species still at risk despite my efforts :(

i found out today that all 3 of the baby peregrine falcons that i helped to band this summer have been killed. these three birds were born on the side of a residential building in toronto and were the pride and joy of the members of the building on which they decided to make their home.

the first year of life is usually the most difficult for young falcons. first year mortality for peregrine falcons has been estimated to be as high as 75%. many peregrine falcons die while learning to fly as they can fall off the buildings before they are ready for flight. one of these birds died as a result of a collision with a building (they often fly into windows when attacking prey), and the other two were involved in air collisions with planes at the Toronto Airport. below is a picture of the 3 birds the day they were banded. those are my gloves in the picture.

it saddens me that these brave young birds are gone. i hope that the parents are able to breed successfully again next year and that i will be able to assist in the banding of their new offspring.


Picture by Mathew Rossi, you can read more about it here