ALBANY - 2009 proved to be a record-setting year for peregrine falcons in many productivity categories according to a new report released today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). DEC surveys found that there were 73 territorial pairs of state endangered peregrine falcons present in the state in 2009, with 42 pairs recorded upstate. That's a slight increase from 2008, when 67 pairs were recorded statewide.

Also in 2009, 61 pairs bred and produced 132 young, also slightly up from 2008.

"The 2009 report shows that it was a successful year for New York State's efforts to restore our peregrine falcon population," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "The record-breaking numbers are a positive sign not only for the environment but also for the work carried out by DEC's endangered species program."

New York State has the largest population of peregrines in the eastern United States.

For links, including a link to view the new 2009 peregrine falcon report in full text, visit the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7059.html.