ML083380542

SEIS Reference - Peregrine Falcon by NYSDEC

ML083380542
Person / Time
Site:	Indian Point
Issue date:	12/03/2008
From:	State of NY, Dept of Environmental Conservation
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML083380542 (2)

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Peregrine Falcon - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Page 1 of 2 Peregrine Falcon Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species in New York State. They were eliminated as a nesting species in the state by the early 1960's, due mainly to pesticide (DDE) residues in their bird prey. The release of young captive bred birds from 1974-1988 helped lead to their return as a nesting species. Peregrines first returned to nest on two bridges in New York City in 1983. Two years later, in 1985, they were again nesting in the Adirondacks.

The population Photo credit Mike Feller has grown steadily since that time. By 2003 there were close to 50 pairs present statewide. New York City now has probably the largest urban population of peregrine falcons anywhere, and peregrines nest on every Hudson River bridge south of Albany. Peregrines currently nest on buildings or bridges in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Binghamton and Buffalo, with about twenty pairs present in the Adirondacks on cliffs.

Many of these sites need annual management to protect the birds during the nesting season. For example, necessary bridge maintenance work must be conducted in a manner that does not prevent the falcons from nesting successfully. Falcons do not build stick nests like most hawks and the eggs can roll off bridge girders or get broken on window ledges. Wooden nest boxes filled with gravel are placed at many of the sites to increase productivity. These boxes need periodic replacement.

Some Adirondack cliff climbing routes have to be closed for several months in the summer when they are too close to an Photo credit Dave Gardner active peregrine nest, both for the sake of the birds' nesting success and the safety of the climbers who may be dived on by the aggressive adults.

Due to all these human impacts, peregrine falcons will have to be protected for many years to come if we http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7059.html?showprintstyles 12/03/2008

Peregrine Falcon - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Page 2 of 2 are to continue to enjoy their presence in New York.

Rochester Peregrine Falcon Fitted With Satellite Transmitter On June 11, 2004 a 20 gram solar satellite transmitter was placed on one of five young falcons from the nest on the tower of the Kodak headquarters in Rochester, NY. The month old young male, banded just a week earlier, had the transmitter attached as a backpack via a neoprene harness. This should last for a few years and then fall off. Mark Nash of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation attached the transmitter which was donated by DEC. Funds were raised by The Genesee Valley Audubon Society and The Migration Research Foundation to support this work and the data analysis. Kodak was also a key partner in this project. You can find maps and details on the movements of this young falcon on the Migration Research Foundation website. For interesting information on the movements of other transmitted falcons you can also check the Canadian Peregrine Foundation website More about Peregrine Falcon:

Peregrine Falcon Fact Sheet - New York State's Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species Fact Sheets - Peregrine Falcon Why Band Young Peregrine Falcons - Why do we band young Peregrine Falcons?

Growth and Development of Peregrine Falcon Chicks - Albany, New York State's capital, is fortunate to have a pair of endangered peregrine falcons nesting on the Dunn Memorial Bridge.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7059.html?showprintstyles 12/03/2008