Aplomado Falcon and Masked Duck

[camcar]

Does anyone know what the status of Aplomado Falcons are in south Texas? During my recent trip down to the LRGV I was able to see a nesting pair of Aplomado Falcons on a stretch of highway that leads to South Padre Island. They were in Laguna Atascosa NWR as were Masked Ducks. It was quite a surprise to see the Falcons on the side of the road.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2036/3540613923_d758ce1883.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2339/3540616261_75e3e3bd3e.jpg?v=0

Thanks for viewing and if you haven't been to that part of Texas, plan a trip now,
Cameron

[Administrator]

The recovery project has been very successful in the valley for the Aplomado. They are breeding on their own now so no new birds are being released there. They did release close to 1000 birds there and all the way up to the Attwater refuge to get them established.

The project has now moved to west Texas near Marfa and also into New Mexico and Arizona.

If you want to read more about the program visit the project website at

http://peregrinefund.org/conserve_category.asp?category=Aplomado%20Falcon%2 0Restoration

To me they are one of the most beautiful falcons in the world and we are lucky to have them once again in Texas.

http://riorvpark.com/Images/Bird%20Photos/RGV%20Birds/Falcon,AplomadoSig700.jpg

[camcar]

Thank you very much for that info and that link, Aplomados are so beautiful and graceful, I can't wait to see them in the west Texas area for trips to Big Bend and such.

Thanks again,
Cameron

[Patsy Mercer]

Glad to read this. Plan to bird Atascosa soon. A couple of years ago, I thought I saw one there, but was/am not so "fluent" a birder to trust my i.d.'s. But I sure got excited about it! Patsy