Date Set for Fledging
The date has been set for the fledging of the peregrine falcon chicks in downtown Richmond.
On the morning of June 21st (weather permitting) DWR biologists will access the ledge and fit the door opening mechanism to the pen. This will open the door slowly after a period of hours allowing the birds to leave the pen with no humans around.
Once out of the pen the birds will make their way to the top of ledge to survey the world beyond the ledge. Eventually they’ll take wing, making their first short flight. Urban areas are fraught with hazards for young birds and it is not unknown for birds to end up on the ground. To track the birds and be able to respond quickly, VDWR personnel and volunteers will be stationed in strategic locations around the nest area.
DWR Outreach staff have produced the following video from the banding of these three young falcons, check it out: