Protecting Peregrine Falcons

                Peregrine Falcons are beautiful birds of prey known for being the fastest member of the animal kingdom. They are remarkable birds, perfectly adapted to their role as a predator. Adult Peregrine Falcons weigh about two pounds, are about 15 to 20 inches in length, and have wingspan of about 40 inches. Mature Peregrines are slate blue-black on their backs, with a white underside marked with dark barring. Their legs and feet are yellow with sharp, sickle-shaped talons, and they have a distinct facial feature of a black sideburns below each eye. They are built for speed, with long, pointed wings and long, narrow tails and have incredibly keen eyesight, an essential adaptation for locating and pursuing prey. Peregrine Falcons attack their prey from the sky, diving at them at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. Peregrines can simply pluck small birds from the air, while they have to knock larger birds out of the air to further pursue them. Peregrine Falcons are adept predators and fascinating members of the wildlife of the Adirondack Park.

                  Peregrine Falcons make their nests in mountain ranges or cliff areas, so the High Peaks of the Adirondacks are a perfect habitat. Peregrines build their nests on high cliff ledges 20 to 200 feet off the ground. They use the same nesting ledges, called eyries, year after year. The female lays three to five eggs in a nest, called a scrape, which consists of a shallow depression in the gravel found on the ledge. These eyries are aggressively protected against predators by both the male and female peregrines. The young hatch after a 28-day incubation period, and stay with their parents for a few weeks to perfect their hunting skills. As cooler weather approaches, peregrines migrate south. Peregrines live for 12 years or more, but the average lifespan is 5 or 6 years. They have few natural enemies, but great horned owls and raccoons prey upon their eggs and young. Human disturbances, however, can be a problem for Peregrine survival.

                  Peregrine Falcons are classified as an endangered species, and although their population in New York is on the upswing, it is still fragile. The breeding population is still small and located primarily in the Adirondacks, so any disturbances at nest sites or the loss of habitats or individuals can have significant negative impacts on the population of the falcon. Human disturbance within the territory of a breeding pair may result in nest abandonment and the consequent death of any young. Rock climbing in the Adirondacks has been shown to be particularly disruptive to Peregrine Falcons; the best rock climbing routes and the Peregrine’s eyries tend to overlap on cliff faces. Persistent rock climbing activity near potential or existing nest sites can lead to abandonment. The regional wildlife staff now closes specific rock climbing routes during nesting seasons, preventing climbers from disturbing the nests. The areas of cliffs that are quarantined represent a balance between the recreational interests of rock climbers and the need to protect the nesting activity of this endangered species, representing the balance between wilderness and recreation that the Park struggles to maintain.

Sources:

Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7868.html

Picture: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/content/dam/kids/photos/animals/Birds/H-P/peregrine-falcon-wings-extended.jpg