A Peregrine Falcon release, that was rescheduled from yesterday due to the weather went off today without a hitch early this morning at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens NY. The bird was a rehabbed immature male Peregrine, which showed off a nice browner color than an adult. After ringing the bird, Chris our banding expert, along with a few of us walked out onto the West Pond Trail and completed the release.
The immature Peregrine took flight with no problem and with its new found freedom, gained altitude nicely and looked strong in flight…everyone was pleased and satisfied with the way the release went. Like all falcons, the Peregrine Falcon has feet that are highly adapted to grasping their prey with the very long toes.
They also have short beaks and jaw muscles modified to deliver powerful bites. Along with powerful jaws, the Peregrine has a Tomial Tooth, known as the “killing tooth.” It is a notch on the cutting edge of the upper beak that is used to sever the prey’s spinal column. In one of the photos, I have pointed out the Tomial tooth. If we are lucky, this Falcon will survive, find a mate and raise a family. So, if you visit JBWR keep your eyes peeled for an immature Peregrine Falcon with a band.
A Peregrine Falcon release, that was rescheduled from yesterday due to the weather went off today without a hitch early this morning at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens NY. The bird was a rehabbed immature male Peregrine, which showed off a nice browner color than an adult. After ringing the bird, Chris our banding expert, along with a few of us walked out onto the West Pond Trail and completed the release. 
The immature Peregrine took flight with no problem and with its new found freedom, gained altitude nicely and looked strong in flight…everyone was pleased and satisfied with the way the release went. Like all falcons, the Peregrine Falcon has feet that are highly adapted to grasping their prey with the very long toes. 
They also have short beaks and jaw muscles modified to deliver powerful bites. Along with powerful jaws, the Peregrine has a Tomial Tooth, known as the “killing tooth.” It is a notch on the cutting edge of the upper beak that is used to sever the prey’s spinal column. In one of the photos, I have pointed out the Tomial tooth. If we are lucky, this Falcon will survive, find a mate and raise a family. So, if you visit JBWR keep your eyes peeled for an immature Peregrine Falcon with a band.
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