2019 Peregrine falcon project report

From the executive summary: "By the 1960’s peregrine falcons nearly disappeared across the country due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT. A ban on this environmental contaminant along with species restoration efforts, resulted in a resurgence of peregrine numbers. The species was delisted Federally in 1999, however the Maine breeding population is still considered endangered. To better understand the current population status of peregrines, resources were allocated in 2019 to conduct a statewide survey. Data collection was a great success thanks to a full-time survey position and numerous partners who followed a standardized survey protocol and submitted data into a shared database. The 2019 Maine peregrine falcon population consisted of 38 pairs with 23 breeding pairs documented. Of the 23 pairs that attempted to nest, 20 pairs were successful and hatched 53 chicks and produced 49 fledglings (~ > 28 days old), with 15 young observed at the flight stage. The overall productivity rate was 1.29 fledglings per territorial pair. Most pairs were present on cliffs (55%), but also included buildings (21%), quarries (10.5%) bridges (8%), and previously used osprey nests (5%). Considering inter-annual variability in breeding activity and changing threats, it is important to continue survey and management efforts to promote population stability within Maine and throughout the Northeast. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will pursue management actions in collaboration with our partners including: site specific management, further developing the monitoring network, developing a longterm monitoring plan, placing additional nest aids and cameras, pursuing banding opportunities, and consideration of contaminant sampling."