The peregrine falcon in New Jersey report for 2002

For the first time in about 50 years, peregrine falcons nested on natural cliffs in northern New Jersey, at one of their historical nest sites. While this pair’s attempt was washed out in an extreme rainstorm, we expect them to return to nest next year. Statewide, the peregrine population remained stable with 18 pairs active. Twelve pairs nested on towers and buildings and five on bridges, as well as the natural nest. Of 12 pairs on towers and buildings, ten nested successfully, producing 20 young for a rate of 1.54. This is close to the 1.7 average since 1986 when the population became stable. Four pairs occupied bridges spanning the NJ-PA border and four the NJ-NY border, of which New Jersey monitored three; two bridges entirely in New Jersey were active. Productivity on the bridges was 1.00 for five known-outcome nests in NJ. Biologists banded 21 young, including one that fledged prematurely from a bridge and died. The peregrine falcon was delisted by the USFWS in 1999, but remains "endangered" in NJ