Baby peregrine falcons introduced to Rapid City community - KOTA Territory News

Baby peregrine falcons introduced to Rapid City community

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The hope is that the fastest animal on the planet makes a speedy return to the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Raptor Biologist Janie Fink introduced two baby peregrine falcons to the Rapid City community Tuesday.  The babies are part of a three-year restoration effort to bring the birds back to this area.

Fink says the peregrine falcon historically nested in Western South Dakota.  But, the falcons haven't been seen here in 50 years, in part because of the use of the pesticide DDT.

The young birds will spend time on top of the Black Hills Corporation building rooftop.  Biologists will monitor their development through a public webcam. 

Then it'll be time to fly.

"They'll be sporting special leg bands with red on one leg and silver on the other and they'll have wing paint to help us identify who's out first, who's an experienced flyer, and who needs more attention," Fink said.

After the birds take flight and migrate south, it takes about two years for them to return to the Black Hills.

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Rapid City, SD 57701

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