COLUMBUS, OH -- A new nesting season is fast approaching for Ohio's peregrine falcons, who will choose mates and nesting sites by mid-March, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Ohios peregrine project coordinator, Dave Scott, said 2001 was a banner year for the falcons, with a record 14 nests and 33 fledglings. Peregrines have successfully nested in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo. Last year, Canton and Ironton were added to the list of nest sites.
For 2002, people monitoring the Columbus nest site via the ODNR web site (www.ohiodnr.com) may see a new female. Katie, the reigning female, was found injured late this winter and will spend the nesting season rehabilitating at The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.
A new female falcon, identified as a 1999 fledgling from Pittsburgh, has been reported near the Terminal Tower nesting site in Cleveland. Zenith, who has held that nest since 1993, mortally wounded another female last year as it tried to take over her territory early in the nesting season.
People who see peregrines are asked to report the location of the birds and their leg band color and numbers, if readable, to an ODNR Division of Wildlife district office.
Peregrine falcons are listed as endangered in Ohio. The Division of Wildlife manages the states 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 line 25 (form 1040) or line 17 (EZ form) on the 2001 state income tax form.
For Further Information Contact:
Dave Scott, Project Coordinator
(740) 747-2525
Columbus Site: Donna Daniel
(614) 644-3925
Dayton/Cincinnati Sites: Rick Jasper
(937) 372-9261
Cleveland/Akron/Canton Sites: Tom Henry
(330) 644-2293
Toledo/Lima Sites: Bill Roshak
(419) 424-5000
Ironton Site: Keith Morrow
(740) 594-2211