Wildlife Protection

Keeping It Simple: Easy Ways to Help Wildlife Along Roads

Peregrine falcons "relocate," thanks to human-made nest boxes on bridge piers

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, one of only two peregrine falcon pairs in the state has moved from a bridge catwalk to a bridge pier. In early 2001 when the Interstate 95 P.T. Barnum Bridge had to be expanded and the span and falcon nest removed, the Connecticut Department of Transportation built two nest boxes on Pier 11 and Pier 16 under the bridge and a third nest box on Pier 13, the pier closest to the original nesting site. The falcon pair returned to the bridge and nested in the box on Pier 13, where they produced two healthy chicks. Since falcons eat pigeons, the new nest boxes also help keep unwelcome pigeons (and pigeon droppings) off the bridge.

--Apr 25, 2003

Mark Alexander, (860) 594-2931 or mark.w.alexander@po.state.ct.us

Close-up of peregrine falcon chick in nest platform

Connecticut Department of Transportation photo

Peregrine falcon chick in nest platform on the P. T. Barnum Bridge

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On or Near Bridges - Connecticut