STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The MTA has released photos of baby peregrine falcons that have hatched at the top of the Verrazano Bridge.

MTA photographer Patrick Cashin took all the photos of the fuzzy chicks, which also hatched on the Marine Parkway Bridge and the Throgs Neck Bridge.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels has been part of the state nesting program since 1983, when the peregrine falcon species began its resurgence after the use of pesticides like DDT scaled back the population. The species is currently on the state's endangered list.

The chicks are banded to help track the number of the species in the city, and identify them if they become sick or injured. Baby falcons will fly between the age of 39 and 49 days old.

The female falcon stays with the chicks initially, and the male brings food for them.

These predatory birds are known for their speed, reaching over 200 mph when diving after prey.

Peregrine falcons often nest on a cliff ledge or high atop a broken off tree. But those that dwell in urban settings like to nest atop bridges and high-rise buildings because they provide a good vantage point for city hunting -- where pigeons are the prey of choice.