[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Peregrine falcons



August 25, 1999 brought the removal of the peregrine from the Endangered  
Species list following years of recovery efforts on a grand scale.  Included 
in this monumental effort were breeders (propagators), falconers, U.S. Fish 
and
Wildlife Services, and others too numerous to mention here.  Do not believe 
everything you read or hear in the news.  The U.S. Dept. of the Interior,
Fish and Wildlife Service assumes the responsibility to ensure that all 
threats to the species are adequately addressed and that its future will be 
monitored closely.  The Service is currently working with the States through 
the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to develop 
management plans dealing with the peregrine issues.  Before any management 
plans are implemented Environmental Assessments must be completed also.  
    Strict guidelines and regulations govern permittees for captive 
propagation, scientific collections, falconers, and migratory bird control.  
No one under these permits are allowed to take wild peregrines for ANY 
reason.  Under NO circumstances are falconers or other persons allowed to 
take ANY wild bird and then sell it. So the story by the newsperson that 
"falcons would be netted along the Eastern Seaboard and then sold to people 
who use the birds for hunting" is simply not true - but it makes for a good 
story to cause a lot of rumors to occur.  Don't fall into the pit.  
    For further information on truthful facts, you may contact the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Division for your region.  If you have access to the Federal 
Register you may refer to the October 4, 1999 issue, Vol. 64, No. 191.
    I hope this information will curb the tide of rampant misinformation and 
assure people that this special bird will always be protected to the fullest 
extent
possible.    (And in response to someone's earlier comments, birds of prey 
could never fall into the category of "pet".)
    I understand that this listserv is designed to be for birders to share 
information, sightings and good times birding.  It is a wonderful place to 
share with others who share your enthusiasm for the winged creatures of the 
skies.  Something we all admire and in a way envy.  
    This reply is made with my personal knowledge and not intended to seek 
approval or disapproval of an issue.  Each must decide for himself what is 
truth.
    
Cynthia R. Dickerson
Statesville, N.C.
Peachrtha@aol.com