How has the Peregrine Falcon reclaimed its spot in Wisconsins skies?
Wisconsin banned the use of DDT in 1971. Concurrently, several falcon recovery programs were created. Using several different techniques, falcons were bred and raised in captivity, then released into the wild. Ideally, chicks were reintroduced into traditional nest sites in natural habitat. Yet, in the late 1980s, a technique called hacking started to be used in urban settings such as Milwaukee, Madison and Racine. When existing nests were unavailable or when scientists wanted to reintroduce Peregrines to a specific area, four-week old captive-produced chicks were placed in a specially designed box that was positioned on a cliff or rooftop. To avoid imprinting, the young falcons were fed in a manner that prevented them from associating food with humans. After a few weeks, the front of the box was removed, and the birds were set free to try their wings. Scientists continued to feed them for about five more weeks, until they became self-sufficient. Tall buildings and structures have been
