Falcons Fly

National Park Service (NPS) and WV Division of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists are very pleased that their peregrine falcon ‘hacking’ program in New River Gorge National River has been successful. “Over the past few months, two sets of young birds from Virginia and one rehabilitated falcon from Philadelphia, PA have all been observed in flight,” reported Matt Varner, NPS wildlife biologist.

“Some quail are still being left near the hack site to sustain the birds as they develop their flying and hunting skills, which will also enable them to better elude aerial predators such as great horned owls and red-tailed hawks. Our observations indicate that it’s taking about a month for them to successfully hunt butterflies and other large insects,” explained Varner.

In total, the NPS and DNR have released 15 peregrines to the Gorge. The first group of seven young birds arrived May 30th and was released from the hack box just prior to the arrival of a second group of eight falcons in mid-June. The last bird released was a young peregrine that had failed to fledge from its nest on the Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia. “We only kept it for two days in the hack box because it was nearly the same age as the second group and it was readily accepted by those birds,” said Varner. “It made a spectacular first flight.”

For the duration of the project, biologists, rangers and volunteers have maintained a daily feeding and observation schedule. Each falcon is color banded on the leg, which allows for rapid identification of birds during observation periods.

Volunteers who have helped with continuous monitoring of the fledglings include “the Three Rivers Avian Center, the Access Fund, and members of the local birding community,” said Jack Wallace, DNR environmental resources specialist. “We did have one disappointment with the first group: about a week prior to their release, the smallest bird was found dead in the box.” Wendy Perrone of Three Rivers Avian Center examined it and noted that “another nestling may have been agitated and jumped on the small falcon, inadvertently puncturing the bird’s skull with its sharp talons.”

“Having seen the remaining 14 falcons plus the bird from Philadelphia fly was fantastic, it helps everyone who’s contributed to this project feel good about its success,” said Craig Stihler, DNR wildlife biologist.

The biologists hope the young peregrines have become imprinted on the New River Gorge and will eventually return here to nest. “The Gorge was selected for this program because it offers outstanding peregrine habitat in the central-Appalachian region,” said Wallace. “It will be a couple of years before these birds are old enough to mate and nest, but observers will be watching every year for sightings of these magnificent raptors,” added Stihler.

“Anyone who’d like to see additional photos and read more about the ‘hacking’ program should visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/neri,” Varner suggested. “Until late August, visitors may see the birds in the northern portion of the park and also in the vicinity of the New River Gorge bridge.”

Given the protected status of peregrine falcons as migratory birds, NPS and DNR remind the public to not approach perched falcons or enter any areas posted with closure signs. Specific questions about the program should be directed to Matt Varner, NPS Wildlife Biologist at 304-465-6542.