Falcons hatch at International Bridge

Fast Facts:

• A pair of peregrine falcons has successfully nested on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, where the birds have been returning for years.
• Four chicks have hatched this year and have been banded by DNR biologists.
• The peregrine falcon is listed as an endangered species in Michigan.

Karl Hansen, bridge engineer for the International Bridge Administration (IBA), reported that pair of peregrine falcons have successfully nested atop the bridge between the U.S. and Canada this spring, hatching four chicks.

June 18, 2015 — A pair of regular visitors to the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge have made the trip again this year – and they’re staying to raise their family.

IBA General Manager Phil Becker said the bridge’s steeplejacks closely watch for the falcons to return each year.

“As time allows, they monitor the nest without disturbing the birds,” Becker said. “Our staff really looks forward to the return of the birds and waits with great anticipation for the occasional reports coming in from our steeplejacks on the growth of the chicks.”

The reports this year have been excellent.

All four young birds – three females and one male – were successfully banded Tuesday by biologists from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). According to DNR wildlife biologist Kristie Sitar, color-coded bands attached to the legs of young birds allow scientists to track the movements, reproductive behavior and population growth of the falcons. (more…)