**2003 RAPTOR BREEDING SEASON REPORT**

Gavin Emmons, Pinnacles National Monument, Research and Resource
Management,

5000 Highway 146, Paicines, CA 95043 USA

***Abstract:*** The 2003 breeding season was the 17^th^ year of raptor
monitoring at Pinnacles National Monument. Field observations began 6
January 2003 and ended 27 June 2003.

Pinnacles National Monument provides a diverse habitat for numerous
cliff-nesting raptors, including sensitive species such as prairie
falcons (*Falco mexicanus*) and golden eagles (*Aquila chrysaetos*), as
well as a spectacular array of summits and cliff-wall routes for
rock-climbers. Therefore, the behavioral and physical effect that
climbers and off-trail hikers have on cliff-nesting raptors is studied.

The 2003 raptor-breeding season was successful, particularly for prairie
falcons. Thirteen territories were occupied with nine active-breeding
prairie falcon territories confirmed. Thirty-three to thirty-six prairie
falcons hatched, with thirty-two possibly fledging and thirty confirmed.
One territory failed (through predation), two territories were
abandoned, and one pair occupied a territory without nesting for the
season. Additionally, four adult prairie falcons were newly captured,
banded, and fitted with radio-tracking equipment, and two adult falcons
were recaptured, for the second year of a research project on foraging
habitat and patterns.

Golden eagles were observed throughout the park. Five nests in two known
territories in the park were not occupied this year. One known nest in a
territory outside of the park produced three eaglets, a record for
number of young produced in a nest in the study area, and all three
likely fledged.

Additional raptor species active and nesting in the park included
red-tailed hawks (*Buteo jamaicensis*), American kestrels (*Falco
sparverius*), and Cooper's hawks (*Accipiter cooperii*). Red-tailed hawk
pairs occupied four territories, hatched eight young, and produced six
fledglings, with one territory likely failing to predation. American
kestrels occupied twelve territories, with six fledglings confirmed from
three territories. Cooper's hawks were observed occupying two
territories, with one fledgling confirmed from one territory.

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STUDY AREA AND METHODS

Pinnacles National Monument (PNM) is located in the Gabilan Mountains of
the central Coast Range of California. PNM covers 24,252 acres with
Elevation ranging from 244 to 982 meters. The climate is Mediterranean
with hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. Temperatures range from a
mean of 8.2˚ C in January to 22.6˚ C in July. The majority of the
rainfall occurs from November to April with average yearly rainfall of
44 cm (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, 1997).

PNM provides a diverse range of habitat types for birds and other
species: volcanic rock formations and outcroppings; California mixed
chaparral; pine-oak woodlands; grasslands; and riparian habitats.

Potential and established cliff-nesting raptor territories in high-use
climbing areas and remote locations in the park were surveyed using
spotting scopes (15-45x) and binoculars (8x40 and 10x42). Observations
were made from the locations that provided the best view of an eyrie or
territory. A Garmin III Plus GPS unit was used to plot every observation
spot. Surveys typically lasted 1.5 to 6 hours, depending upon the raptor
behavior and amount of data collection needed. For a survey to be
classified as "no birds" a minimum watch time of 5 hours was required.
Territories were revisited on a 7-21 day schedule based on visitor use,
the progress and age of raptors at territories (to obtain the most
critical data for each territory for that time period), and the number
of territories to be monitored. High visitor use areas were monitored
more frequently and during weekend days when climbers were more likely
to be present. While other monitoring prgrams estimate fledging success
at 90% fledge age, our protocol was to end surveys once all young
raptors are confirmed fledged. For a territory to be classified as
unoccupied, a minimum of three surveys of "no birds" confirmed over
three different months was required. Survey duration was ultimately
dependent upon visibility. When birds cooperated and needed data was
collected in short survey duration, nearby territories were visited as
well.

In January, late afternoon and evening surveys were conducted to locate
territorial prairie falcons. Perching, flying, diving, interacting, and
roosting locations were sought as evidence of territorial behaviors and
territory establishment. By mid-January climbing advisories went into
effect and territories were monitored to record courtship behaviors,
territorial disputes, and disturbance. Advisories were used to inform
visitors of areas likely to have breeding raptors. Generally these areas
were occupied by raptors at least once during the preceding three years.
Visitors were advised to avoid these areas.

In late winter and early spring, mating was observed and counted in
seconds. Food-swapping and eyrie selection were also recorded. Surveys
during this period focused on evening and late-afternoon surveys until
eyrie selections were made.

Incubation of nesting prairie falcons was determined by female prairie
falcons (and to a lesser extent male falcons during nest switches)
flying into a nest hole and not reappearing for periods of time.
Attempts to count eggs were made by surveying when the best light was
available for visibility, and when the incubating falcons temporarily
left the nest during food drops and nest switches. Soft incubation --
the onset of incubation - was determined by a small number of eggs laid
and the female incubating for short durations (15-75 minutes). Hard
incubation was characterized by the adult falcons -- primarily the
females - incubating a full clutch of eggs for hours in duration.
Surveys were done in early morning and late evening hours to catch
periods of greatest raptor activity, such as food drops, and to have a
maximum amount of time for observation.

Hatched young prairie falcons were aged by physical features using an
aging guide (Moritsch 1983). Hatch date was determined by counting
backwards from at least two -- and preferably three or more -
independent agings. Nestlings were observed from late spring to early
summer, primarily during early morning and evening hours when they were
most active, but observation periods at midday provided further data on
nestling activity while prairie falcon adults were hunting for prey away
from the nest sites. From early to mid summer, prairie falcon young were
observed primarily in early to mid morning hours, when they were nearing
fledging and most actively exercise flapping. Full fledging of falcon
young was confirmed by all young being seen perched and / or in flight
away from the nest site, with fledging dates determined by the
coordination and strength of flight, the size of perches, and the amount
of vocalization during flight.

Weather was always an important factor. During temperature extremes,
heavy fog, or rain, most birds of prey were not active and therefore
monitoring was not done during these periods.

RESULTS

Prairie Falcons, *Falco mexicanus*

The first pair of prairie falcons was observed at Drywall on 7 January
2003. Thirteen territories were occupied. Ten of these were previously
used and three were newly documented: the Narrows, the High Peaks Trail
West of Chalone Picnic Area, and South Chalone Peak. Additionally, eight
of the nine eyries chosen by prairie falcons were used in previous
years. The last confirmed pair was documented on 15 May in the new
territory, the Narrows.

The Narrows territory was located up the east fork of Marion Canyon,
with the nest site a large cavity hole on a cliff wall in a narrow
series of eroded slot canyons. The territory and nest site were
previously undocumented, due to the remoteness of the site hidden in the
slot canyons, and the newly acquired park status of the land area in
which the nesting territory was located. Four young falcons were
successfully raised at the eyrie. Only two fledglings were confirmed --
again due to lack of visibility in the slot canyons -- but a full fledge
is very likely. The two other new territories were at sites previously
used by other raptors but never before by prairie falcons -- the rocks
along the High Peaks Trail west of Chalone Picnic Area, and the rocks on
the south slopes of South Chalone Peak. Both had non-nesting falcon
pairs occupying the territories, with the former abandoning the
territory by early May and the latter occupying the territory in late
June.

Several prairie falcons did not nest or produce young, in addition to
the non-nesting pairs detailed above. A falcon pair at Drywall actively
perched and flew to sleep roosts together early in the breeding season,
but abandoned the territory by early March. Single, unpaired falcons
occupied territories at Prescribed Burn Cliffs and Goat Rock /
Resurrection Wall, and did not produce young.

