Photo Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin
Since 1983, the MTA has participated in New York State's peregrine falcon breeding program, which means that every spring, a research scientist climbs to the top of the Verazzano, Marine Parkway Bridge, and Throg's Neck bridges, where peregrine falcon nesting boxes house endangered falcon couples who have mated for life, to put ID bands on recently hatched peregrine falcon chicks.
Photo Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin
This year, the MTA welcomes a full dozen baby chicks into the world, five male and seven female. They're all in good health: they received their bands when they were about three weeks old, and Chris Nadareski, the Department of Environmental Protection research scientist who banded them, gave them quick check-ups in the process.
Photo Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin
At three weeks, peregrine falcons have some of their adult feathers emerging from their down, which only makes them look more awkward and cute.
Photo Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin
The MTA might run with delays and shut down the train you need every weekend, but on its bad days, try to remember that it also helps nurture these little fluffballs. Check out a video from the MTA about banding the Peregrine Falcons on top of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
Photo Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin