A Verrazano Peregrine Falcon couple has adopted two chicks! The little ones were found in an unsuitable nesting place in Queens and relocated to the top of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge’s Brooklyn tower, where they were welcomed to the nest of a mother falcon already caring for three new chicks. Verrazano-Narrows General Manager Daniel DeCrescenzo says, “The mother took in the adopted chicks without question and has been feeding them and watching over them as if they were always part of her brood. It’s truly nature at its best.”
This brings the MTA Bridges and Tunnels new falcon count up to 11 this year! Today, the State DEC says there are 73 pairs of peregrine falcons state-wide, including 15 pairs in New York City. The newest chicks just received an identification band so they can be tracked as they grow and reproduce (we just saw the Water Street falcons get tagged)—here's a video of the Verrazano banding (it's really cute when they tell one: "you're going to look just like mom!").
