Each year, Chris Nadareski, a wildlife expert with the Department of Environmental Protection, climbs to the top of the bridges to band and check the chicks. This helps keep track of the number of peregrines in the city, and identify them in case they become sick or injured. Peregrine falcons remain on the state's endangered birds list.
“We frequently have to go to the top of the towers for maintenance work but we are very respectful of the falcons during nesting season and while the chicks are learning to fly,” said Verrazano-Narrows maintenance superintendent Daniel Fortunato. “The mama bird, in particular, is very protective so for the safety of our employees and the birds, we do our best to keep out of their way.”
