Endangered Species is Growing Ranks atop UMass Lowell Building
06/07/2016
Contacts: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
* Media Advisory *
Wednesday, June 8, 10 a.m.
What: The next generation of UMass Lowell’s real-life “River Hawks” will be fitted with ID bands by representatives of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, allowing them to track the fluffy chicks as they fledge the nest and grow to adulthood. The banding is part of the university’s effort to serve as environmental stewards for these majestic peregrine falcons, which are considered endangered in Massachusetts.
Less than a month ago, the chicks were born atop UMass Lowell’s 18-story Fox Hall, the tallest building in Lowell, where a pair of the birds has lived for many years. The university has “adopted” the falcons as honorary River Hawks, UMass Lowell’s mascot.
Among those scheduled to participate in the banding are UMass Lowell students Jessica Fruth of Braintree, Michael Nuzzo of Bolton and Sabrina Pedersen of Burlington, who work with wildlife officials and other volunteers to help ensure the falcons’ well-being.
A pair of the rare birds has nested atop Fox Hall since at least 2007 when they were discovered on the roof. Prior to that time, the female falcon had been laying eggs on the roof’s cement surface out in the open – the birds do not make typical nests – which made it difficult for the chicks to survive. In response, UMass Lowell and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife built a nest box to provide the birds with shelter and installed a webcam, available at www.uml.edu/Falcons, which lets viewers watch the falcons in their urban habitat.
More than 20 peregrine chicks have hatched at the university in the past eight years. Fueled by webcam views and social media, the falcons have gained quite a following, particularly at elementary schools that use the birds’ story to teach schoolchildren about wildlife and among birding enthusiasts.
Where: Fox Hall, East Campus, 100 Pawtucket St., Lowell. For directions and parking information, contact UMass Lowell media relations.