COLUMBUS, OH -- The first peregrine falcon chicks of the season have hatched, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. State wildlife biologist Dave Scott reports that three eggs have hatched at a site near Cincinnati, producing 2001's first falcon chicks.
"We are aware of 10 pairs of peregrines incubating eggs at nest sites around the state," said Scott. "We are also monitoring four other possible pairs that have been seen along with a few single falcons. Identifying all these birds and keeping track of their nesting activities takes time and a bit of luck. We rely heavily on the assistance of citizen volunteers at many of these sites to help us read marker bands and monitor nesting activity."
Last year was a record year for Ohio falcons with 12 pairs attempting to nest. Eight of these pairs produced a record 27 young falcons. State wildlife biologists expect this year to be even better for the state endangered species.
Ohio's current matriarch peregrine, Zenith, is once again nesting on Cleveland's Terminal Tower. Zenith has returned to the building each spring since 1993 to rear her brood. Earlier this spring, Zenith returned to find another female, Clearpath, had claimed the Terminal Tower site and already laid one egg. It was not the first time these two falcons had fought for the territory and the ensuing battle left Clearpath mortally wounded. Zenith has since nested and to date produced three eggs.
Other falcon pairs in the Cleveland area include birds near the Cleveland Clinic, the I-90 Bridge near downtown, at LTV Steel, and the Hilliard Road Bridge site. Eggs have been produced at three of these sites.
A pair of falcons has nested at the Commodore Perry site in Toledo but the number of eggs is unknown due to limited opportunities to see into the nest box. Dayton's pair has four eggs in the nest, as does the Columbus pair atop the Rhodes State Office Tower in downtown Columbus.
Observers have reported a pair of peregrines around the Russell Bridge in Ironton, but this new nesting site has not yet been confirmed. Falcons have been seen for the last two years on the Ironton/Russell Bridge. If a nest is confirmed at the site it would be the first in southeast Ohio.
People who see peregrines are encouraged to report the bird's location and band numbers, if legible, to 1-800-WILDLIFE.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife manages the state's peregrine falcon program with funds provided through the sale of the Cardinal license plate and contributions to the state income tax checkoff program for endangered species and wildlife diversity. Ohio taxpayers can donate all or a portion of their state income tax refund to the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund by checking the appropriate box on their state income tax form.
For Further Information Contact:
Dave Scott, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(740) 747-2525
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882