Update on nesting program

[Donna]

Posted By LAMBTON WILDLIFE INC.
Posted 13 hours ago
   

The Peregrine Falcon is one of the world's fastest animals. It has been clocked diving for prey at speeds of 160 kilometres per hour.

Unfortunately, this amazing bird is very uncommon.

In the 1950s, Peregrine numbers began to drop and by the mid-1960s the falcon had disappeared from Ontario. Eventually, it was discovered that the pesticide DDT was responsible for the birds' decline.

It has come to symbolize the plight of many species threatened by pollution and there have been major recovery efforts in North America.

In order to safeguard the species, it has been designated by the Ontario Government as a species at risk and its habitat has been protected by regulation.

Peregrines are crow-sized birds with a slate-blue back and a cream-coloured chest.

They have a dark head with a black wedge extending below the eye, which makes them look like they are wearing a helmet.

Peregrine Falcons have pointed wings that span about one meter.

Peregrines nest on tall, steep cliff ledges close to large bodies of water and on structures such as tall buildings and bridges.

The majority of Ontario's breeding population is located around Lake Superior, however some can be found nesting in Toronto, London and Sarnia.

Cities offer Peregrines a good year-round supply of pigeons and starlings to feed on.

Recently, Peregrines have had success nesting on the northerly span of the Blue Water Bridge, thanks to the efforts of Port Huron's Blue Water Audubon Society which has built and maintained a nesting platform on the bridge.

Also thanks to the cooperation of Blue Water Bridge authorities.

An amazing flier, Peregrine Falcons can overtake flying prey with ease.

You can often see them perched on or near the Cargill grain elevator while they wait for a pigeon dinner.

It takes a lot of work to become an excellent flier and the young birds often put on amazing aerial displays as they seem to frolic with each other and their parents.

For some reason, they usually have the sky to themselves as potential prey keep an eye out, for their own good.

On Monday evening, Kariann Anderson, a former Southeastern Michigan Peregrine Falcon Coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, State of Michigan, will update the success of the Peregrine Falcon nesting program on the Blue Water Bridge.

The event is being sponsored by Lambton Wildlife.

The "Blue Water Bridge Peregrenes" presentation will be held on Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m., at the YMCA Careers and Learning Centre, 660 Oakdale Ave.(just north of Hwy. 402, east off Colborne Road to Guthrie Drive and Court Street).

The general public is welcome.

Admission is free.