By 1968, the Peregrine population was completely eradicated east of the Mississippi River. In 1972, use of DDT was severely restricted in the United States and worldwide. This is an amazing figure when one considers that Peregrines began nesting at power plants just eight years ago. It will be interesting to watch the growth of this segment of the population. Adults have slate dark blue-gray wings and backs barred with black, pale undersides, white faces with a black stripe on each cheek, and large, dark eyes.
Peregrines look, in a nutshell, fast.
Some of the power plants that RRP works with have seen the resident pigeon population disappear after Peregrines began nesting on site. Today many Peregrines nest in boxes, on building ledges, and underneath bridges. The Raptor Resource Project is currently embarking on a project to return the Peregrine falcon to the cliffs of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. They are covered by white down when they are born, which is replaced by feathers in three to five weeks. Juvenile birds begin to hunt and care for themselves between nine and twelve weeks of age.