Incubation was first observed at North Chalone Peak on 21 March 2003.
The first hatching occurred before 21 April 2003 at North Chalone.
Unfortunately, more specific hatching data at this site was not
available because the nest later failed, likely due to predation before
22 May 2003. After North Chalone, the first specific hatching period
occurred at Hawkins and Pig territories, both between 25-27 April 2003.
The first fledging took place from 7-8 June 2003, also at Pig Canyon.
The last young to fledge were the falcons at Canyon North of Willow
Springs, from 19-22 June 2003. At least thirty-three chicks were
produced (with North Chalone chick numbers unconfirmed prior to
predation) with thirty confirmed fledging, and two more (at the Narrows
territory) likely fledging as well. Eggs were not successfully counted
this season, due to nest site locations and egg placement within the
nest sites during incubation. Chicks were successfully counted at eight
territories with a mean of 4 chicks per eyrie and 4 fledglings per eyrie
(including likely full fledging at the Narrows). However, taking into
account the failed nest site at North Chalone, where 1-4 young were
likely predated (with an additional unhatched egg observed at the site),
potential means for all nine nesting territories are 3.67 - 4.0 chicks
per eyrie and 3.56 fledglings per eyrie. (See Table 1 below for the 2003
summary of prairie falcon nesting at the park.)

This year, three adult male prairie falcons and three adult females were
captured as part of the second year of a graduate research project
through USGS, by former raptor monitor Shelley Buranek. Falcons were
captured at six territories using a Great Horned Owl as lure and a
dho-gaza net. The team collected data such as: length, tarsal length,
primary feather length, mass, and a blood sample for DNA. Four of the
falcons -- two males and 2 females -- were newly captured birds, and
were outfitted with radio backpack transmitters with a life span of one
year, and banded prior to release. The two remaining prairie falcons --
a male and a female -- were recaptured birds first banded in 2002. Data
was collected on both birds, but the female was not re-outfitted with a
radio backpack transmitter because she was caught within the one-year
life span of the transmitters. The purpose of this auxiliary study is to
better understand how the population of foraging prairie falcons relates
to land uses on private lands surrounding PNM. Five birds were caught in
late February, and the recaptured male was caught in late May. (See
Table 1 below.)

Table 1: 2003 PNM Prairie Falcon Nest Sites

+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Territory | Nest    | Adult       | \# Eggs | \#    | \# Young    |
|           | Used/   | Captured:   | Laid    | Young | Known/      |
|           |         | Sex/ Date/  |         | Ha    | Possibly    |
|           | Last    | Capture     |         | tched | Fledged     |
|           | Year    | Status      |         |       |             |
|           | Used    |             |         |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Canyon    | CNWS-2/ | Yes. Male/  | U       | 2     | 2/ 2        |
| North of  | 1994    | 2-28-03/    | nknown. |       |             |
| Willow    |         | New.        |         |       |             |
| Springs   |         |             |         |       |             |
| Slide     |         |             |         |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Narrows   | NARR-1/ | No.         | U       | 4     | 2/ 4        |
|           | NEW     |             | nknown. |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Pig       | PIG-3/  | Yes.        | U       | 4     | 4/ 4        |
| Canyon    | 2000    | Female/     | nknown. |       |             |
|           |         | 2-19-03/    |         |       |             |
|           |         | New.        |         |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Little    | LP-8/   | No.         | U       | 3     | 3/ 3        |
| Pinnacles | 2002    |             | nknown. |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Scout     | SP-3/   | Yes. Male/  | U       | 4     | 4/ 4        |
| Peak      | 1995    | 2-27-03/    | nknown. |       |             |
|           |         | New.        |         |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Hawkins   | HP-1/   | Yes.        | U       | 5     | 5/ 5        |
| Peak      | 2002    | Female/     | nknown. |       |             |
|           |         | 2-20-03/    |         |       |             |
|           |         | New.        |         |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| South     | SGB-4/  | Yes. Male/  | U       | 5     | 5/ 5        |
| Balconies | NEW     | 5-27-03/    | nknown. |       |             |
|           |         | Recapture.  |         |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| Crowley   | CT-1/   | Yes.        | U       | 5     | 5/ 5        |
| Towers    | 1997    | Female/     | nknown. |       |             |
|           |         | 2-25-03/    |         |       |             |
|           |         | Recapture.  |         |       |             |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+
| North     | NC-1/   | No.         | 1+      | 1+    | 0 Note:     |
| Chalone   | 2002    |             |         |       | Likely      |
|           |         |             |         |       | Predation.  |
+-----------+---------+-------------+---------+-------+-------------+

