The unhatched eggs are checked for embryo development and analyzed for contaminants. The prey remains provide additional insight into Peregrine Falcon feeding habits. Banding is done when the nestlings are about three weeks old because they do not run out of the nest box or attempt to fly at this stage. In addition, at three weeks of age the young birds can be sexed by measuring the width of the legs. Adult Peregrine Falcons, particularly the females, are quite aggressive during the banding operation.
Biologists try to complete the banding process as quickly as possible to reduce stress on the birds.
This page was last modified May 25, 2000.