COMMENTARY — Taking flight in the Big Sky state

Canyon Resources recently funded the release of seven peregrine falcons from its reclaimed Kendall gold-silver mine near Lewiston, Mont.

The falcons, once native to central Montana, were nearly exterminated by the use of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), a toxic pesticide, before the 1970s. In 1969, a single pair near the Yellowstone River were the only peregrine falcons left in the state.

Canyon’s reintroduction program is voluntary and part of a

government-sponsored effort.

The steep walls of the Kendall mine provide an ideal falcon habitat. The walls, not unlike many natural rock surfaces, are difficult to reclaim. The slopes are inaccessible and difficult to revegetate. Many companies cover the benches with topsoil to allow for later planting, but the presence of talus slope rock makes slides common and planting difficult.

These same characteristics make the walls ideal for peregrine falcons. The birds have adopted other abandoned mine sites and, in Argentina, nest in abandoned limestone quarries. The birds prefer inaccessible ledges on steep slopes as protection against predators. They also seek overhangs for shelter; the high slopes also provide updrafts for easy flight.

The procedure for releasing the falcons is precise. The birds are first transported to the site in a wooden box, in which they are kept for three days following their arrival. This temporary captivity helps the birds become familiar with their surroundings. The falcons are soaked with water at the time of their release to discourage them from flying off immediately, thus giving them more time to acquaint themselves with the area.

Transmitters, which were rigged to fall off in 20 days, are attached to the birds to aid in tracking their locations.

Within two days, the first three birds were seen flying and adjusting to their new home. Three weeks after their release, the falcons travelled long distances, leaving the site for most of the day.

Once established, the peregrines will not require further care from humans.

Additional birds will be released in the future, and Canyon has decided to leave the mine site as a permanent wildlife habitat. A public viewing area is being constructed within sight of the nesting grounds.

— from “Gold News,” the publication of Washington-based Gold Institute.