The widespread use of pesticides had virtually wiped out the peregrine falcon population in North America by 1970, with only one nesting pair found in Canada east of the Rockies and south of the Northwest Territories.
But, thanks to a ban on DDT and an aggressive recovery effort, the peregrine is making a big comeback. Today, there are between 50 and 60 breeding pairs in Alberta, and the numbers keep on growing.
“It’s very gratifying,” says Edmonton biologist-photographer Gord Court, who is part of a second generation of scientists involved in the recovery effort.
(Continue reading in the Edmonton Journal)
Thanks to Cam, the Edmonton Journal’s good news reporter, for emailing me about their ‘Bright Side’ news focus…
I remember when I was on vacation in Bay of Fundy National Park in New Brunswik, I saw one of these most beutiful birds. It’s truly a credit to my country and our species that we did what was nessisary to bring this and other speicies back from the brink.