Boucherville – The situation for the Peregrine Falcon is getting better after the species faced extinction in North America. Since the 1970’s severe restrictions on the use of DDT as well as the establishment of captive breeding and reintroduction programs have contributed greatly to the species’ recovery.
Although the bird usually nests on ledges on natural cliff faces, roughly 8% of pairs in Quebec use the walls of abandoned or working quarries. Since pairs return to the same breeding territory year after year, quarry owners can play a key role in restoring the species. Graymont along with the help of Regroupement Québec Oiseaux and Service Environnementaux Faucon have been doing just that at the Bedford Plant quarry in Quebec.
In 2001, a nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons was discovered in the quarry. At first the presence of the pair was monitored from a distance. In 2006, Graymont authorized the monitoring of the nesting activities in the quarry. The next year a study was completed on the possibility and opportunities for the falcons to continue to nest without disrupting or being disrupted by the quarry activities.
In 2009, following the study recommendations, measures were taken to encourage the pair to relocate their nesting area within the quarry to an area where they would not be disturbed by quarry operations. The installation of an artificial nesting platform and the capture and tagging of the birds were the main features of the project. The success of these actions will be determined during the 2010 nesting season.
Facts about the Peregrine Falcon: This specialized bird hunter is perfectly adapted to capture its prey in flight. It can reach speeds of over 300 km/h in a dive! The Falcon’s eyesight is 7 to 10 times sharper than ours and it can spot prey about 2 km away.
Graymont takes a long term view of its business and the lime industry and is looking forward to continuing its work in Bedford and in so doing, improving our environment, contributing to the community and environment as a good neighbor and adding value as a responsible business partner.
Peregrine Falcons are crow-sized birds with pointed wings and a narrow tail. The species has bluish-grey upperparts with a whitish or buffy breast and barring below. Its dark head and "sideburns" (facial stripes) make it look like it is wearing a helmet. Juvenile birds are somewhat different from adults and are dark brown with a heavily streaked underside.
The Peregrine Falcon above at the Bedford Plant carries a device which gives its position in real time. Alex Renaud, Graymont Environment and Safety Manager Eastern Canada, participated with the consultant in the capture of the falcon to install this device in order to study their traveling.
The artificial nesting platform pictured above, was constructed to encourage the falcons to nest elsewhere in the quarry. Photo provided by Pierre Molina from Services Environnementaux Faucons.
Artificial nesting platform installed in a safe location at the Bedford Quarry. Photo provided by Pierre Molina from Services Environnementaux Faucons.
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