| 6/18/2008 3:00:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Chuck Culp, a member of Wingspan of Kentucky, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wild bird protection, has spent time near the Madison-Milton bridge observing a nest of peregrine falcons. (Photo courtesy of John Nation, Louisville Magazine) |
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Caring for falcons
Group dedicated to helping peregrine falcons survive
Beau Rand
Courier Staff Writer
Chuck Culp spends more time under the Madison-Milton bridge than most people.
"Every year there are peregrine falcons that nest under the bridge," Culp said. "Right now, there is a mother, father, and two chicks."
About 300 yards from the Indiana bank of the Ohio River, falcons have taken up residence in the crossbeams under the bridge. They are visible from the Indiana side with the aid of binoculars or a telescope. The parents occasionally perch on the top of the bridge, while the chicks remain nestled underneath.
Peregrine falcons, which are birds of prey, were once endangered but are now considered at lower risk by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. The use of DDT led to a dramatic decrease in the population of peregrine falcons, but the species has rebounded since DDT was banned in the 1970s. Peregrine falcons were among the first species on the Endangered Species List, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed them from the list in 1999.
However, the falcon chicks have developed trichomoniasis, which threatens their survival.
"Peregrine falcons feed on smaller birds, specifically pigeons around here," Culp said. "I've been told that pigeon gizzards contain trichomoniasis."
Trichomoniasis in peregrine falcons develops in the chicks through blockage in the esophagus and trachea. The infection slowly disables the chicks so they cannot eat or drink, and eventually suffocates them.
Culp is a member of the board of directors of Wingspan of Kentucky, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wild bird protection, conservation, and in this case, rehabilitation.
"The chicks will try to fly out of the nest, and fall into the river," Culp said. "They swim to the shore, and we take them back, give them medicine and allow them to get well."
He said peregrine falcon chicks nesting under the bridge every year develop the infection, and members of Wingspan of Kentucky are present every year to immediately attend and care for them.
On Friday, Culp and lifelong bird aficionado Bill Poindexter kept a close eye on the bridge and the nesting area. They already rescued chicks earlier this year.
When falcon chicks recover fully, Wingspan of Kentucky releases them back into the wild. However, the infection in falcon chicks has persisted and threatens birds every year. Culp theorizes that birds bred in captivity after DDT was banned have not developed the instinct to discard the gizzard, whereas he believes falcons bred in the wild have the instinct.
"It worries me that they are unhealthy birds," Culp said about the chicks on the bridge, "We make sure to care for them correctly."
Culp and Wingspan of Kentucky, located in Prospect, look for different ways to help threatened birds. Through working for the organization for several years, he has been able to locate and assist many peregrine falcons as well as other species across the area.
"It's important to preserve these birds," he said. "They are indigenous to this area."
To learn about helping peregrine falcons and other birds native to the Ohio River Valley, visit www.wingspanofkentucky.com or call (502) 228-9034.
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