Milestone Peregrine Falcon Surveys
Earthspan’s 50th annual survey of migrating peregrine falcons at Assateague Island, MD was completed in October, as was our 43rd annual survey at Padre Island, TX. Summaries and reports on our 2019 surveys are now available under the Research tab.
Read MoreTogether at Last: Earthspan and The Peregrine Fund
In 1970 the peregrine falcon was in serious trouble due to the effects of DDT. The eastern U.S. population had been extirpated in the 1950s; western populations were severely reduced and migratory Arctic-breeding populations had also declined. Diverse efforts were undertaken to study, assist and augment remaining stocks. Earthspan principals began our standardized surveys of migratory peregrines at Assateague Island, MD/VA, while The Peregrine Fund (TPF, www.peregrinefund.org) was formed to breed peregrines in captivity...
Read MoreSpring 2019 Padre Island Peregrine Survey
Our spring survey was conducted April 11 – May 4 by Mike Yates, Bill Seegar and Carl Thelander. We expended 230 man-hours in observing 564 peregrines. We recorded 41 new captures, 10 returns of falcons we’d banded during previous surveys, and six recaptures of falcons newly banded during the survey. Peregrines are notoriously difficult to capture in the spring at Padre because most are adults and all have plenty of available natural prey that is easily caught on the wind tidal flats. This spring demonstrates that in spades, as three highly experienced and proficient field...
Read MoreChallenging 2018 Autumn Surveys
The annual autumn peregrine surveys at Assateague (49th) and Padre (42nd) Islands were completed in October. Although we have no indication that breeding success in the Arctic was low, both surveys experienced lower than normal numbers of migrants. Local and continental weather phenomena undoubtedly played a role, and at Padre severe tides and flooding of the survey area. At Assateague we captured 48 individuals and at Padre 74, acquiring the usual invaluable blood and feather samples for archival purposes and current collaborative studies. Final reports have now been completed, and are...
Read More2018 Spring Peregrine Survey Summary
The 2018 spring peregrine falcon survey at South Padre Island, Texas was conducted April 11 through May 2. In 244 man-hours our biologists observed 468 peregrines, capturing 56 and recapturing four. Two adult males, 35 adult females and 19 second-year females were captured; an astonishing 11 of the adult females had been banded during our previous surveys. A female banded during her second year in spring 2004 is now almost 15 years of age, and a female banded in spring 2009 as an adult will be at least 11 this summer. Most notable this spring was our first capture (among over 15,000...
Read MoreEarthspan’s 2017 Autumn Peregrine Surveys Complete
The autumn Assateage and Padre Island Peregrine Falcon Surveys are in the books. At Assateague, the 48th annual survey observed lower numbers than in recent years with only 65 captures. The 41st annual autumn survey at Padre resulted in 135 captures, including the 10,000th peregrine captured in that survey’s history! Reports were completed by year’s end and are available for viewing under the Research tab.
Read MoreSpring Peregrine Survey at South Padre Island Complete
Our 39th annual spring survey at South Padre wrapped last week. The kickoff on April 12 included an expedition to Deer Island, where a few close friends of Earthspan Director Tom Maechtle joined wife Kathy and daughter Ireland to honor his memory. Extensive flooding of the wind tidal flats and several days of dangerously high winds combined to reduce productivity this spring, and our final capture total was 36. Three falcons originally banded during previous autumn surveys were among those captured, and we continued sample collections for collaborative studies.
Read MoreEarthspan Family Suffers Devastating Loss
Earthspan must tearfully advise its friends and supporters of the untimely passing of Director and founding member Tom Maechtle. A talented biologist and internationally known expert on peregrines, he directed the Padre Survey for many years. Tom was a key figure in most Earthspan projects for decades, working alongside us on peregrine projects in Greenland, Alaska, Mexico, South America and Russia. He authored or co-authored many scientific publications, built his highly successful Bighorn Environmental Consultants firm in Sheridan, WY, and still found time for a rewarding family life with...
Read More2016 Spring Peregrine Survey at Padre Island Complete
The spring survey began on April 14, and was conducted by Bill Seegar, Mike Yates and Carl Thelander. For several days we had full access to the wind tidal flats and interior trails. High Laguna Madre and Gulf tides soon reduced our survey area and a severe thunderstorm in the early morning hours of April 19 limited our access to a small northeast segment of the island. Just as the flats had begun to dry another storm event early on April 24 returned them to April 19 conditions. Thunderstorms that afternoon curtailed survey activities until April 26, and left the survey limited to patrolling...
Read MoreFall Peregrine Surveys Completed
The 46th annual autumn survey at Assateague Island and the 39th at Padre Island were completed in October. Numbers were down at Assateague due to the effects of a prolonged nor’easter and Hurricane Joaquin. Padre had a good season despite the challenges of a red tide and flooding of the wind tidal flats. More details and final reports are now posted under the Research tab.
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