Raptor Breeding season report for Pinnacles National Monument - 2002
Kinkade B. 2002. Raptor Breeding season report for Pinnacles National Monument - 2002
Annual Report The 2002 breeding season was the 16th year of raptor monitoring at Pinnacles National Monument. Field observations began 11 January 2002 and ended 25 June 2002. Pinnacles National Monument provides a diverse habitat for numerous cliff-nesting species as well as a spectacular array of summits and peaks for rock-climbers. Therefore, the behavioral and physical effect that climbers and off-trail hikers have on cliff-nesting raptors is studied. The 2002 raptor-breeding season was successful, particularly for Prairie Falcons, Falco mexicanus. Twelve territories were occupied with eight active-breeding prairie falcon territories confirmed. Twenty-six prairie falcons hatched with twenty-two confirmed fledged. Two territories failed (one assumed by predation, one unknown), and one pair switched territories. Additionally, nine adult prairie falcons were captured, banded, and fitted with radio-tracking equipment for a research project on foraging habitat and patterns. Golden Eagles, Aquila chrysaetos, were observed throughout the park. Several known nests were not occupied this year. One known nest off the park produced two eaglets.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Kinkade, Ben
- Date of Issue
- 2002
- Units
- PINN , SFAN
- Keywords
- Annual Report, Birds, Monitoring, prairie falcons