The Chesapeake Conservancy brings us a truly worthwhile “distraction” for our devices. They recently announced a wildlife webcam (http://www.chesapeakeconservancy.org/peregrine-falcon-webcam) featuring Baltimore's famous peregrine falcons. Located on a ledge of on the 33rd floor of the Transamerica building at 100 Light Street in Baltimore.
“Many people know Baltimore for our Ravens, but few realize that peregrine falcons have been living on the ledge of one of our most iconic skyscrapers for decades,” Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says.
Found on every continent except Antarctica, peregrine falcons are one of the best know conservation success stories. They are also believed to be the fastest bird in the world, traveling up to 200 mph during hunts. Perhaps that speed helped them bounce back from near-extinction in eastern North America—where they now make their homes in both large cities and coastal areas.
Interestingly, Maryland’s restored peregrines have preferred man-made structures to the wild. In addition to 100 light Street, they can be found nesting on structures like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and the Nice Memorial Bridge (also known as the Potomac River Bridge on Rt. 301).
To make sure peregrines continue to thrive in the Free State, the Conservancy is working to ensure that river corridors remain protected and that the Chesapeake Bay can support abundant fish and smaller bird populations.
--Sarah Hagerty
