Monitoring and documenting

San Diego County Coastal Peregrine Falcon

I am a full time nature observer. For the past  several years a Peregrine Falcon  "Ethologist." I spend everyday for 6 months of the year observing Peregrine Falcon behavior in one of the most beautiful and historic Falcon habitats on this Planet.  My observations and photo-documentation in this natural and very narrow band of wild space help fill a gap in scientific data on certain types of Peregrine Falcon behavior. Several years ago I committed  the time to monitor, study and document in writing and photography the behavior of  a mating pair of Peregrines Falcons, in their native coastal California habitat. They are not only unique and magnificent birds of prey, but Peregrine Falcons, once an "endangered species," are great symbols of what can be achieved when aware and motivated citizens work together to help a species recover from the brink of extinction.  

It has been my pleasure to share this habitat with these wild, free and magnificent falcons. Sid, a tiercel (male) and  Nancy, the falcon (female), are the main subjects of my observations and documentation. I start each year by getting in " bio-synchronology" with them early in the breeding season. I observe their behavior everyday, all day, from mid-March through  juvenile dispersal. To date I have spent 5 years and several thousand hours of observing this mating pair. It is a commitment that requires patience, passion, curiosity and a sincere interest in their well-being. 

Through observation, date collection and photo documentation, I have attempted to record various aspects of their behavior, nesting chronology, hunting, prey capture and the nuturing of their eyeases (chicks)  and eventual fledglings. Their habitat is located in a very thin coastal zone, along western facing bluffs broken up by numerous canyons, 300-400 feet below their bluff is 6 miles of sand and rocky shoreline. This stunning stretch of coastline is topped off by some of most expensive real estate in the United States!! 

         The above 3 photos show a female Peregrine Falcon attacking Para Gliders who have flown into her habitat and too close to her eyrie during brooding season. This is an issue that has to be addressed anew to the Glider port personnel every year.   

This is their space. They have reclaimed it despite our golf courses, glider ports, multi-million dollar estates and all  the pollution that goes along with our idea of civilization. Nature endures. 

As an Observer / Amateur Ethologist, I prefer to conduct my observations unhindered and uninterrupted, that is the only way I can focus and record data. My daily work environment is extremely tedious and challenging, yet graced with many rewarding moments.  Every day I spend at my observation post there is the anticipation of seeing something extraordinary!  

Thanks to you all who understand my mission, my concern, my passion and to those who have assisted my efforts. I really appreciate your support!! I especially want to thank the following people. 

Scott Francis, Falconer and Affiliate, University of Caliornia, Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group.

Dr. Daniel J. Brimm, Founding Board Member, Endangered Species Recovery Council, La Jolla, California. 

Dr. Clayton M. White, Professor of Zoology and the Curator of Ornithology, Brigham Young University. 

Dr. Jim H. Enderson, Professor Emeritus of Biology at Colorado College, Colorado Springs. 

Dr. Tom J. Cade, Founding Chairman, the Peregrine Fund, Professor Emeritus of Ornithology, Cornell University. 

Dr. Steven K Sherod, Executive Director, Sutton Avian Research Center, University of Oklahoma. 

Brian Walton, Founder and Head of  the USC Santa Cruz Preditory Bird Research Group. 

Dr. Jay Vavra, Biotechnology/Biology Teacher, Environmental Educator of the Year (07) High Tech High, San Diego. 

Gary Olson, former Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Ranger, now Supervising Ranger, Calaveras Big Tree State Park, Arnold, California. 

Steve and Lisa Altman, La Jolla residents who have graciously given me access to their property for observations.

Buzz and Anne Wooley, La Jolla residents who have graciously given me access to their property for observations.

Jeff Sipple, Falconer and Fellow Peregrine Falcon Monitor for Orange and Los Angeles Counties. 

Judy Sullivan, Falcon fan and observer,  Author of the Peregrines Falcons of Morro Rock website (see links). 

Eric Jones, Brian Zeller, Eric Meech, Mark Korch, Rick Romero, Bill Russell, Brian Knappe,
Brian Duncan, Sargents David Rains, Troy Keach, Eric Care, John Sandmeyer and all Lifeguards  of the City of San Diego Lifeguard Services.  

Will working in his office. Photo by Ray Spencer

 Thanks to those of you who continue to support my Peregrine Falcon observations by purchasing photos or giclee prints from my online Storefront. I really appreciate it!! To navigate to the Storefront, click the "Shop & Purchase" button in the upper right corner of this website and follow the yellow link to my store front. Contact me by email if you have questions. Thanks again for your support!! Cheers, Will