Peregrine Falcons On The Rebound: Nest Atop Downtown SF PG&E Building
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Three baby peregrine falcon chicks were banded Wednesday on the 33rd floor of the PG&E building in downtown San Francisco. The birds are reportedly in good condition.
Peregrine falcons have been nesting atop the building since 2004. The falcon population has flourished in recent decades. In 1970 there were thought to be just two pairs of peregrine falcons in the state. Today there's are an estimated 300 pairs.
Mama and papa peregrine falcon who have been named Dapper Dan and Cher, were a bit upset about the researchers getting close to their three baby girl chicks, who are said to be in robust health.
Peregrine Falcons On The Rebound, Nest Atop Downtown SF PG&E Building
"They're being well fed by mom and dad up there. They eat a lot of pigeons in downtown San Francisco and we banded them today to learn more about their movements about the Bay Area," said Glenn Steuart with UC Santa Cruz' Predatory Bird Research Group.
The birds are three weeks old and will fly in another three weeks. There are five sets of peregrine falcons in the greater San Francisco area.
Anne Jackson with PG&E's Environmental Policy Department said the company will be holding a naming contest for the chicks.
"We encourage our customers to go to our social media page, Facebook, Twitter and submit their names," Jackson said.
