An activity book for kids from PPL Corporation

Falcon Facts and Fun An activity book for kids from PPL Corporation Helping a species soar Peregrine Falcon Information Ospreys, peregrine falcons, eagles, kestrels and barn owls are soaring throughout Pennsylvania’s skies, thanks in part to PPL’s efforts to help restore the once-dwindling populations of raptors. PPL dedicates resources to enhance habitat for threatened or endangered wildlife and works with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and conservation organizations to monitor their progress. Because of these efforts, peregrine falcons have taken up residence at PPL facilities from the top of the company’s 23-story headquarters building in Allentown to the sides of the emissions stacks at the Martins Creek and Montour power plants. PPL created this book to promote awareness and increase understanding of peregrine falcons and their struggle to coexist with people. Through increased awareness and knowledge we will have a deeper appreciation for the peregrine falcon and help them make a comeback in Pennsylvania. About the peregrine Years ago the peregrine falcon soared through the skies of more continents than any other bird of prey. The peregrine falcon has shared a long history with mankind. It has been a varied relationship. Human feelings for the falcons often have been linked to the bird’s value to humans at the time. The Egyptians used the falcon as a basis for their god Horus. Other early civilizations used thousands of peregrines to hunt and catch game to help feed their armies. In the middle ages, falconry reached its peak and was an integral part of feudal life. The peregrine was classed as a noble hawk and was reserved for use only by the upper class. With the development of gun powder and guns, the peregrine and other predators diminished in value to humans as a means to catch game animals. They were now a competitor for the same prey we hunted for sport, and bounties were established to eradicate these and other predators. Efforts to eradicate peregrines were at times extensive but for the most part unsuccessful. During World War II, the British royal navy, in an effort to try to protect pigeons carrying notes from submarines to the mainland, attempted to eliminate peregrines along the coastline. The peregrine survived. In the United States, the peregrine population declined marginally through the early 1940s because of indiscriminate shooting, egg collecting, development near nesting sites, natural predation, disease and falconers. After the 1940s, DDT and other pesticides were used indiscriminately throughout the United States to control insects. This started a chain of events that almost killed off the birds entirely in the eastern U.S. Ironically, in this instance there was no conscious effort being made to harm the peregrine. The effect on peregrines started in the lower levels of the food chain with insects. As other birds ate weak and dying insects contaminated with the pesticides, the pesticides accumulated in the bird’s fat tissue. The more the birds ate, the higher the pesticides levels in their bodies became. In small amounts, the pesticides were not immediately fatal to these birds, but the more they ate, the weaker they became. Since one of the primary roles of predators like the peregrine is to keep the population of their prey healthy, they often kill and eat the weaker and sicker prey. As the peregrines ate other birds contaminated with pesticides, the pesticides began accumulating in peregrines. The pesticides were not immediately fatal to the falcons. The pesticides, however, affected the birds’ eggs. Peregrine eggs were no longer healthy and strong. The pesticides interfered with calcium production for the eggs, resulting in thin and fragile shells. The peregrine isn’t like most birds in that it doesn’t build a nest of sticks. Instead it nests on the rocks of a cliff, laying its eggs directly on a rock ledge. The fragile eggs, sitting on hard rocks under the weight of the adult peregrines, were easily broken. With fewer falcons being born, fewer survived to breed. As fewer and fewer falcons bred and more and more eggs cracked, the peregrine numbers quickly dropped. Peregrines were last known to nest in Pennsylvania between 1955 and 1957. The last young peregrine in the upper Mississippi River area was observed in 1962. By the mid 1960s, breeding peregrines no longer existed in the eastern U.S. In 1972, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT for most uses in the U.S. However, DDT may still be used in some Latin American countries where some peregrines and their prey spend the winter. In the early 1970s, individuals at Cornell University, led by Tom Cade, began efforts to raise captive peregrines to re-establish into the wild. The concept was to breed the peregrines in captivity, then raise and release the young from natural breeding sites. This process is called hacking. Early attempts at releasing the birds often led to disappointing failures. The young birds, initially raised in the protection of a hack box, were set free. However, without the protection of their parents, they were easy prey at night to foxes, raccoons and great horned owls. Eventually, biologists began releasing young peregrines in cities. The tall buildings, resembling cliffs, provided ideal hack sites that were easily accessible. In the city, the threat from raccoons, foxes and owls was greatly reduced and there was an abundant food supply in the form of pigeons. The hacking process The