Peregrine problems?

[Bobbie Ireland]

Well now! What is everyone going to think of this?! It should be in a different Subject area than General Nature discussion, as it is about PEFAs, but this was the only relevant place. See what you reckon... Never read anything like this before!

http://10000birds.com/peregrine-falcons-too-much-of-a-comeback.htm

[Donna]

Well now! What is everyone going to think of this?! It should be in a different Subject area than General Nature discussion, as it is about PEFAs, but this was the only relevant place. See what you reckon... Never read anything like this before!

http://10000birds.com/peregrine-falcons-too-much-of-a-comeback.htm

WOW! Who would think? Too many Falcons... . Scary thought what people might do. Thanks Bobbie, now that's a twist.

[Carol P.]

Interesting article Bobbie.  My opinion only, but it comes across as a frustrated bird watcher.  The Peregrine hunting that day (he posted pictures) was a juvenile.  He comments that the falcon was either not really trying to catch anything (in other words, just playing with the shorebirds and keeping them flying) or was a really, really, really bad hunter.  It was a young falcon learning to hunt and survive.

We heard many reports of hunting juvenile Peregrines at Montezuma recently.  Shorebirds are probably an easier bird to hunt & catch than a very fast and agile city Pigeon.

If you read the article, be sure to go through the comments.  There are some really good ones.

[Bobbie Ireland]

Interesting article Bobbie.  My opinion only, but it comes across as a frustrated bird watcher.  The Peregrine hunting that day (he posted pictures) was a juvenile.  He comments that the falcon was either not really trying to catch anything (in other words, just playing with the shorebirds and keeping them flying) or was a really, really, really bad hunter.  It was a young falcon learning to hunt and survive.

We heard many reports of hunting juvenile Peregrines at Montezuma recently.  Shorebirds are probably an easier bird to hunt & catch than a very fast and agile city Pigeon.

If you read the article, be sure to go through the comments.  There are some really good ones.

Very appreciative of your comments, Carol P. I was so taken aback on first reading the headline and initial paragraphs that I had to post. My "instincts" (not as well-honed as yours!) were the same about this being a bit of a rant... and yes, the comments need reading - better than I did. Maybe this site is best avoided - then again, there are so many sides to things that it is worth being informed. Think I will stand on "your side", however! Imagine a birder being so frustrated as to blame peregrines for a "bad" watch. Thanks again!

[Bobbie Ireland]

Everyone, do read Carol P's measured and sensible reply to the original. As I said in my reply (and in my own defence?) - I just got such a shock!

[Carol P.]

I truly don't believe that the author is anti-Peregrine.  He was there to watch the shorebirds.  When we went to Montezuma, we were looking for a young Peregrine named Jemison and were thrilled to see any Peregrines hunting. 

[Bobbie Ireland]

I truly don't believe that the author is anti-Peregrine.  He was there to watch the shorebirds.  When we went to Montezuma, we were looking for a young Peregrine named Jemison and were thrilled to see any Peregrines hunting. 

Carol, I re-read the piece and the comments and now think I have a better handle on what the author was saying... or maybe why he was saying it. One of the most interesting comments was the one which spoke of habitat decimation and the decline in wetlands, meaning that shorebirds et. al are confined to smaller and smaller areas. This is the problem again and again: habitat protection. Meanwhile, we have a healthy young peregrine down around Jamaica Bay, learning its skills, and the Watchers at Montezuma rejoicing in the presence of peregrines. Thanks again for your gentle instruction!