THE FALCONS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, January 20, 1992                   TAG: 9201210340
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
THE FALCONS
ROANOKE loves critters. From sad-eyed Frump-Frump, an old elephant given to the city by a circus in 1970, to Ruby the tiger, the animal kingdom's rejects and at-risk members often find creature comfort here, and a place in the valley's heart.
It may be the same for five baby peregrine falcons due to go into a high-rise nursery atop the Dominion Tower in May, where they will be hand-fed and cooed over by attendants and volunteers. After about six weeks, it's expected the young birds will be flying over the city to see the sights. Doubtless, on the streets below, there'll be Roanokers rubbernecking for a glimpse at the birds.
The captive-breeding project is part of an effort to save the cliff-dwelling peregrine population from extinction. The species fell victim to the now-banned pesticide DDT, and the falcons have almost disappeared. But captive-breeding projects - where the chicks are raised on the ledges of city skyscrapers that environmentally resemble their ancestral homes in the wilderness - are helping to bring them back.
Roanokers should be pleased to be part of the effort. And, who knows? The endangered falcons may even show their gratitude by becoming something of a tourist attraction. (They also could help the city with a messy problem: pigeons and pigeon droppings. Pigeons are a primary food source for the falcons; the project may save the city some sidewalk cleanup costs.)
Anyway, as project supporters say, it's a nice way to bring nature to the city - and vice versa. In other cities that have hosted the nesting projects, greater interest in wildlife conservation has been sparked, a welcome benefit.
A caution, though: Roanokers should not give the birds names - no Sam Spade or Maltese Falcon, please - nor should we start thinking of them as pets. By next fall, it's likely the falcons will have taken flight from the city (as some humans also do). Eventually, when they're ready to breed, they may come "home" to roost. Then again, they may not.
Let's enjoy the project, and having the rare birds of prey here while they're here, but try not to go all loopy about them.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB