Courtesy photo One of the peregrine falcon nestlings is being prepped to be weighed for a band that will help biologists track its flight patterns and nesting sights.

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s recently banded the four peregrine falcon nestlings that live on the Rachel Carson State Office.

Patti Barber, Endangered Bird Specialist with PGC led the team in bringing the nestlings in from the 15th floor ledge. The birds that were banded also got a health checkup and had their vital measurements like weight recorded.

Other speakers included PGC Executive Director Stephen Smith, who provided opening remarks highlighting the successful reintroduction of peregrine falcons in Pennsylvania and the significance of the Rachel Carson State Office Building nest site as the longest continuously active peregrine nesting site in the Commonwealth. Additional Presentations were provided by Hawk Mountain Senior Biologist David Barber and Raptor Care Specialist and Educator Dane Jenkins, who shared insights into peregrine biology and conservation efforts.

Falcon banding helps wildlife biologists to track the birds and allows birdwatchers from all over the world an opportunity to learn more about the peregrine’s flight patterns and where they establish new nesting sites. Falcons born on the ledge at the state office building have been identified up and down the Atlantic coast, from Florida to Canada. Birdwatchers can report bands they see to ReportBand.gov.

The peregrine falcon was removed from the federal Endangered Species List in 1999 and the Pennsylvania Threatened List in 2021, but remains federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code.

In the coming weeks, the young falcons will begin learning to fly. Volunteers with the “Falcon Watch and Rescue” monitor the falcons and recover them as they land near the Rachel Carson state office building. Since 2000, a total of 100 eggs have hatched, making the Rachel Carson State Office Building nest site the longest, continuously successful nest site in the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website, or follow DEP on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn.