In the Loop - News for Staff & Faculty - University of Massachusetts Amherst

TALKING POINTS

New nest box for peregrines installed on Library roof

Come next spring, the peregrine falcons that nest on the roof of the Du Bois Library will have a new penthouse suite available, according to Richard Nathhorst of Facilities and Campus Planning.

“Facilities Planning had a contract to do the roof on the Library this year so we took the opportunity to rebuild the box,” he said.

Constructed of two sheets of 3/4-inch ABX Exterior Plywood and red spruce 2-by-4s, the box also has a copper roof donated by Titan Roofing. Ralph’s Welding installed the box, which Nathhorst said will be tied into the building’s Underwriters Laboratory-certified lightning protection system.

“Nothing but the best for our peregrines,” he said. “Looking forward to another successful nesting season and hoping our falcons approve of the renovations.”

The previous box was showing signs of severe wear this summer when the peregrines nested successfully on the Library roof for the seventh time.

Photo courtesy of Richard Nathhorst

November 20, 2009.

emailE-mail story to a friendprintPrinter-friendly version

/more talking points/