Efforts Underway to Protect a Pair of Falcons Nesting Atop Quincy Crane

It is not uncommon to read accounts of environmentalists rushing to protect rare species when their habitats become threatened by development or for construction projects to be delayed or even prevented by the presence of an endangered species. One must merely look to the Northern red-bellied cooter’s impact on the Middleboro, Mass. casino proposal for a recent example.

But rarely does one encounter a species complicating the process of removing a man-made structure. But that is what is happening in Quincy, Mass. where environmentalists are attempting to relocate the nesting site of a pair of peregrine falcons before mating season begins in earnest next month.

Surprisingly, the falcons chose to nest atop the gigantic crane at the former Fore River Shipyard. Now the crane, a giant behemoth of rusting metal that dominates the city’s skyline, is scheduled to be dismantled. And that poses a danger to the peregrine falcon, according to this Globe South article.

Environmentalists have already removed the nest, placing new ones at several locations in the shipyard and Quincy Medical Center, but worry the falcon will lay eggs on the metal regardless of whether there is a nest or not.

My first thought upon glancing at the piece was why would a falcon choose this crane over a more natural setting in, say, the Blue Hills. But apparently, they are attracted to man-made structures, having nested on such Boston land marks as the Deer Island treatment plant and the Logan Airport control tower. And they like to perch high above water so they can dive down and nab their prey.

The story of these birds is an interesting look into how some species have adapted to the urban environment in the Boston metropolitan area. Though the population is far from stable (with only 14 pairs in Massachusetts) it is comforting to know the birds can survive in cities. That said, just because one species can adapt does not mean society should throw caution to the wind when evaluating the impact of new developments. There are countless other animals, like the cooter in Middleboro, that need natural habitats to survive.