Probable effect of delisting of the Peregrine Falcon on availability of urban nest sites

We surveyed owners and/or managers of urban nest sites of Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) in the Eastern Recovery Region of the United States to determine their attitudes toward these birds. Telephone interviews were con ducted from 14 January-12 March 1999 with 75 individuals responsible fnr 95 different nest sites on 47 buildings, 29 bridges and 19 power plants. None of the contacts had plans to remove nest boxes or trays or to discourage n esting by peregrines and no changes were expected after delisting at 88 (92 %) sites. One contact reported that delisting of peregrines would result in removal of the nest box and, at another six sites, contacts were unsure if delisting would result in removal of nest boxes. The majority (82%) of res pondents reported having "positive" feelings about the Peregrine Falcons on their structures and, at 92% of the sites, they felt that the presence of the falcons had a positive effect on operations, tenant feelings and/or pub lic goodwill. The majority (74%) of respondents said that having nesting Pe regrine Falcons on their structures resulted in changes in site management or operations. Broken windows, attacks on workers, sanitation and restricte d access to nesting areas were examples given of problems affecting operati ons. We conclude that there is no evidence to indicate that removing the Pe regrine Falcon from the Federal Endangered Species List will result in wide spread loss of man-made, urban nesting sites in the eastern United States.