Nest Boxes for raptors

The Florida Wildlife Federation is selling Cypress nest boxes for birds. From small wren and bluebird size to kestrel, and barred owls sized birds. The cypress is the BEST wood to use. It is extremely durable and bug proof. The Florida Wildlife Federation is one of the oldest wildlife stewardship and conservation organizations in the United States. They are pro-hunting and sustained use (including supporting the take of passage peregrines in Florida). www.floridawildlifefederation.org

International Festival of Falconry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYRtvjDWUPU

Flame Retardants - The Next DDT?

There has been a decline of kestrels across the US. One way we can help is put up nest boxes and not use lawn chemicals on our property. That means NO herbicides, NO insecticides, and very, very little fertilizer. Use natural decaying plant material instead. If there are no bugs and grubs in the grass there are no food sources for our birds. Not the mention the run-off into our streams and waterways. Remember, everyone lives downstream.

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/flame-retardants-next-ddt-for-kestrel

Peregrine Managment Meeting June 29th, 2009

I went to Tallahassee to the peregrine management meeting. The purpose is to discuss the approval of a template for a managment plan for a 2010 take of passage peregrines. Eric Edwards, NAFA SE Director, American Falconry Conservancy Director, Florida Falconry Association and Florida Hawking Fraternity member and the other falconers present also suggested that the plan adopted in Texas is a well-thought out and would be a good model for Florida falconers as well. The next meetings are in September. So, we will be working out the final details for a 2010 take.

Personally, I've only seen one 'Beach' peregrine in my lifetime. It was 'Honeycomb'. It was the late Alva Nye's lovely bird which he flew for 15 years.

The Return of the Peregrine

Available from The Peregrine Fund: http://www.peregrinefund.org/rcProd1.asp?id=9&c1=1&c2=21

Be sure to sign up for their e-newsletter.

Peregrine Delisting in Florida

From Eric Edwards:

Florida Falconers,

Today was a historic day for Florida Falconry, the commission voted to accept the final peregrine falcon management plan, delisting the peregrine. Spence Wise and I attended the meeting and spoke in favor of the plan and asked that the commission allow a harvest of peregrines in 2010. There were two groups that spoke in favor or the plan & delisting but oppose a harvest (Audubon of Florida & Defender's of Wildlife).

After public comment several of the commissioners made very positive comments regarding their desire for a harvest. Several stating that they personally want to see a harvest in 2010, that falconers should be "rewarded" for their efforts in the recovery of the peregrine. I feel very good about our chances for a harvest in 2010.

The next step will be the stakeholder's meeting at the end of this month. In this meeting we will work on the peregrine harvest rules. We need to work out things like how the lottery will be conducted and who will be able to apply for a permit, as well as non-resident take issues. I can assure you, I will attend this meeting to ensure the broadest liberties possible.

2500 Year Old Falcon Nest

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8103000/8103872.stm