The Peregrine Falcon was placed on the Federal Endangered Species list in 1973. The correlation between DDT and weakened eggshells was discovered and the pesticide was banned in the United States in 1972, with citizen activists, including Bayside birdwatcher Lorrie Otto, and students like UW-MadisonвЂ™s Joseph Hickey, leading the way for Wisconsin to be the first in the nation to ban it. DDT significantly weakened PeregrineвЂ™s eggshells, leading to multiple failed breeding seasons and causing their population to decline rapidly. Challenges to Peregrine FalconвЂ™s SurvivalДespite being a fierce hunter, they faced a grave challenge against a deadly pesticide, known as DDT, back in the mid-20th century. To learn more about this species, meet Otis, Schlitz AudubonвЂ™s resident Peregrine Falcon, at one of the CenterвЂ™s Raptor Program events. Along the coasts they prey upon birds such as ducks and gulls, but in cities they perch on top of skyscrapers scanning for Rock Pigeons and European Starlings. While they are found throughout the world, they primarily gather along coastlines, mountain ranges, and in cities. Peregrines prefer wide-open habitats with areas of high elevation where they can nest. Peregrine Falcons are one of the largest falcon species, weighing in at an average of 2.5 pounds with a 3.5-foot wingspan. With all of these special aerial adaptations, Peregrine Falcons have no problem consuming a diet that consists primarily of birds. These adaptations allow them to claim a top diving speed of an incredible 240 miles per hour, making them the fastest member of the animal kingdom. Truly a bird built for speed, the Peregrine sports sharply-pointed wings lined with stiff feathers, remarkable eyesight that can pinpoint prey mid-flight, and a very efficient respiratory system allowing them to breathe effortlessly even at speeds three times as fast as a cheetah. The success of the Peregrine Falcon as a top aerial predator comes from some incredible physical adaptations. Today, they are a conservation symbol for one of North AmericaвЂ™s recovering endangered species. After being threatened for decades, they have reinvented themselves into the kings of the urban jungle with a spectacular recovery across cityscapes.

Wildlife experts say you can observe the birds mating between March and early May while the chicks will leave the nest in late June through late July.Peregrine Falcons have long been revered for their impressive speed and aerial skills. The peregrine falcons make their nests on cliffs between 25 and 1,300 high so you may want to bring a pair of binoculars.В Zion National Park advises to see peregrine falcons, go to the Big Bend shuttle stop in the park. Zion National Park is a great place to see the peregrine falcons and the endangered California condor.В Of course, as with all wildlife in national parks, you'll need to do so from afar. Want to hike Zion's fearsome Angels Landing? You'll need a permit Can I see the peregrine falcon in the park? The routes will remain closed until biologists are able to determine where the falcons have made their nests and nesting season is over. Though the falcons range in speed between 25-34 miles per hour, when the bird makes its sharp dive after prey, in just 8 seconds it can reach speeds between 100 and 200 miles per hour. The falcons draw their name from the Latin word вЂњperegrineвЂќ which means to travel or to wander, as the birds can travel up to 15,000 miles in a migratory year. Introducing Utah's national parks What is a peregrine falcon? But it's also important to know Zion National Park has closed sections of the climbing routes on its breathtaking cliffs in anticipation of the arrival of nesting falcons. If youвЂ™re planning to visit, you may get a chance to see these graceful predators. Once an endangered species, the park monitors the birds and takes steps to protect their nests because if they are disturbed, the peregrine falcons can abandon them. In the spring, the red rock cliffs also beckon the peregrine falcon - believed to be the world's fastest animal - to nest. The high cliffs of Zion National Park in Utah don't only appeal to adventurous hikers and climbers.

Peregrine falcon speed