Golden Eagle, *Aquila chrysaetos*

Golden eagles were not observed nesting in PNM this year. However,
golden eagle adults and juveniles were active at three territories
throughout the nesting season. Two of these territories -- Frog Canyon /
South Chalone and Eagle Rock -- were in the park, and contained five
former nest sites observed in mid-winter through late spring, with no
new greenery added to any of the nests. The one confirmed eagle nesting
occurred in the third active territory, the Eucalyptus Grove off PNM's
West Side. Incubation was confirmed, and three young eagles were seen
perched at a new, previously undocumented nest site in the grove.
Although fledging of the young was not confirmed, it is likely that all
three eaglets fledged and quickly dispersed from the site, due to
regular scolding and stooping by a pair of American kestrels nesting
nearby in the Eucalyptus Grove. The nest attempt marks the first clutch
of three golden eagle young observed in or near the park. Eagles were
occasionally seen off the monument.

Red-tailed Hawk, *Buteo jamaicensis*

Four red-tailed hawk territories with nesting pairs were documented this
year, at historic nest sites at Cemetery Gates, the Citadel, and the
Western Front, and a newly discovered nest site at Guard Rock, at the
foot of Pig Canyon. Incubation was observed at the Cemetery Gates and
Citadel nest sites, with the Western Front and Guard Rock nests
confirmed active later, after nestlings had hatched. The earliest
hatching occurred at the Citadel from 20-24 April 2003, with the latest
hatching of the season estimated at 14-17 May 2003 at the Guard Rock
site. Nestlings were observed at all four nest sites, with 2 young in
each nest. No young hawks were confirmed fledging, but full fledging of
young is likely at 3 of the nests: the Citadel, Western Front, and Guard
Rock sites. The Cemetery Gates nest likely failed due to predation by 10
June 2003, possibly due to an adult golden eagle seen in the area
scolded and stooped by the territorial red-tailed hawk pair. Young at
the Citadel, Western Front, and Guard Rock nests were observed just
prior to potential fledging with full juvenile plumage. Assuming
successful fledging at these three sites, the Citadel young would have
fledged earliest from 2-7 June 2003, the Western Front young from 21-24
June 2003, and the Guard Rock young fledging latest after 27 June 2003.

American Kestrel, *Falco sparverius*

Kestrels were observed in twelve territories in and just outside of the
park this year, with evidence of nesting observed in four of the
territories: South Balconies, the Eucalyptus Grove, Marion Canyon, and
Neglected Valley. The South Balconies and the Eucalyptus Grove
territories contained new, previously undocumented nest sites. Each nest
produced at least 2 fledglings, before 7 June and 5 June 2003,
respectively. In the Marion Canyon territory, two recently fledged
kestrel young were observed landing and walking clumsily in gray pines
on 1 June 2003; although no nest was confirmed, an adult pair likely
nested in or very near the gray pine grove in Marion Canyon. A nesting
pair of kestrels was confirmed in the Neglected Valley territory
incubating at an historic nest site, but no hatchlings or fledglings
were confirmed. Other kestrel pairs not confirmed nesting were active at
South Wilderness Rock, D. Soto Canyon, Frog Canyon, Drywall, and
Crowley. Single kestrels were observed occupying territories at North
Chalone, Hawkins, and Tea Pot Dome.

Cooper's Hawk, *Accipiter cooperii*

Cooper's hawks were active in the park throughout the breeding season;
although no active nest sites were confirmed, at least one fledgling
hawk and an adult were observed near the Balconies Cave Trail in
mid-June, with one to two adults active in the area throughout the
breeding season. One to two Cooper's hawks were also active in the gray
pine grove in upper Marion Canyon, with an adult carrying a stick or
snake in its beak while circling above the grove in mid-May. A Cooper's
hawk pair was also seen circling above Pig Canyon, and single hawks were
observed above Willow Springs, the Crowley drainage, and in the South
Wilderness along lower Chalone Creek.

