On the federal Endangered Species List from 1970 through 1999, peregrine falcons have made a strong comeback throughout much of the country. Although still protected as a State Threatened species in Virginia, Department biologists and cooperators have identified 17 known breeding pairs in the Hampton Roads area and on the Eastern Shore. As the Commonwealth's wildlife agency, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has the lead role for recovery and management of peregrine falcons in Virginia. Food is provided daily in the form of domestic quail or chicken, but interactions with humans are kept to an absolute minimum. Ten to 15 days later, when the young falcons are able to fly, the box is opened and the birds released.
Food is provided until the birds are able to hunt successfully.
The hope is that the young falcons will return there to breed in 2 to 3 years. Department biologists, in cooperation with other natural resource agencies and organizations, began recovery efforts in 1978, when 5 young birds were released on the Eastern Shore. In doing so, the agency hoped that the young birds would become self-sufficient where they were released, then wander across the state, returning as adults to breed on natural cliffs in western Virginia. Coastal hacking continued until 1985. During those 8 years, a total of 115 birds were released from 8 sites.