ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) - After a significant recovery over recent decades due to concerted conservation efforts, the population of peregrine falcons in the United States has begun to decline again in certain areas, primarily due to the impact of bird flu, which has wreaked havoc on various avian populations in recent years. The resurgence of these once-imperiled birds in the 1970s and 80s was largely credited to the banning of the pesticide DDT, which had previously caused severe declines in their numbers by weakening eggshells. By 1999, peregrine falcons were removed from the federal endangered species list, with nesting pairs in New Jersey increasing from fewer than five in 1980 to nearly 45 by 2021.
However, the emergence of bird flu has posed new challenges, particularly for coastal peregrines that rely on waterfowl as their primary food source. Researchers have noted a troubling pattern of declining nests among these coastal populations due to the birds’ susceptibility to bird flu. Kathy Clark, head of New Jersey’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program, reported that many falcon carcasses have tested positive for the disease, indicating a frightening trend among coastal peregrine populations affected by the virus. In states like California and Virginia, coastal peregrines are also experiencing similar population declines.
Despite these setbacks, there is a silver lining with enough juvenile falcons migrating into coastal areas to help stabilize and potentially replenish numbers. Interestingly, peregrines nesting in large urban environments seem to have avoided the worst impacts of the bird flu. Falcons that inhabit cities, dining on songbirds and pigeons instead of waterfowl, have not experienced the same declines as their coastal counterparts.
In urban areas such as New York City, where conservation officials suggest the highest concentration of peregrine falcons globally exists, these birds have adapted well to city life, utilizing buildings and bridges as alternative nesting sites. According to Christopher Nadareski, a research scientist with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the urban falcons are increasingly succeeding within these challenging environments. The Big Apple is reported to host about 30 nesting pairs of peregrine falcons, demonstrating the species' remarkable ability to thrive amidst human infrastructure.
Moreover, the popularity of peregrine falcons has soared thanks to their status as the world’s fastest bird, attracting thousands of enthusiasts who watch live webcam feeds of nest activity. The birds engage in various antics, such as flapping their wings and interacting with their environment, notably during the month of May when biologists band the chicks to monitor their progress and contribute to future repopulation efforts.
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, biologists including Ben Wurst and Kathy Clark recently conducted a banding operation for young peregrine falcons on the roof of the Union County Courthouse. Despite the risk of territorial displays from the adult falcons, the team managed to place identification bands on three female and one male chick, significantly contributing to ongoing conservation initiatives. Clark expressed optimism that these young chicks would play a crucial role in the future repopulation of the species, noting that they symbolize hope amidst increasing challenges faced by falcons due to environmental threats.
This situation underscores the contrasting fortunes of peregrine falcons in urban and coastal ecosystems, highlighting the complexities of wildlife adaptation and the ongoing need for conservation efforts as the species navigates a precarious existence in a changing world.