Owls

There were no reports of owls nesting in PNM this season. Pairs of great
horned owls, *Bubo virginianus*, were heard vocalizing at the Bear Gulch
Reservoir, from Tiburcio's X to Hanging Valley, and at the base of
General Balconies to Machete Ridge. Single great horned owls were heard
in oak groves near South Wilderness Rock, and in the grove near Dry
Creek crossing. A pair of western screech owls, *Otus kennicottii*, was
regularly heard calling to each other near the Bear Gulch Visitor
Center, and single western screech owls vocalized in the grove near the
Dry Creek crossing, and in oaks just south of Drywall Slide. One barn
owl, *Tyto alba*, was observed roosting in an old stick nest site in D.
Soto Canyon. One long-eared owl, *Asio otus*, was heard vocalizing in an
oak just east of the South Wilderness Trail / Bench Trail junction.

Other Raptors

One pair of red-shouldered hawks, *Buteo lineatus,* was seen near the
Dry Creek / Chalone Creek junction, being chased by a red-tailed hawk,
and through the first half of May 2003, a single red-shouldered hawk
adult and a juvenile were observed flying and calling above lower
Chalone Creek to the Pinnacles Campground just outside of the park.

A female northern harrier, *Circus cyaneus*, was observed soaring over
Scout Peak, and a male harrier was seen outside of the park near the
Eucalyptus Grove, coursing low over the grassy hill slopes.

A pair of white-tailed kites, *Elanus caeruleus,* was seen flying over
the meadow near the east entrance to PNM, and a single white-tailed kite
was observed flying west from near the North Chalone Peak lookout.

Single sharp-shinned hawks, *Accipiter striatus*, were seen soaring over
Drywall Slide, south over the North Wilderness Trail near the creek
outlet from Willow Spring, and north above Chalone Creek near the
Balconies Cave Trail.

An adult female merlin, *Falco columbarius*, was seen flying above the
hills in Grassy Canyon on 6 March 2003.

Human Interactions

Climbers and off-trail hikers did an excellent job of heeding climbing
advisories this year. No nesting prairie falcons were seriously
disturbed during incubation, feeding, and raising of young. Prairie
falcon adults in the Scout, Crowley, South Balconies, and Hawkins
territories did respond to the presence of hikers and raptor monitors by
circling and wailing above their respective territories, but did not
otherwise display significant and prolonged disturbance behavior
threatening nest productivity and survivorship. The advisory signs for
raptor area closures and postings at climbing accesses seem to be
effective, especially given the evidence of full fledging of nestling
falcons within the raptor advisory areas (see Appendix 2: Prairie Falcon
Nesting Phenology and Success). This marked the second year of full
compliance for our raptor advisories.

International Migratory Bird Day (10 May 2003) was celebrated at PNM
with several days of interpretive talks and programs. On the evening of
9 May 2003, Ranger Wendy Artz led an evening program focusing on
required avian habitats, passerine and raptor species, and the
raptor-monitoring program at PNM. On 10 May 2003, Rangers Wendy Artz and
Charles Ewing, GIS Specialist Patrick Flaherty, and Raptor Monitor Gavin
Emmons led a birding walk in the Bench Trail to lower Chalone Creek
area, documenting migrating and breeding raptors (including red-tailed
and red-shouldered hawks), passerines, and near-passerines. Later in the
day, Gavin Emmons also interpreted raptor nesting, monitoring, and
management for visitors from a watchspot near the Hawkins prairie falcon
eyrie. Rangers Wendy Artz and David Soto led a second bird walk on 11
May 2003, monitoring species diversity near the Chaparral Parking Area
on the west side of the park.

DISCUSSION / RECOMMENDATIONS

Prairie falcon nest phenology for the 2003 breeding season followed the
average rates documented through the previous 16 years of monitoring.
The earliest hatch date range for this year was mid April (before 21
April 2003 at North Chalone), and the latest falcon fledge date was in
mid to late June (19-22 June 2003 at Canyon North of Willow Springs).
Prairie falcon nesting was unusual this year in the high success rate of
fledglings produced per nest. From nine nest sites, the average rate of
fledglings produced was 3.56, compared to the 16-year average of 3.4.
Three nest sites -- at Crowley, South Balconies, and Hawkins -- produced
5 fledglings, higher than the prairie falcon average of 4 chicks per
nest. Due to the lack of quantified data, it is difficult to determine
specific factors leading to this higher rate of falcon breeding success
and to falcon nest phenology this year in general. However, high rates
of precipitation in December-January and April-May may have resulted in
increased prey availability, providing falcons with greater food
resources for nestlings. Park visitors adhering to raptor advisories and
not disturbing nest sites likely supported the high fledgling success
rates as well, allowing adults to focus on feeding and rearing of young
rather than responding to human disturbances of nest sites and
territories. (See Appendix 2: Falcon Nesting Phenology and Success, for
more details.)

