National Park Service

June 18, 2001: Craig Koppie, endangered species biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, holds one of the female falcons fitted with a transmitter on Maryland Heights, 800 feet above the Potomac River.

2004 was the fourth year of a multi-year project to restore peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) to an historic nesting site on Maryland Heights. In addition to peregrine falcon restoration, this project will help obtain information about this migratory raptor species using satellite technology. This is an exciting opportunity to restore a migratory raptor species to its former range at Harpers Ferry, and to understand dispersal patterns, nesting habits, migration, mortality rates and other information which are unknown about this species. Peregrines were last seen nesting near Harpers Ferry in the 1952. In 1999, the peregrine falcon was delisted as a federal endangered species. However, it continues to be listed as a state endangered species in Virginia and Maryland.

This project is part of a post-recovery program involving federal and state government agencies, private non-profit organizations, and corporations dedicated to the recovery and understanding of peregrine falcons. Without their support, the Harpers Ferry project could not take place.

Related Links:

Peregrine Falcon Facts

Restoring Peregrine Falcons to the Park