**PEREGRINE FALCON MONITORING**

INTRODUCTION

The American Peregrine Falcon (*Falco peregrinus* *anatum*), once a
common resident throughout much of California, began rapidly declining
about the mid-part of the 20^th^ century. The chief factor responsible
for this decline was biochemical impacts from organochlorine pesticide
(mostly DDT) residues, but habitat degradation throughout its range also
played a large role. Documentation of these alarming trends not only in
California populations but throughout the species range prompted the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1970 to list the
American Peregrine Falcon as Federally endangered.

Once a species is Federally listed, the Endangered Species Act strives
not only to prevent the species from becoming extinct, but ultimately to
restore these species to the point where they no longer require legal
protection. To this end, the USFWS is required to develop and implement
formal Recovery Plans to help guide restoration efforts. Fundamental to
plan development and implementation are range-wide inventories of
species actual abundance and distribution, and monitoring to track
population trends.

In 1999, due to population recovery criteria being met, the American
Peregrine Falcon was removed from the Federal list of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife. It currently retains endangered status by the State
of California.

Though periodic sightings of this species in the park have been made
over the past few decades (LVNP Species Observations Database), and
nesting has been confirmed outside the park boundary (Grinnell and
Miller, 1944), the park's scant records have never shown peregrine
falcons to nest inside the park. A scientific study conducted in the
park (Baldridge et al., 1980), though not successful in detecting
nesting Peregrine Falcons, identified potential nesting sites and
recommended a strategy for monitoring these sites.

PROJECT HISTORY

In 1980, a study was initiated by the Cooperative Park Studies Unit in
Davis to determine the extent of the use of the park by endangered
raptors, including Peregrine Falcon (Baldridge et al., 1980). Thirty-six
priority cliff sites were located, described, photographed, and mapped
for their potential to support Peregrine Falcon nesting. Data analysis
showed that none of the 36 cliff sites held excellent potential as a
Peregrine Falcon nesting location. However, two sites were rated as
having good potential, three sites were rated as suitable, and four
sites were rated as having marginal potential. The remaining 27
potential sites after closer examination were considered unsuitable for
nesting.

Though no Peregrine Falcon nesting was observed at any of these
locations during subsequent surveys in summer 1980, one Peregrine Falcon
was observed near Lassen Peak well after the nesting season. Results led
the authors to believe that 1) potential Peregrine Falcon nest sites in
the park are below optimum, and that most are generally unsuitable, and
2) presence of Peregrine Falcon in the park is probably mostly due to
upslope post-breeding movement in response of prey availability.

Nevertheless, because five sites (those rated as having good or suitable
potential) could conceivably support nesting Peregrine Falcons in some
years, the report recommended that the park annually monitor these sites
using methods similar to those employed in this study. Nest site
monitoring was begun in 1997 and has continued annually at high priority
sites.

METHODS

An observer experienced in Peregrine Falcon monitoring conducted all
surveys from designated (and mapped) observation posts. A spotting scope
and binoculars were used to scan all potential nesting sites. Results of
surveys including Peregrine Falcon sightings and any signs and
indications of nesting activities were recorded in detailed journal
format, which is stored in Resource Management files. Timing and
duration of surveys was based on knowledge of the species' nesting
habits, local climate conditions, and consultation with biologists
conducting Peregrine Falcon surveys on lower elevation lands surrounding
the park.

RESULTS

From fieldwork accomplished during 1999 and 2000, it was determined
that: 1) 2006 field efforts would be concentrated on two priority sites
that appeared to promise the best results, and 2) locating Peregrine
Falcons while they were still on the nest would require beginning the
surveys in mid to late May. The two sites chosen were Northwest Blue
Lake Canyon, and Raker Peak.

[Northwest Blue Lake Canyon]{.underline}

Due to heavy snowfall this site was first surveyed in 2006 on June 16.
No activity was observed upon arrival at 15:00 P.M. After one hour, both
adults flew in and landed on a ledge approximately 20 meters west of
2001 nest location. At 16:45 one young was located at the same location
as the adults. Young was ¾ grown with all white plumage. Survey ended at
17:00 P.M.

This area was visited again on June 29. Arrived at 18:00 P.M. and
observed the one juvenile on the nest. No other young were observed and
the adults were not seen. Survey ended at 19:00 P.M.

The last visit to the site was on July 11. One young and one adult were
observed upon arrival at 10:45 A.M. No other juveniles or adults were
observed on this outing. Survey ended at 11:30.

It is assumed that this pair fledged one young in 2006 due to the above
observations.

[Raker Peak]{.underline}

This area was surveyed by using a spotting scope and binoculars to view
the cliff and surrounding areas. The area was surveyed twice in 2006, on
June16 and June 29. No indication of Peregrine Falcon presence was
observed on either of these visits.

[Visitor Reports]{.underline}

There were two observations of Peregrine Falcons reported by park
visitors in 2006. On July 26, a single Peregrine Falcon was observed
flying over Cinder Cone and on August 07, a single Peregrine Falcon was
seen in the Sifford Lakes area.

FUTURE DIRECTION

We plan to continue implementing Peregrine Falcon monitoring at the
highest priority sites, emphasizing Blue Lake Canyon and Raker Peak for
2007. We will continue to collaborate and share information with Forest
Service biologists conducting falcon monitoring on properties adjacent
to LVNP.

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