The Peregrine Falcons of Crater Lake National Park
A bird of superlative ability, this from Wikipedia: The peregrine falcon is a large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a black head and “moustache”. As is typical of bird-eating raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, females being considerably larger than males. The peregrine is renowned for its speed, reaching over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop (high speed dive), making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom. According to a National Geographic TV program, the highest measured speed of a peregrine falcon is 389 km/h (242 mph).
DDT in the 1960’s almost served this famed bird a death notice, but after half a century they are slowly returning to sustainable numbers.
Peregrines nest on cliffs, often near water and forage on a diverse avian prey base. Most habitat and reported activity in the park are from within the caldera. One active peregrine nest site exists within the caldera.
Tour boats are restricted from areas on the lake that are near the nest site. There are many potential nest sites available on the cliffs in the caldera. The park conducts annual monitoring of falcon habitat, to determine relative abundance within the park. [Crater Lake National Park Final General Management Plan, Environmental Impact Statement, 2005]
Nature Notes From Crater Lake
- Peregrine Falcons Soar Over Crater Lake – Scott Stonum, 1993
Other Related Links
- Peregrine rescue efforts continue at Crater Lake – Winter 1991, Crater Lake News
- Crater Lake Peregrines Story in NPS Courier – Winter 1982, Crater Lake News
