Forwarded from DNR by Jane Clark

MISSISSIPPI RIVER PEREGRINE FALCON FIELD DAY
PROMOTES NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP
By Lowell Washburn

"Our people have strong ties to the [Mississippi River] blufflands, and the 
eagle and the falcon are an important part of our culture. Seeing the 
falcons return is a good thing," Bill Payer, Ho-Chunk Tribal Elder.

 "The birds are important to our culture. Bringing the falcon back is a good 
way for us to walk. It makes our hearts good," Pam Snowball, Ho-Chunk 
member.

MARQUETTE - After being driven to the brink of extinction across much of 
North America, the peregrine falcon is currently staging a remarkable 
comeback. Slowly but surely, renewed populations continue to grow. So far 
this spring, Iowans have documented a modern-day high of 14 active peregrine 
territories, up one from the 13 nests recorded last year.

The most exciting aspect of the ongoing recovery is that wild, free flying 
peregrines are returning to re-colonize the historic Mississippi River cliff 
ledge nest sites of their ancestors. For countless generations, the 
limestone bluffs bordering Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin provided a hub for 
mid-continent breeding populations. Now, for the first time since the 
mid-1960s, wildlife watchers are once again presented with ample 
opportunities to both hear and observe as adult falcons defend territories 
and perform the spectacular aerial courtship displays that have earned their 
fame.

But although contemporary outdoor enthusiasts may currently thrill to the 
spectacle, the idea of falcon watching is not exactly new to the 
Mississippi. People have, in fact, been observing the species for more than 
a thousand years here. And although the last of these unnamed citizens 
vanished long before the first European explorers arrived, hard evidence of 
their deep admiration for the peregrine still exists in the form of the 
earthen effigies they left behind.

Although multitudes of mounds have been looted and destroyed, many remain. 
At northeast Iowa's Effigy Mounds National Monument, around 200 have 
received permanent protection. Constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes, 
mounds exist on both public and private lands. Effigy mounds were fashioned 
to represent a number of wildlife species including bears, eagles, bison and 
turtles. My personal favorites, of course, are the peregrine effigies.

While visiting the blufflands area several years ago, a local landowner told 
me of two peregrine effigies located atop his river front property. 
Producing an aerial photo of the mounds, he noted that the wingspan of the 
larger bird measured more than 200 feet in width. Placed just a few yards 
apart, the effigies portrayed a pair of falcons in courtship display. 
Studying the photo, we couldn't help but notice that the mounds' designers 
had gone so far as to include an apparent size difference between the sexes 
[In real life, male peregrines are about a third smaller than females]. Upon 
taking some quick measurements, we were amazed to discover that the 200 foot 
mound was almost exactly one third larger than its nearby earthen partner. 
To place things into perspective, we need to bear in mind that the materials 
needed to construct these ancient mounds had to be hauled in one basket at a 
time.

The attention to detail still preserved in these giant scale models make it 
obvious that native mound builders were acute observers, intimately 
acquainted with peregrine anatomy and flight posture. The fact that members 
of a hunter/gatherer culture were willing to devote the amount of time and 
energy needed to complete such a monumental construction task leaves little 
doubt of their esteem for what was, and is, the Great River's most dynamic 
winged inhabitant.

As we move into a new millennium, concerted efforts are currently underway 
to rekindle that profound level of respect and esteem toward peregrine 
falcons, as well as a respect for all other natural resources. A classic, 
boots to the ground example of that endeavor occurred last Tuesday as groups 
totaling more than 100 elementary and environmental science students from 
northeast Iowa's MFL MarMac School District and Native American youths of 
the Ho-Chunk Nation teamed up to participate in our first ever Mississippi 
River Peregrine Falcon Field Trip.

This first of its kind joint venture was conceived and coordinated by the 
DNR's Pat Schlarbaum. The outing began with hiking trail explorations that 
led to viewing and interpretation at several of the centuries old effigies. 
Students were also provided with opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring 
aerial displays of courting peregrines and to view territorial falcons along 
historic cliffscapes near Waukon Junction's Paint Rock. Side trips included 
visits to the highly visible peregrine pair currently nesting atop a 
"concrete cliff" at McGregor's Agri Bunge grain facility.

Schlarbaum was assisted in the activities by National Parks Service [Effigy 
Mounds] staff and by long time raptor conservationists Bob Anderson, Jon 
Stravers and Dave Kester. I had the privilege of providing student groups 
with up close and personal introductions to the trained peregrine I'm 
currently using as a falconry hunting partner. It's always a thrill to 
observe the responses as young people come eyeball to eyeball with the 
planet's fastest winged predator. Without exception, it was the students' 
very first opportunity for close up viewing of this rare and intriguing 
raptor.

The peregrine field trip could be summed up by saying the weather, the kids 
and the birds were fantastic with every single aspect, planned or otherwise, 
neatly falling into place. Many students took the peregrine's message back 
home, and it's no surprise that Pat is already receiving requests to stage a 
similar event next year.
The long range potential of such outings is intriguing. For a dozen 
centuries or more, human beings and peregrine falcons coexisted in harmony 
against the majestic backdrop of the upper Mississippi. Then, in less than a 
mere 20 year blink of an eye, the widespread use of DDT pesticides had led 
to the species complete elimination - all the way from the Mississippi River 
to the Atlantic Ocean.

Extinction is final. And although America came perilously close to forever 
losing this environmental sentinel, the peregrine falcon is receiving a 
miraculous second bid for survival. The question now is whether or not 
future generations will maintain the level of commitment needed to prevent 
renewed peregrine populations from being frittered away for a second time. 
The peregrine's future may largely hinge on our ability to instill a keen 
sense of stewardship to future generations.

We all hear plenty of negatives regarding the future of Iowa's natural 
resources, but there are positives to glean as well. After spending a 
remarkable day with all those enthusiastic young people from diverse 
economic and cultural backgrounds - after hearing their questions and 
observing their collective excitement and wonder - I would have to say that, 
more than ever, I am inclined to believe that peregrine falcons will be 
soaring high above the Mississippi River for a long time to come.

 

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