hacking process starts with acquiring nestling falcons from licensed breeders in the United States. The young falcons are acquired at about 25 to 35 days old. The birds are then transferred to a specially designed box, known as the “hack box.” During their stay in the hack box, the falcons are fed and given water daily. The falcons are monitored routinely to ensure all are eating and staying healthy. Prior to the release, the young falcons are banded by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. A small metal band is placed on each leg. The bands are like bracelets and each has a unique number to help in the future identification of the birds. At about 45 days old, the nestlings have grown enough to start flying. Timing of the release is critical. If it’s too early, the falcons may attempt to fly but not be strong enough to stay aloft. If it’s too late, the falcons may bolt from the box and go too far, too fast. This may result in the falcon getting lost and not being able to find its way back. It’s essential that the birds be able to return to the hack site for food and water. It will take them several weeks to learn to fly and hunt efficiently enough to become self-sufficient. After the birds start showing signs of becoming self-sufficient, feedings are gradually reduced and, finally, eliminated. At this point the falcons usually begin to disperse farther and farther from the nest site. Hopes are that upon maturity, usually at 2 years old, the birds will return to area to start nesting. In Pennsylvania, peregrines have been hacked and released since the early 1990s. Initial release sites included Harrisburg, Williamsport and Reading. In 1995, Allentown became the fourth location in the state to release peregrine falcons. PPL, with the support of other local businesses and community groups, released five peregrine falcons from atop the 23rd floor of PPL headquarters in 1995, another three in 1996 and six in 1997. To further support the re-establishment of peregrines in Pennsylvania, PPL installed nest boxes at several of the company’s power plants throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania in 1996. At that time, there were only five known nesting pairs of peregrines in the state. These pairs were in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Hopes were that the ongoing releases would result in additional pairs of breeding peregrines being established throughout the state. Peregrine falcons have nested at the initial hack site on PPL’s headquarters building in Allentown since 2007. A pair has also nested at PPL’s Martins Creek power plant since 2005 and at PPL’s Montour power plant since 2007, and began nesting at PPL’s Susquehanna Riverlands environmental preserve. In 2000, there were only 10 known active nest sites in Pennsylvania. By 2007, the number of active nest sites had increased to 24. Known nesting sites include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, Martins Creek, Washingtonville and on cliff sites along the Susquehanna River. Falcon facts Female falcons are larger than the males. Females are generally referred to as “falcons.” Males are known as “tiercels” and are about one-third smaller than the females. Peregrines are about 15- to 20-inches tall with a three-foot wing span. The wings are long and pointed for speed and intricate aerial maneuvering. Falcons have unusually large feet for catching prey in mid-air. The feet are bluish white when young and yellow when the birds are adults. The peregrine’s head is characterized by a black cap and malar stripe. The skin around their dark eyes, known as the “lore,” and the skin at the base of the beak, known as the “cere,” are bluish white when young and yellow when the birds are adults. The beaks of falcons are uniquely notched or toothed. This notch helps the peregrines quickly kill their prey. Adult peregrines are blue-gray to slate black on the back and white with barring on the breast and belly. Their tails are long and banded. Immature peregrines are dark brown on the back and tan with brown barring on the chest and belly. In May, usually just in time for Mother’s Day, the eggs begin to hatch. After several weeks the hatchlings are almost fully grown. At this time, they are temporarily removed from their nest, identified by sex and are fitted with unique identification bands by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. In June, usually close to Father’s Day, fledging begins as the young peregrines take their first flights. Through July, they hone their flying and hunting skills, staying close to the nest site. As August arrives, the peregrines start to wander farther from their nest site. Finally in September, they take off on their first migration. Migration Peregrines are very migratory as indicated by their scientific name, falco peregrinus, which means the “wanderer.” Peregrines typically leave their nests in July and August and begin to disperse. In Pennsylvania, the main migration of falcons is in early October. Hunting habits Nesting habits Originally, peregrines nested on high rocky cliffs. They do not use sticks or twigs to build their nests, but lay their eggs directly on the rocks and pebbles. More recently with the reintroduction of peregrines in cities, peregrines are now nesting on tall buildings and bridges. These nests are often on the ledges of the building or in nest boxes. The nest boxes are usually about two feet by three feet with a layer of small rounded pebbles in the bottom. In Pennsylvania, peregrines return to their