May 27, 2008 1:40 pm US/Eastern
Oakland Falcon Chicks Banded, Examined
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Before being released back to their nest and their parents today, the Peregrine Falcon chicks at the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland were banded and given a veterinary exam.
The chicks were hatched on April 30, and are included in 22 peregrine falcon chicks hatched since the installation of the nest in 2002.
Another nest is located at the Gulf Tower, downtown Pittsburgh.
This nest has produced 59 peregrine falcon chicks since it was installed in 1991.
Peregrine falcons were once one of the most abundant birds in the world.
Due to the use of DDT and other pesticides, females produced thin eggshells that cracked easily during incubation, and caused the birds became an endangered species.
After a ban on DDT and a nation-wide recovery program, the species made a comeback and was removed from the federal endangered list in 1999.
The Urban Falcon Recovery project is conducted by the National Aviary, who through an appreciation of birds, works to inspire respect for nature.
The falcons were released into the wild after being banded.
The organizations will be able to track the birds over time.
The Falcons can be viewed live on the 24 hour webcam at the links below:
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