Biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife estimate that 64 young peregrine falcons fledged from 19 successful nests in Ohio this year. Biologists were able to band 59 of these falcons from 18 successful nests sites during 2009. Limited access to some nests prevented all of them from being banded.
In 1989, wildlife experts with ODNR initiated a program to establish peregrine falcons in Ohio. For more than a decade, peregrines have successfully nested in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, according to ODNR. The program is funded by donations to the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund and sales of the cardinal license plate by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Donations also come from check off contributions on Ohio income tax forms.
In all, 28 territorial pairs of peregrine falcons were monitored around Ohio in 2009. Eggs were prodced at a minimun of 24 sites. Eggs were not spotted at two sites, but their existence was confirmed by the extended incubation behavior of the adults.
Those interested in following peregrine falcon activity in Ohio can view the latest updates online at WildOhio.com. The peregrine falcon page features information on the bird's history, nest status, and links to cameras that record activity at several of the nest locations across Ohio each spring.
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