Peregrine Falcons Nest on the Rte 50 Bridge over the Severn River

by Allison Albert Buckalaw and John Clauson, Severn Riverkeeper Program

June 29, 2007

    This past Wednesday saw the delisting of the Bald Eagle from the endangered species list. This obviously has national significance because the bird is an internationally recognized symbol of American patriotism. This is a major victory for many, but significantly for the environmental movement, which is often criticized for its gloom and doom outlook. It was undoubtedly through the cooperation of a number of groups that the delisting was achieved. A similar story is unfolding right under our noses here in Annapolis, this one characterized by an informal alliance between federal and state agencies, big business, a local non-profit, and a concerned citizen.

  The pair was discovered by local musician Dan Haas who, while performing a regular gig on the local cruising yacht, Catherine Marie, heard the birds’ distinctive cry. Dan, an avid birdwatcher, began observing the pair regularly, even creating a Peregrine Watch on his website (http://www.danhaas.com/peregrine/). Dan notified Mr. Koppie of their presence, concerned that the bridge painting activities would disturb them.

   No one knew whether the pair was considering the location as a nesting spot or had already chosen it to raise their young. Had they chosen the bridge, it would have forced the painting operation to halt until the young falcons fledged. Both sides were seeking an outcome that would allow work to continue yet optimally protect the birds. Tim Fletcher of SHA invited Severn Riverkeeper Program to a meeting with the project contractor, US Department of Fish and Wildlife, and SHA employees. None of us could have possibly expected what was in store!

   We met at the project headquarters near Heroes Restaurant on Ridgely Ave. Attendees included: Allison Albert, Severn Riverkeeper Program; John Clauson, Severn Riverkeeper Program; Tim Fletcher, SHA; Craig Koppie, USFWS; Paul Marley, ASI (contractor); Ben Shoniya, SHA; Gary Smith, ASI (contractor); and Steve Sparks, SHA. Craig quickly briefed us on the history of the peregrine, its recovery (including his role in the effort), and their behavioral patterns. He warned us that the birds are often fiercely territorial and that we should all be cautious when approaching them… basically, listen for their screams, then you’ll know you’re already too close! Duly frightened yet intrigued we boarded a bus that took us to the bridge’s catwalk access.

   We walked more than halfway across the bridge (~ 90ft in the air feeling the entire structure shake with each passing car!) before we heard what we were listening for… it was an eerie, but exciting sound. The adult pair was flying circles around the abutment warning us that we were in their territory. Craig thoroughly inspected each possible nesting site for shell fragments, bird down, and other indicators of a hatchling but didn’t find anything concrete. As we were about to return, Gary received a call from the safety boat circling below us that they sighted what appeared to be an injured falcon on the bridge footer adjacent to our location. Craig looked at the bird through his binoculars and exclaimed, “That’s the fledgling!” He explained that it had probably taken its first flight that morning and, unfortunately, landed on the bridge footer rather than somewhere safe where it could have practiced using its wings. He further explained that we would need to retrieve it and return it to its nesting site so that it could try flying again, hopefully successfully this time.

   We boarded the skiff and with one eye on the parents motored towards the baby falcon. Prior to disembarking on the footer, Craig warned us that the bird may become frightened and jump into the water. He comically joked that the bird would float for a little while, but instructed us to get it out of the water as quickly as possible. What he predicted actually came to be! Tim Fletcher, calmer than the rest of us, immediately grabbed the net and rushed to the aid of the baby bird. With the falcon safely perched on the net’s rim we all breathed a sigh of relief. We delivered the animal to Craig, tensely observing from the footer, who cradled the bird and informed us it was a female.

   The return boat ride was joyful - every one congratulated each other in a jubilant cacophony of exclamations. Every person present wanted their turn to hold the baby falcon and have their picture taken. The term “once in a lifetime experience” comes to mind when we think of the time spent Friday morning with the falcons. Craig took the opportunity to band the young falcon before returning her to the perch under the bridge. Allison decided that the baby looked like a Charlotte, and the name is sticking.

   Upon returning the baby to her perch, we said our goodbyes and bid her adieu. Craig took measurements of the nesting site so he can install a box for the mating pair to use next year (peregrines, like osprey, often return to the same location year after year). Tim Fletcher and the rest of the bridge crew promised to be vigilant and contact Craig if they observed the falcon in need of assistance again.

   Stay tuned for more updates to follow! We are partnering with Craig and Dan to begin a formal Peregrine Watch when Craig installs a nesting box for the pair in the fall. In the meantime, check out Dan Haas' website for a personal account of how he first found these birds and then rescued Charlotte from the Severn a second time.