Homing falcons are liking Downtown

This rare peregrine falcon spotted recently in Southbridge Towers was likely hatched Downtown in April and does not seem ready yet to give up his or her views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River. He or she landed Monday on Michael and Betsy Wishner’s 27th floor terrace at 100 Beekman St. The Wishners say they have also seen three adult falcons on the building’s roof.

The state Dept. of Environmental Conservation confirmed the picture is of a young peregrine, but it is impossible to identify the bird without examining him or her for tags.

The youngster could be one of three sisters — Cheyenne, Kacey Lane and Megan — or their brother Leeloo. The siblings, who were pictured on the cover of the May 16 – 22 issue of Downtown Express, learned the ways of the world about 10 blocks away at 55 Water St. The large office building owned by New Water Street Corp. has provided a home for the endangered species since 1999. Frank Magnani, the corporation’s vice president of special projects, which include most notably making sure the falcons are protected, said all four chicks fledged successfully over a week ago and he has seen young falcons flying in the area since.

He said typically the parents will let the youngsters fly close to the old nest until about August, when the elders will start chasing the fledglings away.

The parents don’t have to worry about college tuition or any other future obligations though. “They ease them on their way,” Magnani said. “Unlike us, they don’t take care of them for life.”

-- Josh Rogers