nest sites in early February, usually around Valentine’s Day. Nesting typically begins in March. Peregrines will lay three to five eggs between late March and early April. Peregrines typically feed on birds. They are known to hunt ducks, pigeons, doves, starlings and other small birds. In the past, the peregrine also was known as the “duck hawk.” The falcon usually takes its prey in flight. They soar above their prey, fold their wings and go into a high speed stoop or dive, chasing after their prey. At high speeds, the force of the peregrine’s impact is often enough to kill the prey. Peregrines can reach speeds of up to 200 mph in a dive. How Big is a Peregrine Falcon? Most of us know how big a robin or a parakeet is, but how do they compare in size with a peregrine falcon? See if you can match the letter of the bird with its corresponding silhouette and see how the falcon compares in size with the other birds. A. B. C. D. E. Bird peregrine falcon pigeon robin eagle parakeet Size F. 7 inches G. 10 inches H. 14 inches I. 20 inches J. 40 inches 5 1 2 Bird 1.____ 2.____ 3.____ 4.____ 5.____ Size ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 3 4 Answer Key: 1 - D,J; 2 - A,I; 3 - C,G; 4 - E,F; 5 - B,H Can you identify the food chain of the peregrine falcon? Food Chain Falcon Bear Fish Mouse Building Cat Bird Butterfly Worm Turtle Leaf Below are three pairs of peregrines. Can you find them? Circle and connect the two falcons that are identical. Remember, there are three pairs. Find the Peregrine Pairs C A B D E F H I G Answer Key: A&F; B&H; C&D In Pennsylvania, the peregrine falcons are an _______________ _________. To help you finish the sentence above, use the code at the bottom to fill in the blank letters. Next, do the math problems in each box. Then match the letters in numbered boxes to the main answers. Good luck solving this puzzle! Answers on back inside cover Falcon Word-Find Puzzle Read the following paragraph to learn about PPL’s peregrine falcon project. The words in bold letters (this is bold) are hidden in the puzzle. The words may be forward, backward, horizontal, vertical or on an angle. When you find a word, circle it. For example, the word “tower” is circled in the puzzle. Good Luck! In 1995, five peregrine falcons were successfully raised and released from the PPL Tower Building in downtown Allentown. The falcons were named by local students in a contest, and the winning names were Bullet, Jagged Claw, Zoomer, Blazer and Malcolm the Falcon. Falcons are an endangered species in Pennsylvania. With the cooperation of other local businesses, community groups and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the falcons were delivered and placed in a hacking box on the 23rd floor of the Tower Building. For the first two months the falcons were given food and water daily by special volunteers. Eventually the falcons learned to fly and began hunting on their own. They continued to fly around Allentown and the Lehigh Valley until the middle of August when they left the valley. In 1996 and 1997, additional falcons were raised and released from the tower. Today PPL is proud that Peregrines nest at four company locations and are raising families of their own. Z M S N O E C E H E P O M K A E N R T O T U S A H O I E P I B L T T Y Y L W F R T M E S S H C H O R O T S U G U A I W U C R A E Y A B R I E N E O L H Y F G H G E E E T K E A S I E Z C O M M U N I T Y P A G A U N R W I S A T G S S E T H M O E E O C U E M N E M T E N A U E M S U T R P O C O S Y N E N R I I E P E G A G L S O I O R S O S E Z I H L C G E L T P L O L M A L C O L M T H E F A L C O N S R G I N L E T H W E S R D M A L L E N T O W N P A N R E U G N O T T T A A O E O O O G N E S T E E J O I S H T E L L U B E H W T G S G H L E O C D U L H N S K E U N S W O E Y U I S G G N E O I N M U F I E G L S R E E T N U L O V O T A G F E T H G M W E M T R C S N A A C E M O R F G A J S O C Z N U L T Answers on back inside cover Help the falcons find their way to their favorite nesting sites. Falcon Maze Answers on back inside cover Copy the pattern in the squares on this page to the appropriate box on the facing page. When you are done, you should have a completed mystery picture. Can you guess what it will be? Mystery Picture Using the squares on the opposite page, copy the designs in each square to the corresponding square on this page. The mystery picture will appear. Mystery Picture (continued) Answers on back inside cover Falcon Word-Find Puzzle Z S O C H P M A N T T S H I P B T Y L F T E S C O M N E E E O K E R O U A O E I L T Y W R M S H H R O T S U G U A I W U C R A E Y A B R I E N E O L H Y F G H G E E E T K E A S I E Z C O M M U N I T Y P A G A U N R W I S A T G S S E T H M O E E O C U E M N E M T E N A U E M S U T R P O C O S Y N E N R I I E P E G A G L S O I O R S O S E Z I H L C G E L T P L O L M A L C O L M T H E F A L C O N S R G I N L E T H W E S R D M A L L E N T O W N P A N R E U G N O T T T A A O E O O O G N E S T E E J O I S H T E L L U B E H W T G S G H L E O C D U L H N S K E U N S W O E Y U I S G G N E O I N M U F I E G L S R E E T N U L O V O T A G F E T H G M W E M T R C S N A A C E M O R F G A J S O C Z N U L T Answers Mystery Picture Falcon Maze Answers (cont.) In Pennsylvania, the peregrine falcons are an ENDANGERED SPECIES. To learn more about peregrine falcons and other birds of prey, go to: www.birdsofpreyatppl.com www.hawkmountain.org www.peregrinefund.org www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/ Two North Ninth Street Allentown, PA 18104-9392 www.pplweb.com