Update for Saturday, May 25, 2024
Ares does very well providing food for his family. Indeed, he spends much of the day and sometimes a good deal of the night hunting. Adult male peregrine falcons have adapted remarkably well to urban environments, achieving high hunting success rates thanks to the abundance of prey and suitable high perches like tall buildings and bridges. These structures mimic the natural cliffs that Peregrines use for nesting and hunting, allowing them to perform their signature stoops, diving at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour to strike prey with great force. Cities provide a steady food source, with large populations of Pigeons, Starlings, and other birds that thrive on human refuse, making them prime targets for Peregrines. Of course, Ares also can exploit a wide range of prey species that live at the nearby Utica Marsh and other areas along the Mohawk river floodplain.
Studies indicate that urban Peregrine Falcons can achieve hunting success rates as high as 50-70% during certain times of the year. This efficiency is bolstered by the predictable presence of prey and the falcons’ unparalleled speed and agility. Urban prey birds, often less experienced with avian predators, are more vulnerable to attacks. The success of Peregrine Falcons in urban areas underscores their adaptability and resilience, highlighting their ability to coexist and thrive in human-dominated landscapes.
