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Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) in a hackbox on Maryland Heights. (Photo by Jae Martin) |
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Over 170 bird species have been identified within the park. The visitor will find very different species when exploring the park depending on the habitat encountered. Within the lower historical district, visitors have the opportunity to view great blue herons (Ardea herodias) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) along the banks of the Shenandoah Canal. While hiking up Maryland or Loudoun Heights, species such as the pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) and Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) are likely to be seen. A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) may even be observed flying over the park between late winter and early summer. Along with bird species that reside here year round, many other species use the park as a corridor during their spring and fall migrations. Anyone interested in volunteering as an active bird watcher for the park, please contact (304) 535-6770.
Since the park initiated its Peregrine Falcon Restoration Program during the summer of 2001, lucky visitors sometimes have the pleasure of experiencing this once endangered raptor soaring high above the town of Harpers Ferry. Due to a buildup of the pesticide DDT within their systems, peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) suffered a devastating decline in the late 1940s. Peregrines were listed as endangered in 1970, DDT was banned for most uses in the United States, and peregrine falcon recovery teams were established. These teams focused on releasing captive-bred peregrines, a process known as "hacking". Finally in August 1999, the peregrine falcon was removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened species, although it still remains listed as a threatened species on some state lists today. After successfully "hacking" peregrine chicks on the eastern coast, now efforts are being made to restore this species to its historical ranges in the Appalachian mountains.
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