FALCON FLASH
Dateline:  Cleveland, Ohio
February 27, 2012



"FalconCams", which are cameras mounted on the skyscraper and focused on the nestbox, are sponsored by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. They allow us an up close and personal look into the nestbox. 
To watch the falcons live go to: http://www.falconcam-cmnh.org/news.php  

In the following picture captured by the FalconCam, SW is in the nestbox.  
If you are new to watching falcons, here is some background. By the 1970’s, 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 many 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 rare, and humans monitor and help them to make sure the species continues its recovery. This is Boomer in flight.  
To watch the falcons live go to: http://www.falconcam-cmnh.org/news.php  Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams and for the still.

For more about falcons, go to: http://raptorsinthecity.org/

Thanks to Scott Wright for his photographs. They may be used in any non-commercial publication, electronic or print, but please give photo credit. 

Peregrine falcons generally stay with the same mate every year. SW is an older female and she lost her longtime mate, Buckeye, several years ago. Last year, a young male named Boomer appeared at SW’s skyscraper home, and he and SW bonded and raised a family on the ledge. They have stayed together throughout the year and are displaying courtship activities right now.  

Here is Boomer, the father falcon, on the skyscraper ledge near the nestbox. He is young and strong.

Welcome to the 2012 "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 ledge of "Tower City" in Cleveland, Ohio since 1991.  

SW is the resident mother falcon……
We have a penpal in Cleveland, Mr. Scott Wright, who has been a volunteer peregrine falcon nest monitor at this site for 20 years and who sends us news and pictures throughout nesting season. Mr. Wright took the following picture from inside the skyscraper window. The falcons are perched atop the "FalconCams".

You may think it's winter, but Boomer and SW are thinking spring, and soon they will begin the 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……..
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