Recovery of Urban Peregrine Falcons

What species: Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – specifically the Gulf Tower in downtown Pittsburgh and the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh.

Who: The National Aviary (Linda Weisenmiller and Dr. Todd Katzner), in collaboration with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (Charles Bier and Alice Doolittle), the Pennsylvania Game Commission (Dan Brauning and Dr. Art McMorris), the University of Pittsburgh, the Gulf Tower management, and many other interested organizations and private citizens, especially Kate St. John (bird blog).

When: 2007 – present
(Other partners have conducted this project since 1990.)

Why: Peregrine falcon populations have undergone a remarkable turnaround. Early in the 1900s there were thousands of these birds nesting throughout wild places in the USA. However, serious threats conspired to undermine the stability of these populations. Persecution by humans and, most crucially, the introduction of pesticides such as DDT contributed to the severe decline of peregrine numbers. By 1965 they were completely extirpated in eastern North America. Today, thanks to restrictions on the use of DDT, legal protection that bans the persecution of raptors, and an immense reintroduction effort by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and many others, peregrine populations have increased. Now these remarkable birds once again grace Pennsylvania’s skies and may be seen nesting on building ledges and other sites in urban settings, as well as at natural cliff sites. Peregrine falcon populations continue to recover, but are still in need of human assistance.

The peregrine falcons in Pittsburgh used to be the only peregrines known to breed in the western part of Pennsylvania. These birds have been breeding here since 1991 and at least one Pittsburgh nest has produced young every year since then. They are helped by preparation and maintenance of the nest site, careful observation, and the good will and support of building managers. In recent years several pairs have begun breeding on bridges over rivers throughout our region!

Current Goals:

•NEW: In 2008 the National Aviary will host a live streaming web cam of the peregreine falcon nest at the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning. We are also hosting a web cam from the nest at the Gulf Tower in downtown Pittsburgh; this camera sends images every 15 seconds. For more information, visit the our nest cam web page.

• The National Aviary, in collaboration with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), building management, and a number of interested private citizens, is managing the two nest boxes in Pittsburgh.

• When chicks are ready to fledge, they will be banded. This will be a collaborative operation between the Pennsylvania Game Commission, together with staff from the National Aviary, the WPC, and building management.

Next Steps: The National Aviary continues to seek funding to expand this project, putting cameras in nests of other birds in the Pittsburgh region – both in the wild and at the National Aviary. In addition, our educational programs will increase their focus on peregrine falcons and other birds of prey.

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