The Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary has
compiled annual monitoring results for the Virginia Peregrine Falcon
population. The number of known adult pairs increased in 2005 to a
modern-day high of 21. This represents a two-pair increase over 2004 and a
four-pair increase over the previous 5 years. The first breeding attempt in
nearly 10 years was documented in the mountains. This pair nested on Stoney
Man in the Shenandoah National Park. Sixteen of 21 pairs made breeding
attempts producing 38 chicks that were documented to survive beyond fledging
(reproductive rate 1.8chicks/occupied territory). Although hatching rate
has improved in the past 2 years compared to the previous several, the
Virginia population continues to experience problems with hatching rate.
Nine of 48 eggs that were monitored did not hatch in 2005 raising ongoing
concerns about the influence of environmental contaminants on population
recovery. Much of the productivity continues to be the result of active
management where chicks are moved from high-risk structures such as bridges
and building to be released in the mountains.
The Peregrine Falcon was believed to be extinct in Virginia as a breeding
species by the early 1960's. The original population of peregrine falcons
in the eastern United States was estimated to contain approximately 350
breeding pairs. The historic status and distribution of peregrine falcons
in Virginia is not completely known because no systematic survey of the
species was completed prior to the loss of the population. From published
records and accounts, there have been 24 historical peregrine eyries
documented in the Appalachians of Virginia.
With other partners the College of William and Mary initiated a Peregrine
hacking program for Virginia in 1978. Between 1978 and 2005, more than 300
young falcons have been released in Virginia. The first successful nesting
of Peregrines Falcons in Virginia after the DDT era occurred in 1982 on
Assateague Island. Since that time, the breeding population has continued a
slow but steady increase. However, both hatching rate and chick survival
remain somewhat erratic. At present, the long-term viability of the
Virginia population in the absence of continued immigration from surrounding
populations remains questionable.
We request information on all observations of Peregrine Falcons in Virginia
between March and July. Funds for ongoing Peregrine monitoring and
management are provided by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland
Fisheries, the National Park Service, and the Center for Conservation
Biology at William and Mary.
Bryan Watts
Center for Conservation Biology
http://www.ccb-wm.org
posted for Bryan by Mike Wilson
Center for Conservation Biology
College of William and Mary
PO Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
phone: 757-221-1649
fax: 757-221-1650
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