HILLSBOROUGH: Endangered falcon population up by 4

Hillsborough got a bit wilder last week, a Jersey Central Power & Light Company spokesman told the Township Committee on Tuesday night.
Four American kestrel chicks born at a nest box at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area were banded to help in their future identification.
A kestrel is a kind of falcon that swoops on prey, usually small mammals, lizards or large insects, in open country. JCP&L spokesman John Anderson said the company had worked with the New Jersey Audubon to re-establish suitable habitat for the kinds of animals the kestrel needs to exist as well as building nesting boxes.
Last year, JCP&L worked with the Division of Fish and Wildlife to install the nesting boxes where two chicks ultimately were born.
This marks the second consecutive year the three organizations have partnered to help boost the population of this threatened species.
"American kestrel populations are experiencing long-term declines in North America, and in 2012, they were added to the list of threatened species in New Jersey," said John Parke, stewardship project director of New Jersey Audubon. "With the help of JCP&L and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, these nest boxes provide a critical part in the recovery of North America’s smallest falcon."
Mr. Anderson said JCP&L helped, too, by removing utility poles, transformers and old electric wire left by a former owner that gave an advantage of perches to competing birds.
The kestrel banding is part of an ongoing nature program designed to study migratory patterns at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area. Created in 2006, the 422-acre location has been identified as a critical site for protecting nesting populations of threatened and endangered grassland birds.
Mr. Anderson also told the committee the company’s computerized facility database, designed to identify areas that lose electrical service in severe storms, is up and running.
Mayor Douglas Tomson thanked Mr. Anderson for staying in touch. Communication has improved greatly, the mayor said.
"Any time there’s a power outage anywhere near here, we’re getting an email," he said.
In other news from Tuesday’s meeting:
The township will be designated as a Purple Heart community — the first in Somerset County — at a ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, rain or shine, in the Garden of Honor on the township municipal building’s campus on South Branch Road.
The Purple Heart is awarded to those serving in the armed forces who were injured or killed in combat.
The township will hold its first Senior Olympics on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ann Van Middlesworth Park. Events will include a walk around the park, softball pitch, beanbag toss, basketball court games, pickleball, bocce and horseshoes.
A barbecue lunch will available for $8. Call 908-369-3880 or 908-369-4832 to register.
Tod Mershon’s resignation from the Planning Board was accepted, and alternate Daniel Marulli moved into the spot. Robert Peason was appointed as an alternate to the board.
Shawn Lipani resigned from the Board of Adjustment and was appointed an alternate on the Planning Board. Ken Hesthag moved up from alternate to take Mr. Lipani’s place.