are banded so that they may be tracked and studied in the future. Our thanks to the Ohio Division of Wildlife for their care of the peregrines during the time that the species recovered from near extinction.
Here are some pictures from banding day.
The drawbridge was raised to keep the chicks from panicking and falling over the edge of the building, and the parents became very worried …..
The Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists determined that there is one female and two males. Bands were attached to their legs. The bands have identifying numbers and codes so that the falcons can be identified in the future. The color bands this year are black on red. Band numbers and names are:
'Strike' Female 1687-30212 34/H
Human hands quickly grabbed the eyases from the nest and they were brought into the executive offices of the skyscraper that is just inside their nesting ledge.
As humans opened the window of the skyscraper and began “chicknapping”, SW and Buckeye began a series of divebombs. Note the “falcon shield” used to protect the humans from talons.
They were very scared………
Thanks to all those who suggested this year’s names. Strike was suggested by falcon fan, Jan. Lunge was named by a 5th grade student in Mrs. Harrison’s class at McKinley Elementary School in Fairfield, Connecticut. Cirrus was suggested by John, a first grader at Goldwood Elementary School in Rocky River, Ohio.
Finally, the eyases were returned to their nesting ledge and to their worried parents.
The eyases are getting real feathers, exercising and thinking about flying. Believe it or not, they will be as big as their parents and will take their first real flights in just a few weeks.
For a series of four fabulous videos of the day’s activities, go to:
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams.
Photos are courtesy of Scott Wright. They can be used in any non-commercial publication, electronic or print, but please give him photo credit.
'Lunge' Male 1126-06620 70/B
The unhatched egg was removed.
Each chick was checked over and blood was drawn. The three-week-old chicks seem to be developing well. Then their new bands were attached with a special tool.
