These frontier nesters were all peregrines released in a massive reintroduction effort that began in the 1970s and concluded in the mid '90s. More than 2,000 young falcons were hacked in the program. The first successful peregrine falcon reintroduction in Harrisburg occurred in 1992 when three peregrine chicks were hacked from the Fulton Bank Building. The chicks were hatched in captivity by Allen and Connie Pollard of Dillsburg from eggs taken from a Philadelphia-area bridge nest with a poor track record for producing young. Peregrines were never common breeders in Pennsylvania, but ornithologists believe they historically nested at 36 sites, mostly cliffs.
Females are larger and heavier than males.
Both males and females participate in incubation and young-rearing chores. Peregrines are predators of small to mid-sized birds. The Harrisburg pair has shown a preference for pigeons, starlings and, when available, woodcock. In normal flight, peregrines travel at 40 to 50 mph.