Date:
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Contact:
Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4472 (Seattle)
Michael MacDonald, WSDOT Biologist, (206) 440-4909 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – Today, biologists with WSDOT and the Falcon Research Group worked together to band four peregrine falcon chicks that hatched around April 25 on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge.
“We put two bands on each chick: one unique identifier number band issued by United State Fish and Wildlife Service and a second band,” said Martin Muller of the Falcon Research Group. Putting the identifiers on the chicks allows us to learn more about the falcon’s life history, dispersion, and breeding patterns. “People forget that it was only two years ago that these falcons were on the threatened species list,” said Muller.
Michael MacDonald, a WSDOT biologist with a keen interest in falcons, helped Muller access the remote site and band the birds. “My job as a WSDOT biologist is to help protect wildlife while getting our projects done. I help our maintenance and construction teams get their work done while respecting wildlife patterns and complying with federal, state, and local laws wildlife protection laws. Months, and sometimes years in advance we examine construction project time tables and wildlife patterns. We can usually work things out so it’s a win-win for the wildlife and WSDOT.”
This falcon pair has been nesting on the Ship Canal Bridge since 2002. The first two years yielded no chicks. The last three have been more fruitful. This year the pair had four chicks which is average. Biologists say they expect these birds to “fledge” or leave the nest in about four weeks.
There are 13 nesting pairs on WSDOT bridges across the state. WSDOT and the Falcon Research Group prefer to remain vague about the exact location to protect both chicks and humans who might want to get a peek Adult peregrine falcons can be extremely protective and dangerous if they feel their young are in jeopardy.
“Probably the most nerve wracking thing about banding the birds today was not dangling above the Ship Canal, but keeping that dutiful mama at bay while keeping my mind on corralling the youngsters,” said MacDonald.
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Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
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