The nesting season at PNM was also unusual this year in regards to the
high number of new and historic nest sites, for falcons as well as other
raptor species including red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, and golden
eagles. Over the course of the breeding season, 13 prairie falcon
territories were monitored, with 3 sites (2 roosting and 1 nesting)
newly documented. Four active red-tailed hawk nests -- a park record for
the amount of nesting territories active in a season -- were documented,
with 3 likely producing fledglings. Twelve American kestrel territories
were observed, with confirmed fledging of young documented in 3
territories. One golden eagle nest, in the Eucalyptus Grove just outside
the west entrance to the park, was documented, producing 3 nestlings (a
record high for eagle young produced in a nest in or near the park).
Although no nest sites were observed, Cooper's hawk fledglings were
observed near the Balconies Cave Trail, and adults with food / nesting
material were documented in Marion Canyon, strongly suggesting active
nests in those areas.

Although certain factors, such as prey availability, lack of human
disturbance, and low temperatures through late May, were likely
significant in determining the high number of nesting raptor species and
sites documented this year, I believe that the experience, training, and
efforts of the raptor monitor and of other park staff also played
invaluable roles. The survey protocols in place at PNM worked well and
provided the raptor monitor with a comprehensive framework for
documenting the priority raptor species -- prairie falcons and golden
eagles -- as well as "non-target" species such as red-tailed hawks and
American kestrels. Park staff conducting fieldwork in the backcountry of
PNM, including the vegetation mapping crew, exotic plant management
crew, interpretive rangers, and biological technicians, also provided
excellent reports on raptor activity and nesting that allowed for the
documentation of new nest sites and territories, and the more effective
monitoring of non-sensitive raptor species including red-tailed hawks
and Cooper's hawks, throughout the breeding season.

The importance of human observations, communication of raptor sightings,
and effective monitoring was also revealed in the raptor species for
which little or no breeding information was gathered this year. Although
Cooper's, sharp-shinned, and red-shouldered hawks very likely bred in or
near the park and produced fledglings this year, nest sites and
documented fledging of young were not confirmed within the park.
However, juvenile Cooper's hawks were seen by park staff in mid-June, at
least pointing to the strong likelihood of successful breeding of these
accipiters. Owl species were heard throughout the breeding season, with
pairs of great horned owls likely near the Bear Gulch Reservoir and
Balconies Cave, and a pair of western screech-owls near the Bear Gulch
Visitor Center, but no nests or fledglings were confirmed.

Primarily, the lack of breeding information on these raptor species was
due not to lack of interest or capacity on the part of the raptor
monitor, but because of the time constraints necessitated by the park
management focus on prairie falcons and golden eagles, and the high-use,
raptor advisory areas. For future monitoring efforts allowing for more
detailed breeding observations of a greater diversity of the raptor
species in the park, I would offer the following recommendations.

First, providing the raptor monitor with occasional assistance in the
field would help to alleviate the time constraints described above, and
would allow for more detailed coverage of "non-target" raptor species in
the park. This could be accomplished through a resource staff
"half-position" or the use of SCA (Student Conservation Association)
volunteers / interns, trained and supervised directly by the raptor
monitor to allow for consistent monitoring data and adherence to survey
protocols. Second, continuing to make use of the efforts and enthusiasm
of staff and visitors observing raptor activity in the field would allow
for the broader documentation of nesting raptor species seen this year.
This could be achieved through regular communication with park staff and
visitors, bi-weekly monitoring updates on raptor status at the park, and
reminders on filling out wildlife observation cards. Third, more
detailed training and information on accipiters, owls, kestrels, and
red-tailed hawks should be made available to raptor monitors and other
park staff. Literature on nesting habits, observation methodologies, and
nesting phenology for these species would be beneficial, as would basic
instruction provided by organizations such as GGRO (Golden Gate Raptor
Observatory), Hawkwatch International, or PRBO (Point Reyes Bird
Observatory). Finally, a greater emphasis on the importance of raptor
monitoring protocols for the park should be addressed. The survey
protocols in place for the past 16 years are effective and detailed, but
have primarily been passed on to incoming raptor monitors through
"hands-on" training in the field, past annual reports and field notes,
and brief textual information on protocol standards for the program.
Although these sources of information are all essential, I strongly
recommend a more standardized written set of raptor protocols to provide
a framework for any questions or confusions that incoming monitors --
and any other interested staff -- might have, related to the following:
raptor monitoring techniques; raptor identification skills; navigation
and orientation in the park backcountry; appropriate use of GPS and
monitoring equipment; backcountry safety skills; management of raptor
advisory areas; and guidelines for database management of field notes,
wildlife observation cards, and archived nest site photographs.

