COLUMBUS -- The first peregrine falcon chicks of the 2009 season have hatched at the Terminal Tower nest in downtown Cleveland, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife (DOW). More hatchlings at other nest sites across the state are expected beginning next week.
There are currently 22 pairs of territorial peregrines across the state, with four unconfirmed pairs and six single falcons at various sites around the state. In 2008, 65 peregrine chicks fledged in Ohio from 21 successful nests.
In Columbus, where a camera is set up to monitor falcon activity at the downtown Rhodes State Office Tower, "Scout" and "Orville" are incubating a nest of four eggs. Falcon fans can keep abreast of the pair's activities by checking the ODNR Division of Wildlife's peregrine falcon page at wildohio.com.
Cameras are also focused on nests in Dayton and Cleveland and can be accessed through links on the falcon page. The Cleveland webcam, www.falconcam-cmnh.org/news.php, shows the Terminal Tower nest and Ohio's first falcon chicks of the 2009 nesting season.
Ohio's peregrine falcon program is supported by the state income tax check-off program, donations to the wildlife diversity endangered species fund and sales of the cardinal license plate. Donations can also be made at wildohio.com. License plates may be purchased from local deputy registrars or by calling 888-PLATES3.
Matching federal funds are provided through the State Wildlife Grant Program for this project and other wildlife diversity efforts of the DOW that target species of greatest conservation need.
Shoot slated: Straightened Arrows Inc., a faith-based nonprofit organization, will hold its, open to the public monthly 3-D archery shooting event Saturday at the Defiance County Fish and Game Club, located northwest of Defiance off Ohio 15. Children under the age of 18 can participate at no cost. A limited amount of free equipment is available for anyone to use. Sign in anytime between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information visit the group's website,www.straightenedarrows.org, or call Allan Hansford at 419-439-3155.
First day harvest down: Ohio hunters harvested a preliminary total of 1,712 bearded wild turkeys on the first day of the spring turkey-hunting season, which is open statewide through May 17. Steady rain over most of the state kept the preliminary figure 39 percent below last year's opening day harvest number of 2,768 turkeys, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Top counties for wild turkeys killed were: Ashtabula, 85; Guernsey, 74; Knox, 64; Clermont, 59; Harrison, 58; Jackson, 43; Columbiana and Highland, 41; Defiance, 40; and Washington, 39. A special youth-only hunt for hunters age 17 and younger was held statewide last Saturday and Sunday. Young hunters killed 1,814 birds statewide. Top reporting counties were: Ashtabula, 66; Coshocton, 61; Harrison, 60; Richland, 57; Ashland, 55; Highland, 54; Trumbull and Tuscarawas, 53; and Monroe and Washington, 52. Last year, 1,838 birds were taken over the same two-day period.
Boat show set: The fifth annual Catawba Island Boat Show that will be held May 1-3 at the Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton. There will be no charges for admission or parking. At no cost, visitors will be able to board and even test drive a broad selection of power and sail boats that will be displayed in the water and on land. Show hours are 12-6 p.m. on Friday, May 1; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 2; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.
To host NRA Day: Great Outdoor Sports and Firearms Education (GOSAFE) will host its eighth annual NRA Day "Learn to Shoot Free" event at the Lenawee County Conservation League on May 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Adrian, Mich. The event is free and open to the public. An adult must accompany anyone under 18 years of age. Activities to be held at the event include the opportunity to shoot a variety of firearms including shotguns, .22 rifles, handguns, muzzleloaders and BB guns. Archery instruction is also provided for those interested. For more information on NRA Day, contact Amanda Millward, shooting sports camp coordinator, at 703-267-1591 or visit www.nrahq.org/education/shootingcamp.asp. To learn more about this event, contact David Coy with GOSAFE at 517-423-4260.
Free boat inspection: The Ohio Division of Watercraft is offering free boat safety equipment inspections during National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22. Free inspections will be held Sunday, May 17, from 1-2 p.m. at the Napoleon city ramp and from 3-4 p.m. at the boat ramp in Mary Jane Thurston State Park.