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Teaming with Wildlife |
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2008 FalconCam
Beginning in 1989 Iowa Dept of Natural Resources' Wildlife Diversity Program assisted conservation organizations and Iowa citizens in releasing 50 Peregrine Falcons at three sites: Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Muscatine. As a result of these efforts employees of American Republic Insurance building at 606 5th Ave. have hosted nesting Peregrine Falcons, since 1992. That year male X20 (released in Cedar Rapids in 1990) and female R13 (released in Kansas City in 1991) began nesting attempts. Nesting effort failed but in 1993 current male T93 (Cedar Rapids 1990) paired with R13. Since that time male T93 has sired 37 young with three mates, R13 (26 young 'til 2003) 8T (7 young in '04 and '05) and 63B (4 young '06 and '07). Progeny from American Republic have fledged young at Cedar Rapids and Omaha from known peregrine sites. Since those early efforts 118 additional peregrines were released to wild nesting cliff sites along the Mississippi River from 1999 - 2003. Releases were coordinated by Bob Anderson with Raptor Resource Project, and Lowell Washburn and Tom Deckert with Iowa Falcon Recovery Team. From those releases Peregrines once again are occupying wild cliff sites at twelve locations in SE Minnesota, SW Wisconsin and two cliffs in NE Iowa.
(FalconCam 2007 Archived)
Peregrine Falcon Nesting Increases in Iowa Posted: June 3, 2008 DES MOINES - Peregrine falcons have increased their presence in Iowa with peregrine partners and volunteers now reporting 13 peregrine falcon territories in the state, an increase from 12 reported in 2007. READ ABOUT IT 
June 11, 2008
June 3, 2008
It was learned that falcon chicks hatched at State Capitol Monday, June 2. Two broods of falcons in skies over Des Moines will provide falcon enthusiasts many exciting observations of their long-winged prowess. Young falcons engage in “mock combat” as they hone their flight skills and test their abilities before learning to hunt prey on their own. May 16, 2008
Falcon pair at Capitol appear to be incubating with early, anticipated hatch date of May 30. Peregines lay four, sometimes three, occasionally five eggs; typically laid every other day. Incubation mostly by female (male possesses brood patch also) 32 - 35 days. Brood patch is area on abdomen, lacking feathers, where egg/skin contact provides best incubation temperatures. At Capitol male is unbanded and female 39/E fledged from smokestack nest box placed by Bob Anderson of Raptor Resource Project at NSP Riverside Plant near Minneapolis, MN 2003. May 12, 2008
HELP - FalconCam coverage comes at a higher price than previous years, at a time when budgets are tight. The Wildlife Diversity Program (WDP) gets no state general fund money and operates entirely on donations directly to the program or through donations to the Fish & Wildlife Trust Fund (the Chickadee Checkoff) on state tax forms. Unfortunately, Checkoff revenues provide less than half of what it takes to keep the WDP running. It is hoped those who enjoy the FalconCam will come through with some direct donations to the WDP so that the service can be continued in 2008 and beyond. Your donations do make a difference. If you can, please contribute to the Wildlife Diversity Program. Donations can be sent to:
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