Record Number of Peregrine Falcons in New York State
This is actually a very good news that I just found in the nets… in New York seem like peregrine falcon is making a comeback… I am sure every bird of prey lover will be very happy to read this news…
well, hope this will encourage other cities in the world to try to provide a good place for peregrine falcon to pair up and breed, since this species is one of the widest distribution falcon in the world…
I am not sure but in my opinion, falconry and falconer can take part in this issue… some falconer is very good and can breed falcon especially peregrine falcon successfully. He can share the experiance and the tips with the wildlife department of his country or the municipal of the city on how to encourage peregrine falcon to come and breed at that place.
ok, here is the news:
Record Number of Peregrine Falcons in New York State
By MIREYA NAVARRO
Published: February 12, 2009
More peregrine falcons made New York City home in 2008, reflecting a record-setting year in the state’s effort over several decades to bring back the population of the birds, an endangered species.
In a report released on Thursday, the Department of Environmental Conservation said it had documented 67 territorial pairs of peregrine falcons in the state last year, four more than in 2007 and more than double the population in the mid-1990s. The numbers also increased in what state officials called “productivity categories”: breeding pairs, successful pairings and the number of young produced.In New York City, where the birds nest on bridges and building ledges and in church bell towers, the falcon pairs rose to 13 from 10 in 2007. That the city absorbed most of the state’s yearly increase is not surprising given the attractions: pigeons to feast on and tall buildings and bridges that give an excellent vantage point from which to dive for prey.
In short, “a very good supply and a suitable habitat,” said Barbara Loucks, a research scientist and the peregrine falcon program coordinator at the conservation department.
Peregrine falcons were removed from the federal government’s list of endangered species in the 1990s, but they remain on the state’s endangered list and are vulnerable throughout the Northeast. Their numbers dwindled in the late 1950s because of the effects of the pesticide DDT. Residue in the birds’ food caused the peregrines to lay eggs whose shells were too thin.
Through a restoration program after DDT use was banned, 169 young peregrines were released in the state in the 1970s and 1980s. Their comeback began in 1983 in New York City, where the first new pairs nested on the Verrazano-Narrows and the Throgs Neck Bridges.
The city is now believed to be home to one of the largest urban peregrine falcon populations in the world.
In 2008, 9 of the 13 pairs in New York City produced 28 more peregrines, but the total number in the city is hard to pin down. As many as half of the young do not survive, succumbing to big-city perils like being hit by cars.
In the effort to keep the population growing, an army of building managers, bridge officials and other volunteers band together to help the birds breed successfully. During a courtship and nesting season that can last from April to July, nests are protected by placing trays on ledges to secure the eggs and by avoiding disturbances like construction work as much as possible.
Statewide, 60 of the 67 pairs bred in 2008, producing 129 young.
“Most people are very happy with the growth and consider it a huge success,” Ms. Loucks said. “Hopefully within the next five years I anticipate the peregrine falcon coming down from endangered to threatened.”
(source: nytimes.com)
