The I-91 Charter Oak Bridge Project provides a nesting box for the resident Peregrine falcons who chose this place to return to each year. Below are some photos of the birds on the project, and a story of a chick rescue this June. (You may recall in June of 2019 another chick fell into the river, was rescued by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) team, and was returned to its box on the bridge by project workers.)
Peregrine falcon box on the Charter Oak Bridge
Momma falcon and juvenile in the tower
On Friday, June 10, 2022, our inspector and resident engineer witnessed the bird fall from the bridge into the water. They saw the bird swimming to shore and called the DEEP team for assistance. The team successfully delivered the bird to a rehab center where it is being cared for. The bird recovered fully and was released back to its mother on Wednesday, June 15..
Charter Oak Bridge juvenile falcon after being rescued from its fall the river - 6/10/2022
Official time stamp log and mug shot of the falcon
Successful release of the healed bird back to its home on June 15
Successful release of the healed bird back to its home on June 15
Mother bird bringing food back to the nest for her chicks
Charter Oak Bridge falcon on road sign overlooking Route 5/15 adjacent to the Connecticut River
