Record numbers of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are being observed in the Golden Isles, according to an article that appeared in The Brunswick News on Monday, 16 October 2017.
The falcons are known for their high-speed dives and taking prey mid-air. The picture shown here, which I copied from the article in The Brunswick News, shows a falcon in flight as caught on camera by Pat Leary. It’s a good depiction of how the birds often appear when viewed through binoculars.
Although the Cornell Lab of Ornithology profile page for peregrine falcons says that the IUCN lists the birds as a species of least concern, they are very rare in Georgia despite having been common in the past. The cause of their decline along the east coast is attributed to the widespread use of DDT, a pesticide that was once used to control mosquitos but has since been outlawed.
Each year during October, peregrine falcons and other birds of prey, collectively referred to as “raptors,” migrate from their northern summertime habitats to winter habitats. You can come on one of our birding tours to try and see these majestic animals for yourself. Give us a call at 912-230-4323 for tour availability. You can read more about peregrine falcons on our sister site, Southeast Ecology, where we are building a repository of natural history information specific to the southeastern United States.