spectr17
05-28-2003, 10:39 PM
News / Media Press Releases
NV DOW
05/28/03
PEREGRINE FALCONS CAN BE SEEN IN AND AROUND LAS VEGAS
Peregrine falcons have migrated into the Las Vegas area and can be seen nesting and raising their young in and around the city, according to the Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW).
The falcons are the world’s fastest animal and can reach speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour as they stoop (dive) to catch birds from the air that they prey upon. They are steel gray in color and are distinguished by black coloring on their faces that look like a mask.
Cris Tomlinson, NDOW biologist, said most of the nesting sites for the birds are on steep cliffs that rise above Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. There is also a pair that is nesting at the Las Vegas Hilton.
One of the better areas for viewing Peregrine falcons is on Lake Mohave from below Hoover Dam to just north of Cottonwood Cove. Mornings are the best viewing time as the birds can be observed flying near cliffs.
Tomlinson said that people need not worry that Peregrine falcons will harm their cats and dogs because the birds have diets that are strictly limited to birds, such as pigeons and sparrows.
NDOW and the National Park Service have found 12 Peregrine falcon nesting sites in Clark County and it is assumed that more than these exist. No nesting sites have yet to be found in Nevada outside of Clark County, but it is possible that the birds are nesting in other locations of the state.\
Peregrine falcons were once listed as an endangered species, but were removed from the endangered species list in 1999. They were listed because of declining populations due to thinning of egg shells that was believed to be caused by the pesticide DDT.
NV DOW
05/28/03
PEREGRINE FALCONS CAN BE SEEN IN AND AROUND LAS VEGAS
Peregrine falcons have migrated into the Las Vegas area and can be seen nesting and raising their young in and around the city, according to the Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW).
The falcons are the world’s fastest animal and can reach speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour as they stoop (dive) to catch birds from the air that they prey upon. They are steel gray in color and are distinguished by black coloring on their faces that look like a mask.
Cris Tomlinson, NDOW biologist, said most of the nesting sites for the birds are on steep cliffs that rise above Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. There is also a pair that is nesting at the Las Vegas Hilton.
One of the better areas for viewing Peregrine falcons is on Lake Mohave from below Hoover Dam to just north of Cottonwood Cove. Mornings are the best viewing time as the birds can be observed flying near cliffs.
Tomlinson said that people need not worry that Peregrine falcons will harm their cats and dogs because the birds have diets that are strictly limited to birds, such as pigeons and sparrows.
NDOW and the National Park Service have found 12 Peregrine falcon nesting sites in Clark County and it is assumed that more than these exist. No nesting sites have yet to be found in Nevada outside of Clark County, but it is possible that the birds are nesting in other locations of the state.\
Peregrine falcons were once listed as an endangered species, but were removed from the endangered species list in 1999. They were listed because of declining populations due to thinning of egg shells that was believed to be caused by the pesticide DDT.