Skyscraper High-Rise Turns into Breeding Ground for Peregrine Falcons
Highpoint of Tall Building's Peak - High-rise roost for birds atop the skyscraper
Deck'em high, my dear falcons! Welcome to your swanky new nest, perched atop the peak of Frankfurt's Commerzbank Tower. In the heart of Germany's financial hub, this 259-meter behemoth now holds two precious eggs, hatched by the city's vibrant falcon pair.
These modern-day urbanites have been calling this skyscraper home since 2007, but the birds weren't always so enamored with concrete jungles. Peregrine falcons discovered cities as their new habitats, finding solace on bridges, skyscrapers, masts, and towers, replacing their natural stone cliff dwellings.
The birds' preference for lofty vantage points is no mere accident. According to Frankfurt's falcon guru, Ingolf Grabow, "A high nest allows them to survey their territory and easily swoop down on their birdy lunch." There's around eight to ten breeding pairs in the city, these bird-chasing high-fliers.
In danger's path, back in the day
The species hung perilously close to extinction, with excessive hunting and banned pesticides, like DDT, causing their eggshells to weaken. But the intrepid falcons rallied, and Grabow assures us they're making a roaring comeback. However, the perils of urbanization remain, posing challenges for all wildlife.
Cities offer hospitable." There are more chirping critters within city limits than in cleared-out countrysides," Grabow says - making them a bird lover's delight.
误Control Present Pigeons?
Don't count on the falcons to curb the local pigeon problem. "Pigeons typically hug the ground," Grabow explains, "while the falcons go after those sky-bound homing pigeons."
Raptors Rediscover the Urban Jungle
It's not just the peregrine falcons who've found a place in the city; other bird species like buzzards, kestrels, and sparrowhawks have gotten hip to the urban vibe too. They've been spotted hunting in parks, cemeteries, and urban spaces. Over the years, they've learned to shrug off city noise, traffic, and bustle.
"City life has gradually transformed our fine feathered friends," says Bernd Petri, expert bird-brain at NABU (BirdLife Germany).
Sunshine, Squirrels, and Songbirds
The warmth and brightness of city life also appeal to the birds. And there's plenty of prey - rodents, smaller birds, and, yes, even squirrels, romping around the city's lush green spaces.
The urban setting is a hit with the locals too. "Spotting a raptor is like a little slice of nature in the city," Petri says, as evidenced by the flurry of reports NABU receives.
Raptors flock to cities throughout Hesse. Couples lay eggs in church spires and industrial buildings in Darmstadt, Kassel, and Wiesbaden. As they grow up and venture out, these young birds search for similar nesting sites, thus bolstering the Hesse population, estimated at around 180 breeding pairs.
Give Them a Name!
The two eggs nestled on the Commerzbank's antenna top were discovered by a daring firefighter at the beginning of March. With the eggs safely snuggled away, there's no peeking photos just yet. When the babies hatch, the bank will, once again, open up a naming contest to the public.
Like in years past, between Falco, Money, Penny, Tick, Trick, or Track, our hatchlings have had some pretty fun names, inspired by everything from music to movies. So, if you're wondering, who's going to be next for the monikerly throne, well, you'll just have to wait and see!
- Intriguingly, the urban lifestyle has expanded its reach even to raptors such as buzzards, kestrels, and sparrowhawks, with them frequently spotted hunting in parks, cemeteries, and city spaces.
- The Hesse region witnesses a significant increase in raptor population, with breeding pairs nesting in various urban buildings like church spires and industrial structures in cities like Darmstadt, Kassel, and Wiesbaden.
- Intrigued by the naming contest held by the Commerzbank Tower for their hatchlings in previous years, the public can anticipate another round as the eggs nestled on the antenna top are due to hatch.
- The naming ceremony has seen characters like Falco, Money, Penny, Tick, Trick, or Track bestowed upon the hatchlings, with the upcoming award inspired by various elements like music and movies.
