Richmond: Scientists say peregrine falcon tracking is successful.

Less than three months into an experiment to track young peregrine falcons, five of the 19 birds are dead, some are staying close to home, and others are racking up hundreds of frequent-flier miles.   Peregrine falcons, predators slightly larger than crows, are extremely rare, and scientists are working to increase their population in Virginia.   To help, a project called FalconTrak has been electronically tracking the migratory and nesting patterns of the falcons born this spring. The birds were fitted with tiny, solar-powered transmitters, which send signals to a satellite. The results go to Web sites, where the public can follow the birds.

  Scientists say they aren’t discouraged by the deaths. Young falcons face numerous threats, from starvation
 to injury. Experts believe about half the birds normally die in their first year.   “I think the experiment has been very valuable,” said Mitchell Byrd, a biologist with the College of William and Mary’s Center for Conservation Biology.   For example, one bird, released in June from a cage in Shenandoah National Park, flew north to central Pennsylvania, back to the park, then northeast to Atlantic City, N. J., traveling about 750 miles.

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