The peregrine falcon was discovered around 2,000 B.C. and found in the United States about 30,000 years ago. Wow!!! This might just be me, but it seems like the peregrine falcon is one of the oldest animals know to mankind. Back in the Middle Ages the peregrine falcon was used by royalty because of its wonderful strength, intelligence, and its maneuverability.

Peregrine falcons used to be found on all the continents except the big iceberg, Antarctica, and some of the larger islands. The peregrine also used to live in every state in the U. S. but now, sadly, it only lives in a few of the states. In 1970 the peregrine was put on the federal endangered species list, and a new law clearly stated, and still exists today, that you are not aloud to approach or harm its nest. By the mid 1970s 80% of the peregrine falcon species had perished. Their rapid decline was caused by the use of the pesticide DDT.

August 25, 1999 was a very wonderful day for the peregrine. The US Fish & Wildlife Office removed the peregrine from the federal endangered list. Even though they are not considered endangered by the U.S. government, some states have kept the peregrine on their endangered list and the peregrine is still protected by laws.

Peregrine falcons are special because they were almost extinct at one time. They are one of the only animals that are used in a sport, called falconry. Not only are they the fastest bird, they are the fastest animal in the world; at top speed diving they can reach up to 200 MPH.

I think the most interesting thing about watching the peregrines is the way the parents care for their babies for about 10-12 weeks. I just thought that was interesting because most parents care for their kids longer then that. I am really enjoying this project and I probably will be for the rest of the year.

Bibliography

"Life History Notes, Peregrine Falcon"; Ohio Division of Wildlife; publication 80 (1099)

"Peregrine Falcons in the City Canyons";Ohio Division of Wildlife; Publication 230 (R400)

http://www.redrockslakesNatwildliferefugeFrlredrocksFws.gov/4.htm; Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge;