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Protecting a Rare Bird that's made Utica its home

By EVAN WHITE

Story Created: Feb 4, 2009 at 4:32 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2009 at 6:11 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - An effort to preserve a rare bird called the Peregrine Falcon is underway in Utica. A pair of the birds created a nest and have been seen frequently visiting that site at the M&T Bank over the past year.

Wildlife biologist Steve Heerkens from the Department of Environmental Conservation said he's seen one of the birds flying around for the last decade.

Last year an egg appeared in the nest but didn't result in the birth of a bird, today the D.E.C. Used gravel and wood to create a more comfortable nest for the rare birds.

Only 60 nesting sites like Utica's exist statewide according to bird experts. Heerkans is hopeful his work will result in a bird population he says is on the comeback.

Peregrine Falcons are birds of prey. They feast on birds ducks and bats according to defenders.org a Washington, D.C. Organization with aims of preserving wildlife.

The site says these birds weigh about 2 pounds and can grow to three feet in length.There are nearly 1,700 pairs in the United States and Canada.