MNR starts peregrine falcon study

As part of the National Peregrine Falcon Recovery Program, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is again co-ordinating a province-wide survey of peregrine falcons.

The survey is conducted every five years to locate and monitor peregrine falcon activity in Ontario. Peregrines are a threatened species in the province and survey results help biologists assess their status in the region and across Canada.

Brian Ratcliff, of the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, has been monitoring peregrines for the past 25 years.

He said the bird’s population has been rising for the past few decades. This upswing began after usage of the chemical DDT in the ‘40s to the ‘60s had completely wiped out the species in this part of the world.

Ratcliff calls the situation the best recovery of an endangered species ever in North America, but warns there's still a long way to go.

Anyone who suspects they've seen a peregrine falcon, or a peregrine falcon’s nesting area is encouraged to notify the MNR. Peregrines typically nest on high cliffs.