Peregrine Falcon Chicks Fledge from Ashland Site

Three closely watched peregrine falcon chicks appear to have fledged from their nest on the Ashland Ore Dock, one of them thanks to an assist by a DNR wildlife biologist and the Ashland fire department.

The nest with the three young peregrine falcons represent the first time DNR wildlife biologists know of that peregrines had nested in Ashland. Ironically, their nest was on the Ashland Ore Dock, which was slated for demolition within just a few days of their discovery in early June. Due to the federal Endangered Species Act and the Federal Migratory Treaty Act, plans for demolition had to be delayed until the birds had finished nesting.

Thumbnails link to larger images.

Photos taken by DNR science researcher Ryan Brady.

Since the nest's discovery in June, DNR has been monitoring the nest closely and working with local officials to protect the nest and making contingency plans with the Ashland Fire Department should the birds not fledge successfully.

On July 20, one of the three chicks fledged out of the nest but ended up on the ground. DNR enlisted the Ashland Fire Department to help DNR wildlife biologist Todd Naas rescue the chick and place it on a high spot on the ore dock so the parents can attend to it and help it learn to fly.

The two other chicks, both likely females, were still in the nest as of July 20, but Naas checked the nest today and it was empty, and the previous day, Naas saw two of the chicks out on the ore dock and believe they heard the third up on the top of the ore dock.

The chicks will still be under their parents' wings, so to speak, for another 5 to 6 weeks while their parents feed them, teach them to hunt and, essentially, to be a falcon. Once that time period ends, the chicks will go on their way, separately. Naas says during that time, it's likely they'll begin to demolish the ore dock, but he doesn't expect that will have any negative effect on the birds at that point.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback and are interested to know how you are using the images. Please feel free to email us your suggestions and ideas.

Lisa Gaumnitz
DNR Public Affairs manager
Water Division
(608) 264-8942