For Release: Friday, October 10, 2008
Peregrine Falcon Nest Box Moved
Due to upcoming construction activities planned at the Kodak building, the peregrine falcon nest box, successfully used for eleven years at the Kodak building, has been removed and will be installed at a nearby facility, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Paul D'Amato said today. After careful consideration, two sites were selected in downtown Rochester, the historic Powers Building on Main Street and the Times Square building, located on the corner of Exchange and Broad Streets; they will each house a peregrine falcon nest box.
Both buildings are close to the previous nest site location and meet the criteria needed for nesting peregrine falcons. To increase the attraction to both locations and potentially enhance the chances for successful nesting, both boxes will face north allowing the falcons to see their previous nest location. While it is not believed to be an absolute necessity, the unobstructed line of sight to the Kodak building may prove to be a valuable preference in "encouraging" the birds to utilize one of these sites.
The Powers Building is located the Genesee River about a half a mile south from the former nest box location and will install a new base for the Kodak nest box. The Times Square Building was also selected for its prime location and will house a new base and nest box for the falcons. Both building owners are enthusiastic about hosting a nest box. Mark Stevens, Powers Building owner, is delighted to share the building with the peregrine falcons. He stated, "We are delighted to host Kodak's former peregrine falcon nest box. In a sense, the birds will be returning home to roost. George Eastman was known to frequent the Powers Building where he would gaze northward from the four-story observation tower, located on the tallest building in the city. From the observatory's vantage point, he developed his plans for laying out Eastman Kodak. Should the falcons decide to roost here, they will be able to share that vision." For more information on the Historic Powers Building, visit: www.powersbuilding.com.
"I'm excited that the falcons would be attracted to this building, especially since the wings have been a Rochester landmark for almost 80 years," stated Richard Calabrese, Jr. of the Times Square building.
"Genesee Valley Audubon Society/Rochester Falconcam is grateful that the S.B. Ashley Management Corp. has decided to offer the Powers Building as a new home to the Rochester peregrine falcons," said June Summers of the Genesee Audubon Society.
