This morning I joined a few friends, some Game Commission biologists, and a couple of forestry interns,  near the bridge in Williamsport where a pair of Peregrine Falcons have been nesting.   Banding access was provided by the Penn Dot bridge inspection so that the banders would have use of the special bucket and arm which allows them to be lowered under the bridge and to access the nest.

At one time a few decades ago Peregrines were endangered because of the use of DDT.   In the 80’s, extra measures were taken by the Lycoming Audubon Society, local falconers, and the Sportsmen’s clubs to bring in peregrines from other places and to hack them from the top of the Genetti Hotel.  I learned today that the Peregrines which used to nest mainly on cliffs , now often prefer man-made structures such as tall buildings, bridges, and even the towers at power plants where they are not as vulnerable to natural enemies such as Great Horned Owls.  More information on Peregrines can be found at http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=621014&mode=2.

Peregrines are at home in the city.  Plenty of pigeons to feast on!