DISPERSAL AND SURVIVAL  OF  JUVENILE  PEREGRINE  FALCONS  DURING  A
RESTORATION PROJECT IN DUBUQUE, IA

Irene M. Barry and Larkin A. Powell.
Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of Dubuque, 2000 
University Avenue, Dubuque, IA  52001.

In the largest single restoration effort in Iowa to date, 21 juvenile peregrine falcons 
(Falco peregrinus) were released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources from a 
natural cliff near Eagle Point Park in Dubuque, Iowa during summer 1999.  We used 
radio-telemetry and observations of color-marked birds at the hack site to estimate 
daily survival rates and dispersal dates.  Falcons were released in a staggered manner 
from mid-June until late-July.  Older falcons remained at the site longer than at 
previous urban releases and interacted with the younger falcons.  Although we had 
planned to use aerial telemetry to track radio-marked falcons after they left the hack 
site, all radio -marked falcons remained at the hack site at least until they removed 
their leg-mounted radio transmitters.  Community interest in the project was high; the 
three mortalities confirmed during the summer were discovered and reported by 
citizens near the release site.  Prior concerns about great-horned owl predation were 
unfounded at this release site, as no mortalities were attributed to these predators.

Keywords:  peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus, Mississippi River cliffs, dispersal, 
survival
_________________________________________________________________________________












































                           1