COLUMBUS, OH - The first peregrine falcon chicks of the 2004 season began hatching last week at a nest in the Village of Cleves, just west of Cincinnati. A chick was also sighted in a nest on Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland on Monday, April 19, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
At least two of the five eggs in the Cleves nest and one of the four eggs in the Terminal Tower nest are confirmed as hatched while more hatchlings at other nests across the state are expected this week, including those in Ironton and Cincinnati. All together, there are currently 13 pairs of nesting peregrines across the state.
Observers suspect that pairs at Cleveland's Bohn Building and in Canton are either currently laying or incubating eggs; they are trying to verify the status of activity at these sites. In Columbus, where a camera is set up to monitor falcon activity at the Rhodes Tower, "Victory" and "Orville" have biologists and viewers wondering. The birds have shown signs of courtship, but they may be too immature to nest this year.
Ohio's peregrine falcon program is supported by the state income tax check-off, donations to the Wildlife Diversity & Endangered Species Fund and sales of the cardinal license plate. License plates may be purchased from local deputy registrars or by calling 1-888-PLATES3.
Fans of the peregrine falcon are reminded to check the Division of Wildlife's peregrine falcon page at ohiodnr.com. Cameras are also focused on nests in Dayton and Cleveland and can be accessed through links at this site.