A statement from June Summers

[MAK]

Thank you for your dedicated following and support. There seems to be some confusion about the relationship between the DEC and Genesee Valley Audubon Society. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife, Endangered Species Unit oversees all things Peregrine Falcon. They allow GVAS to keep the cameras focused on the nest box and allow us access to the box with a DEC escort.  The DEC does NOT give GVAS any funding.  GVAS is funded by gifts from our members and friends and part of the membership paid to the National Audubon Society.
Spring is almost upon us and I am sure we would all like to have an enjoyable Peregrine breeding season.  In the past few years funding and personnel cuts have been made at the DEC.  The DEC will not have as much time in the future to find injured and dead falcons as they have in the past.  GVAS volunteers are only allowed to search, rescue and recover injured or dead Peregrines on the ground.  We then work with the DEC to get the Peregrine to a veterinarian or rehabilitator.  Please remember we will do our best to take care of situations when they arise but, these are wild animals that naturally have conflicts with territorial intruders.  Sometimes these conflicts end in injury or death.  Please try to remain calm during these times or remove yourself from the situation for the day.  Emotional responses from a few people make these events even more unpleasant for the rest of us. Thank you.           
 
June