A Pittsburgh First: Two Peregrine Chicks Fitted with new Satelitte Technology

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). For the first time in our region two peregrine chicks were fitted with satellite tracking transmitters which will enable researchers follow the birds no matter where they fly.

The chicks were "banded," or fitted with identification bracelets to help identify the birds for the rest of their lives, and are given a thorough medical examination on May 3rd. The eggs were hatched in mid-April.

The nest site was then revisited on May 15th and transmitters were attached to two of the four chicks by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. At this time the young peregrines were 33-days old and just a week or so away from taking their first flights.

The transmitters are light-weight units attached to the birds with a flexible harness. An antenna extends from the unit and runs along the bird's back. The transmitters have proven to provide no conflict for the young birds during flying and hunting. Signals produced by the transmitters are received by satellites orbiting in space and allow scientists and others to know the exact position of the falcons. Using this method, falcons have been tracked thousands of miles.

Special thanks to WPC's Tami Campbell for the above photos.