The Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
Overall lightness in color with black or dark wing linings and axillaries are diagnostic features of this crow-sized, fast-moving falcon of the American West. Often seen perched atop a power pole, rock outcrop or butte, the Prairie Falcon in California hunts primarily for ground squirrels and variety of birds ranging in size from the Horned Lark to dove and quail-sized quarry. Large insects (e.g., locusts and katydids) may also be an important dietary component, especially during insect blooms and when alternative prey becomes scarce. California “Prairies” are typically non-migratory; however, movement away from nest site areas is not uncommon in response to seasonal declines in prey species. Larger and stronger than its close relative, the Peregrine Falcon (F. peregrinus), Prairie Falcons are powerful fast fliers but typically don’t reap the accolades of the Peregrine Falcon as they are not prone to spectacularly stoop on prey from similarly high altitudes. Instead, the Prairie Falcon is a master of the surprise attack – valuable in the open expanses of the desert and other open habitats – using a short, swift stoop or glide attack that climaxes by securing prey with swift, direct flights that end with a fast, long, low-angle attack.
Our Mission
to protect and conserve the Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) and its breeding habitats in California's deserts and grasslands.
How We Fulfill Our Mission:
Scientific inquiryBy developing solutions to protect the species at the landscape-level through science-based inquiry and well-designed field studies
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Habitat managementThrough purchase or donation, obtaining and managing properties that provide Prairie Falcon nesting, roosting, and foraging habitats.
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Involving the publicBy seeking and promoting public interest in Prairie Falcon conservation and engaging citizen scientists in Prairie Falcon conservation programs.
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EducationBy offering education programs to inform and promote Prairie Falcon conservation to a universal audience including children and adults of all ages
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Prairie Falcon Conservancy Field Staff |
Bill HaasA vertebrate generalist focused on their ecology, natural history, and physiological adaptations, Bill has been conducting raptor surveys in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for more than three decades. A long-time bird-bander and avian song recorder, Bill is the field supervisor and logistics lead for The PCCA's inquiry into the status of the Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon in the Jawbone-Butterbredt Area of Critical Concern and it broader inquiry into the distribution of the Prairie Falcon in the Antelope and nearby high desert valleys.
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Steve ShawFalconer, natural historian, raptorphile. philanthropist, and Prairie Falcon champion, Steve has been documenting and monitoring Prairie Falcon nest sites in the high desert of California from Phelan to Lone Pine and from Tehachapi to Baker. Although Steve is at home in the forest or the desert, the Prairie Falcon captured Steve’s interest after his many treks through the Antelope Valley desert to find that many historic nest sites are now abandoned.
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About us
Based in Tehachapi (CA) with a sattelite office in Brawley (CA), the Prairie Falcon Conservancy is a major campaign of the 501c3 (non-profit) Pacific Coast Conservation Alliance & Land Trust.
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Our focus study areasIndian Wells Valley
Antelope Valley Fremont Valley Imperial Valley Interstate 10 transportation corridor (from the Coachella Valley to the Arizona border) |
Our programsPrairie Falcon distribution surveys and nest site characterization
Citizen science-based site monitoring Education programs tailored to students, the general public, resource agency staff, and/or avian biologists |