Peregrine Falcon Banding

Last week, the three peregrine falcon chicks on the Terminal Tower were banded by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The small metal band around each bird's leg assigns it a unique letter and number combination, and with this identification tool various aspects of the individual's life can be tracked and studied, including territoriality, migration, longevity, reproduction, and so on.

The young birds were also physically examined and blood samples were collected for a DNA database. And they received their names: Arrow (female), Dart (female), and Spike (male).

I was lucky enough to attend the banding ceremony and take some photographs (click images to enlarge).




Before the Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists opened the window to access the nest on the building ledge, a "drawbridge" was raised which prevented the chicks from backing away and falling off the edge to the pavement twelve floors below. The drawbridge can be seen in the next photo, which also pictures the chicks being returned to the nest.


And finally, the drawbridge was lowered and SW (a.k.a. "Mom") was reunited with her freshly banded young.



Michelle Leighty
CMNH wildlife specialist