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Gulf Tower Falcons Get Clean Bill of Health

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May 19, 2009 10:23 pm US/Eastern

Gulf Tower Falcons Get Clean Bill of Health

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― There was a lot to squawk about as the National Aviary gave Peregrine Falcon chicks and their parents a clean bill of health.

"Tasha and her mate named Louie hatched out two chicks this year. And soon as the chicks are banded they will be released out on the ledge," said Erin Estell of the National Aviary.

With the help of the Pa. Game Commission, the state endangered Peregrine Falcons are checked out twice a year at the Gulf Tower nest downtown and then in couple of weeks at their other nest at the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

"Their numbers have come back to pretty good numbers. So good in fact, they have been taken off the Federal Endangered Species list but they are still considered be a State Endangered Species," said Estell.

The Peregrine Falcon was one of the most widespread birds in the world until the 1960s and 70s, when humans used DDT, a pesticide to help keep insects away, causing a negative effect on their survival.

"It actually caused their egg shells to thin," said Estell. "And as part of that when the Peregrines would sit on the eggs to incubate them it would crack under their weight. So there weren't a lot of baby falcons being born."

Tracking these predator birds gives scientists, not only a look at their survival numbers, but it's a good indication of what's taking place environmentally.

"We are using resources at alarming rates and not leaving a whole lot of space, clean water, clean air for the animals that we also share this planet with," said Estell.

Click here to see the falcons on the aviary's webcams.

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