Raptor Breeding season report for Pinnacles National Monument - 2003

Emmons, Gavin

Annual Report The 2003 breeding season was the 17th year of raptor monitoring at Pinnacles National Monument. Field observations began 6 January 2003 and ended 27 June 2003. Pinnacles National Monument provides a diverse habitat for numerous cliff-nesting raptors, including sensitive species such as prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), as well as a spectacular array of summits and cliff-wall routes for rock-climbers. Therefore, the behavioral and physical effect that climbers and off-trail hikers have on cliffnesting raptors is studied. The 2003 raptor-breeding season was successful, particularly for prairie falcons. Thirteen territories were occupied with nine active-breeding prairie falcon territories confirmed. Thirtythree to thirty-six prairie falcons hatched, with thirty-two possibly fledging and thirty confirmed. One territory failed (through predation), two territories were abandoned, and one pair occupied a territory without nesting for the season. Additionally, four adult prairie falcons were newly captured, banded, and fitted with radio-tracking equipment, and two adult falcons were recaptured, for the second year of a research project on foraging habitat and patterns. Golden eagles were observed throughout the park. Five nests in two known territories in the park were not occupied this year. One known nest in a territory outside of the park produced three eaglets, a record for number of young produced in a nest in the study area, and all three likely fledged. Additional raptor species active and nesting in the park included red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), American kestrels (Falco sparverius), and Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii). Red-tailed hawk pairs occupied four territories, hatched eight young, and produced six fledglings, with one territory likely failing to predation. American kestrels occupied twelve territories, with six fledglings confirmed from three territories. Cooper’s hawks were observed occupying two territories, with one fledgling confirmed from one territory.

Raptor Breeding season report for Pinnacles National Monument - 2003

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