The Falcon Farm In 1970 the Canadian Wildlife Association in conjunction with the Department of National Defence and Alberta Fish and Wildlife established a facility for the breeding and preservation of the peregrine falcon, an endangered species. The falcon breeding farm is situated with the sanctuary of Betty Lake in a northern portion of Camp Wainwright. This valiant bird species, native to Canada, and known for its role in the medieval sport of falconry, had been reduced to only one known pair to be mating in Alberta. DDT is no longer used in Canada and USA, however the falcon migrates to Mexico where its food chain contains the dreaded pesticide. Residue attacks the proteins of falcon eggshells, causing them to become so fragile they shatter before the hatching process is complete. The Falcon Farm recorded its first hatched stock in 1974 and has developed a successful method of breeding and raising peregrines for their eventual release to the wild. When the females lay their eggs, nature tells them to stop if there are four eggs in the nest. So the staff at the Farm pilfer the eggs one or two at a time so as not to allow four to accumulate. With this method, the femaile proves capable of laying up to 13 eggs! They are incubated and carefully guarded until young are hatched. Adult birds (the males are super) help to feed the ugly little chicks until they are self dependent. Quail are raised at the farm, supplying the birds with a natural food source. Freshly killed quail are given to the falcons (they are not fed live, as some of you will be glad to know). The chicks’ diet is of ground quailmeat, like hamburger! Fred (page 97) is a prairie falcon who has become somewhat a pet and as shown in the picture, has a personality all his own. (The extra set of feet he sports is the last of his quail dinner) Falcon Farm is known across North America and receives visitors throughout the summer for tours of their unique project. Each year more falcons are released to the wild, with the proper introduction enabling them to survive and remain endangered rather than extinct. _________image_________ Before _________image_________ After It seems hard to imagine an ugly little piece of fluff with a beak, could possibly develop into the majestic specimen in the “After” picture. With Falcon Farm’s accomplishments in replenishing its population, the peregrine may never be added to the already lengthening list of extinct species in Canada.