Gyrfalcon research info presented at World Center for Birds of Prey

Feb 11, 2015

Bryce Robinson 2 — BSU graduate student Bryce Robinson will speak of the gyrfalcon's uncertain future in the Arctic where climate change is causing habitat loss, uncommon weather patterns and changes in the timing of key events that affect the gyrfalcon and its prey. The Peregrine Fund photo.

Peregrine Fund new release

BOISE, Idaho – Bryce Robinson, a graduate student at Boise State University, will discuss his work with The Peregrine Fund’s Gyrfalcon Conservation Project at the Second Saturday Conservation series on February 14, at 3 p.m. at the World Center for Birds of Prey.

The gyrfalcon faces an uncertain future in the Arctic, where climate change is causing habitat loss, novel weather patterns, and changes in timing of key events that affect the gyrfalcon and its prey. The Peregrine Fund launched a project in 2011 to study the issue and determine possible strategies to conserve the gyrfalcon and other animals that depend on the fragile Arctic ecosystem.

Robinson will discuss his first field season in Alaska and show photographs from cameras he installed at gyrfalcon nests. There also will be a live bird presentation featuring Morley, a gyrfalcon owned by the late Morley Nelson, a renowned Idaho falconer, filmmaker, and Peregrine Fund board member.

The gyrfalcon breeds on Arctic coasts and the islands of North America, Europe, and Asia. Wikimage.

The Second Saturday Conservation Series is held the second Saturday of the month at the World Center for Birds of Prey at 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise. Cost: $7 general, $6 seniors, $5 youth (4-16), free to members and students

For more information call 362-8687

World-wide efforts

The Peregrine Fund was founded in 1970 to restore the then critically endangered Peregrine Falcon, which was subsequently removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999.

That success encouraged the organization to expand its focus and apply its experience and understanding to raptor conservation efforts on behalf of 140 species in 66 countries worldwide, including the bald eagle, California condor and aplomado falcon in the United States.

The organization is non-political and solution-oriented with a mission to restore rare species through captive breeding and releases. The group strives to improve local capacity for conservation through training and support as it conduct scientific research on little-known species aimed at solving conservation problems.

Located at the World Center, the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center opened in 1994 and features interactive displays, multi-media shows, and live demonstrations with hawks, falcons, eagles and owls.

Visitors may observe live endangered California condors and aplomado falcons. The environmental education program has three components: general public, school-endorsed programs and outreach. All three use live raptors in promoting conservation of birds of prey and their habitat.

The interpretive center draws approximately 30,000 visitors annually.

In 2006, the archives grew significantly with construction of a wing that honors falconry in the Middle East, where the sport is more than 3,000 years old. The only one of its kind, the archives contains art, books, sculpture and artifacts – many of them priceless. It is open for public tours daily.