IA DNR: Capitol Peregrine Receiving Nest Tray Sunday

Peregrines do not construct nests, but make a scrape in the dirt or rocks on suitable nest sites. The ledge that she has centered on to nest is sloped to shunt rainwater from the building. A nest tray containing pea gravel will ensure any eggs will not roll away from the ledge. The falcon first appeared at the State Capitol in autumn 2004.

Curt Small, with Neumann Brothers, Inc. Construction, first noticed the bird while completing refurbishment activities at the Capitol. “We heard her calling repeatedly from the east portico above the stairway,” he said.

The falcon was identified as a young-of-the-year from NSP Riverside Plant, near Minneapolis, and banded that year by Bob Anderson with Raptor Research Project, in Decorah. The falcon’s mate is male, 93T, that was released in earlier reintroduction efforts at Cedar Rapids in 1990. This male has been nesting in Des Moines since 1993 at his second territory in downtown at American Republic Insurance building. There is only one other instance where one male has occupied two territories.

There have been two nest boxes provided this female at the Capitol and the Lucas State Office Building, but she has not been enticed to those positions. “She wants to be on the ledge where she was first sighted, and we will do what we can to provide her that nesting opportunity,” said Pat Schlarbaum, wildlife diversity technician with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The nest box locations would have provided easy access to band her young, but that is small consolation, if she can successfully nest at her favorite ledge.

Around the state there were 11 other territories last year with 23 young produced at eight successful nest sites. A peregrine display will be on hand with falcon enthusiasts to enjoy the activity and observe these amazing falcons in action over our State Capitol.

For more information, contact Pat Schlarbaum, Wildlife Diversity Program Technician at 515-432-2823.