In regards to effective monitoring and a standardized set of protocols,
two key aspects of raptor monitoring deserve further discussion because
they are difficult to quantify but are essential for providing the
monitor with successful data on nesting phenology -- timing of raptor
observations, and ideal locations for watching nests. Both factors vary
as the breeding season proceeds and ultimately require self-motivation,
adaptability, and a sensitivity to gaining effective data on the part of
the raptor monitor. For the 2003 prairie falcon breeding season, I found
that afternoon and evening surveys were ideal in winter when determining
where falcons would roost for the night, and in locating potential
eyries. The falcons were most active about two to three hours before
sunset, and circled and perched visibly -- occasionally inspecting
potential nest sites - in their respective territories before retreating
to sleeping roosts for the night. Evening surveys also had the benefit
of providing initial data on locations of vocalizing owls within the
park. As the season proceeded, I found that it was useful to check on
nest sites in specific territories at different times of the day.
Nestlings seemed most active near sunrise and sunset, but even
observations during the high temperatures of midday provided useful data
on nestling numbers while adults were out hunting. Near fledging, falcon
and other raptor young seemed most active from sunrise to 1100 hours,
when they were most consistently practice-flapping and later flying and
perching near the nest sites. Depending on the aspect of nest sites,
morning and evening lighting provided varying levels of visibility into
the nests, as well. As stated above, my recommendation would be that
raptor monitors cultivate a philosophy and work attitude of adaptability
to the timing of observations, observing raptor activity in response to
the particular physical and behavioral conditions at a given nest
territory.

The same general recommendations would apply to locating effective
observation points for monitoring raptor territories and nest sites;
remaining attentive to the behavior and movement of falcons and other
raptors within given territories, raptor monitors should be adaptable to
moving to different vantage points within nesting territories to most
effectively observe raptor behavior and nesting phenology. Based on 16
years of data, photo points, and GPS coordinates for certain watch spots
over the past two years, raptor monitors should have the basic framework
necessary to set up observation points as dictated by the behavior and
nest selection of given raptor pairs and young in nest sites. Again, my
further recommendation would be to provide a standardized set of
protocols listing ideal watch spots and observation times for each nest
site in each territory, as well as a comprehensive list of GPS
coordinates for observation points entered into an ArcView database and
available on topographic maps of the park. This standardized framework,
in combination with a flexibility to the physical and behavioral
conditions within a specific nest territory, should allow the raptor
monitor to consistently and effectively observe raptor nesting
throughout the breeding season.

In its second year, the telemetry project provided foraging range and
habitat data on prairie falcons and allowed me to gain a broader
perspective and awareness of the hunting movements of tracked birds.
More significantly for my duties as a raptor monitor, the banding of
adult falcons and the attachment of radio transmitters and antennas
provided a certain and visible demarcation of male versus female birds
(with blue bands on left legs for males and right legs for females).
Provided this study continues into the future, capturing adult and young
prairie falcons will allow for fewer errors in data when identifying
falcons associated with certain territories as well as providing more
insight into the range of the prairie falcon.

