Peregrine Falcon Populations Soar in Alberta: A Testament to Conservation Effort

Peregrine Falcon Populations Soar in Alberta: A Testament to Conservation Efforts

In a remarkable turn of events, the Peregrine Falcon population in Alberta is experiencing a significant resurgence, thanks to dedicated recovery initiatives and community-led conservation projects. This upsurge reflects the province's unwavering commitment to protecting its unique wildlife species and preserving its natural heritage.


Rebecca Schulz

Historically, the Peregrine Falcon was on the brink of extinction in Alberta, with scarce sightings reported along the Pembina River and elsewhere in the province. However, through concerted conservation and breeding programs, the species has made a remarkable comeback. Initially documented in Central Alberta in 1864, the Peregrine Falcon's population had dwindled alarmingly, but concerted efforts have successfully brought it back from the edge of extinction.

Although the species is still listed as threatened at the national level, Alberta was on the cusp of removing it from this list until a devastating outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2022 resulted in a loss of approximately 30% of the adult population. Undeterred, conservation teams have persevered, establishing a hack site above the Pembina River to safeguard young falcons from urban mortality.

A critical aspect of this initiative involves carefully collecting young birds from nests in Edmonton and surrounding industrial sites, relocating them to a safer environment away from buildings and traffic. This meticulous approach has yielded promising results, with twelve falcons recently released from the hack site. Notably, male falcons often return to the areas where they learned to fly, and they have begun to occupy territories along the river.

Steve Short, a dedicated conservationist, provides frozen quail for the falcons and monitors their progress daily from a nearby homeowner's lookout. The fruits of their labor are evident, with a pair of Peregrine Falcons that nested in the area in 1964 returning fifty years later – a testament to the success of conservation initiatives. This remarkable turnaround is a heartening reminder of the impact of collaborative conservation efforts in preserving Alberta's precious natural heritage.

Rebecca Schulz