HENDERSON, Ky. - Peregrine falcons, noted as the fastest animal in the wild, are a rare and amazing sight for any bird watcher or wildlife photographer.

As a matter of fact, fewer than 15 Kentucky counties can claim a Peregrine falcon sighting in 2019.

But Henderson is now part of that list, thanks to some images captured by local wildlife photographer Mark Herron and confirmed by an avian biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.

Herron, who is outside chasing beautiful nature images most days even after having a recent hip replacement surgery, said he spotted the falcon on Saturday, Nov. 16, while in the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area next to the Ohio River in the western part of Henderson County.

 "I saw what I thought was a crow (in a tree), but I kept watching. It was cloudy and you couldn't really tell until I got right up on it, until you could see curve of the beak and the long tail."

"I started whistling and making calls and such, and he turned around and that's when he looked right at me," Herron said.

He said he knew immediately what it was. "Because of that eye and that beak. That is the epitome of a falcon. That huge eye and the little short, curved beak."

Herron said falcons, especially Peregrines, are "are aerial attack artists." Unlike hawks and owls that usually pounce on ground prey, falcons "literally grab birds in the air."

He said the state biologist told him Peregrine falcons often travel widely. "They follow the river and then they rest."

Last year, Herron said, there was a Peregrine falcon sighting at the Shawneetown bridge over the Ohio.

Back from the brink

The Peregrine falcon was among the North American raptors that were once in very real danger of becoming extinct, and that was only 50 years ago.

But a concerted effort by wildlife officials and private parties -- including companies like Henderson-based Big Rivers Electric Corporation -- turned that around.

According to information on the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website, "Starting in the 1970’s, cooperative efforts by both public and private organizations nationwide contributed to one of the most successful species recoveries in history. The recovery of the Peregrine Falcon can be credited mostly to the outlawing of DDT in 1972 and widespread hacking (release of juvenile birds).

"Hacking efforts in Kentucky occurred from 1993-2003, with 82 falcons released in urbanized areas (on buildings and man-made structures such as power generation stations) and 32 released in cliff habitats. Kentucky’s nesting population began to reestablish in 1997, when biologists discovered the first pair of Peregrine Falcons nesting in the wild in decades.

"In 1999, the Peregrine Falcon was removed from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife. However, it remains federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Kentucky’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

"Although Peregrine Falcons historically nested on cliffs, nowadays the species will nest on tall man-made structures as well. Abundant prey (pigeons and starlings) coupled with high structures at urban areas in Kentucky provide good habitat for Peregrine Falcons. In attempt to increase nest site availability and productivity, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has placed nest boxes at many locations throughout Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, as well as several power companies, chemical facilities and building owners have cooperated with KDFWR to provide safe nesting sites for this species."

More info from Fish & Wildlife ...

Question: I have a large bird of prey nesting in my yard. Could it be a Peregrine falcon?

Answer: Probably not. Peregrine Falcons are extremely rare in Kentucky and are very particular about where they nest. They do not nest in trees and do not use any sticks or other nesting material in their nests. They nest in very high locations (usually over 100 ft) near bodies of water. Acceptable nesting locations for Peregrine Falcons would include natural cliffs, old quarries, tall buildings, power stacks and bridges.

If you have a raptor nesting in a tree in your yard, it is most likely an American Kestrel, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk or Red-tailed Hawk. These species are all very commonly mistaken for Peregrine falcons. 

Q: How do you tell Peregrine falcons apart from other hawks and falcons?

A: Peregrine falcons are approximately the size of a crow with a wingspan of about 3.5 feet. Their most distinctive feature is their dark hooded head.

Peregrine Falcons are most often confused with Cooper’s Hawks, which are much more common in Kentucky. While it is possible that Peregrine Falcons could visit backyards, it is more plausible to find a Cooper’s Hawk in your backyard.

Peregrine falcons can also be confused with the American Kestrel, Red-shouldered Hawk or Red-tailed Hawk. 

Q: Does KDFWR still release Peregrine falcons in Kentucky?

A: No. Hacking (release) efforts were discontinued in Kentucky after the 2003 season. There are no plans to hack Peregrine falcons in Kentucky in the near future. Population expansion in recent years has been mostly attributable to natural reproduction. However, some states in the eastern US still hack Peregrine Falcons.

Q: If Peregrine falcons nest on manmade structures in modern times, where did they nest historically?

A: Peregrine falcons historically nested on ledges or inlets of cliffs. They a scrape a concave depression into the gravel of the cliff to lay their eggs.

Q: What do Peregrine falcons eat?

A: Peregrine falcons feed on avian prey such as pigeons, doves, starlings, songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Peregrine falcons can stoop (dive) at 200 mph to obtain prey.

Q: How does banding Peregrine falcons work?

A: Peregrine falcon chicks are banded when they are approximately 25 days of age at accessible nest sites.

Each falcon is banded with two bands: a federally-issued band with a unique nine-digit number on one leg and a unique alpha-numeric, bi-colored band on the other leg. (The second band allows for the bird to be identified through a spotting scope so that the falcons can be monitored after they leave the nest.)

KDFWR coordinates with the Midwest Falcon Society to ensure banding schemes are consistent across the region.

You can watch Peregrine Falcon chicks get banded on YouTube. Search for “Kentucky Peregrine Falcon”. 

Q: I am sure I’ve seen Peregrine falcon. What should I do?

A: Check to see if it is banded and record any colors/numbers you can make out. Take a picture if possible. Record its location and e-mail to KDFWR at

More: Henderson photographer captures beautiful barred owl taking flight


Three peregrine falcon chicks hatched Thursday and Friday at the Weston power plant. Wausau Daily Herald

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