In regards to raptor monitoring at the park, I would strongly recommend
the color banding of the entire prairie falcon population as a
possibility, in addition to present telemetry efforts. Color banding of
falcons in the park would provide much more extensive information on the
raptors, including individual movements of single and paired falcons
within breeding seasons and from year to year, rates on short- and
long-term pair bonds, rates of birds returning to nest in the park
annually, loyalty of individual falcons to specific territories, and
fledgling survivorship and dispersal. Color banding could provide a
valuable tool for continuing to broaden our experience and understanding
of the prairie falcons as a sensitive species, a management concern for
the park, and an amazing bird of prey that returns to breed at the park
annually.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project would not be as successful as it is without the eyes and
ears of helpful PNM employees. Therefore, I would like to thank the park
employees for their help, encouragement, and passion for the raptors and
wildlife diversity at PNM. I would also like to extend my appreciation
to the park visitors, for their reports and observations on raptor
sightings in the park, and for their appreciation and value of the
importance of monitoring, managing, and protecting the nesting sites and
breeding productivity of raptors in the park.

I am grateful for the training, patience, and trust that my supervisor,
Amy Fesnock, afforded me throughout the raptor nesting season. Her
dedication and enthusiasm for Pinnacles' raptors are inspiring. Her
communication of the importance of raptor monitoring was always balanced
by a willing encouragement of my own motivation and passion for the
monitoring program, and allowed me to excel in my work this season. In
particular, I would also like to thank Andy Grant, Keir Morse, Sherry
Bottoms, and Shauna Hee, for providing invaluable reports on new and
historic raptor nest sites, including previously undocumented prairie
falcon nesting in the Narrows and roosting at South Chalone. Shelley
Buranek also provided me with insight on the raptor monitoring program,
her ongoing telemetry work, and unique information regarding the tracked
falcons. I also thank Wendy Artz for her coordination of the
International Migratory Bird Day events and programs, for her reports on
raptor activity in the park, and her passion for observing birds in
general throughout PNM. The following staff shared their experience,
excitement, and observations of raptors with me throughout the season,
granting me a more complete picture of raptor breeding and diversity at
the park, and assisted in the effective management of raptor advisory
areas: Neal Labrie, Paul Johnson, David Soto, Patrick Flaherty, Charles
Ewing, Peter Szydlowski, Brant Porter, and Kate Walsh.

Kristin Lalumiere, an SCA (Student Conservation Association) volunteer
this year, also deserves my thanks and gratitude for assisting me in
team observations of large raptor territories, reports on birds of prey
in general and the prairie falcon pair among the rocks east of the
Chalone Picnic Area in particular, and her efforts in the data
management of past and present raptor indexing and surveys.

Finally, I would like to thank employees Amy Fesnock and Paul Johnson
for their helpful editing on the initial drafts of this report!

REFERENCES

Anderson, Stanley H. and John R. Squires, 1997. The Prairie Falcon.
University of Texas Press.

Austin, Texas.

Baicich, Paul J. and Colin J. O. Harrison, 1997. A Guide to the Nests,
Eggs, and Nestlings of North

American Birds. Academic Press. San Diego, California.

Moritsch, Marc Q., 1983a. Photographic Guide for Aging Nesting Prairie
Falcons. United

States Department of the Interior, BLM, Snake River Birds of Prey
Project. Boise

District, Idaho.

Moritsch, Marc Q., 1983b. Photographic Guide for Aging Nesting
Red-tailed Hawks. United

States Department of the Interior, BLM, Snake River Birds of Prey
Project. Boise

District, Idaho.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1997. Pinnacles
National Monument

station. Climatological Data: California. Vol. 101 No.1-13. National
Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration, Washington D.C.

Rechtin, J.A., 1984-1992. Raptor Nesting at Pinnacles National Monument.
Unpublished

report.

Sibley, David Allen, 2000. National Audubon Society The Sibley Guide to
Birds. Alfred A.

Knopf, Inc. New York, New

York.

APPENDIX 1

This season's full-time Raptor Monitor was Gavin Emmons, guided by Park
Biologist Amy Fesnock. Fesnock assisted in occasional team-watches at
large territories, and during the fledging of young at multiple
territories on the same days. SCA students, park employee volunteers,
and staff assisted me in the field as needed.

The total number of observation hours by staff was 853 hours.
Volunteers' observation hours totaled 52. Total time in the field was
905 hours.