Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus

WINTER:  Casual Visitant since the mid-1990's.  Recent records:  one on 26 February 2008 at Huntington, Cabell Co., WV (GR);  male and female on 15 December 2007 at Gallipolis Ferry, Mason Co., WV WA, MG, DP); one on 29 December 2007 (Ona CBC); one on 19 February 2007 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA); one on 15 January 2007 at Byrd Locks & Dam (GR);  male and female on 05 February 2006 at Apple Grove, Mason Co., WV (WA, MG, DP); one on 22 February 2006 at Huntington, Cabell Co., WV (WA); one on 01 January 2006 at Byrd Locks & Dam (GR); one on 01 December 2001 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA); one from 04 December 1999 to 16 January 2000 at Byrd Locks& Dam (WA, MG, KP, GR).  Records from 1958 to 1964 on local CBC's  are likely in error.

SUMMER:  Casual Migrant from late July to late August.  Early dates, one on 24 June 2006 in Mason Co., WV (WA, MG); one on 07 July 1996 at Huntington, WV (HS); one on 20 July 2006 in Cabell Co., WV (WA); one on 27 July 1982 at Huntington, WV (HS); two (male & female) from 29 July to 09 August 1987 at Gavin and Kyger Creek Power Plants (WA, JF, MG, JH, JLH, TI).   See Remarks section.

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Casual Migrant from late April to early May.  Early dates, two on 13 March 1960 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA); one of 15 March (WA, MG, MO, DP) and 31 March (GR) 2008 at Byrd Locks & Dam; one on 20 April 2007 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA); one on 24 and 28 April 2003 at Lesage, Cabell, Co., WV (HS).  Late dates, 06 May 1956 (Edeburn et al. 1960); one on 01 May 1988 at Beech Fork Park (WA).

 Fall:  Casual Migrant from early September (see Summer section) to early October.  Early dates, one on 01 September 2005 at Crab Creek, Mason Co., WV (WA); one on 03 September 1997 at Huntington, WV (HS); one on 06 September 1997 at Apple Grove, Mason Co., WV (WA); two on 10 September 2005 at Byrd Locks & Dam (CK, KK); 18 September 1952 (Edeburn et al. 1960).  Late dates, one on 13 November 1966 in Mason Co., WV (WA, LW); one on 03 November 2008 at Huntington, Cabell Co., WV (DP); one on 25 October 2007 at Byrd Locks & Dam (DP); one on 21 October 1995 at Ashton, Mason Co., WV (WA); one on 08 October 1995 at Kyger Creek Power Plant (WA). 

REMARKS:

Since the late 1980's, as a result of the successful re-introduction of this species in the eastern United States, our records have increased.  In 2001, eleven successful nests fledged thirty three birds in Ohio (Ohio Division of Wildlife 2001).  Recent nesting has occurred in nearby Ironton, Lawrence Co., Ohio.

Nesting:  The pair at Ironton, OH, nested on the bridge between Ironton, OH and Russell, KY in 2001 and 2002 (possibly in 2000).  The female is color banded (black) and fledged in 1999 in Toronto, Ontario.  The male is not banded.  There were 4 eggs in the 2002 nest, but as in 2001, no successful fledging has been documented.  In 2003 and 2004 3 HY successfully fledged; 4 nestlings ( 3 male, 1 female) were banded in early June 2005 (personal communication, Ohio Division of Wildlife); 3 nestlings (males) were banded on 31 May 2006; 4 nestlings (2 male, 2 female) were banded in mid-May 2007; 4 nestlings were banded on 27 May 2008.