Whidbey Audubon Society would like to express its appreciation to Tami and Charles Barber and Best Friends Veterinary Center for rescuing and rehabilitating the peregrine falcon.

Peregrines and other raptors often run afoul of our human world, so it’s heartening to see people who care enough to restore them to good health.

Peregrine falcons and merlins (their smaller relatives) are rare breeding species in our area. If you know — or strongly suspect — the location of a falcon, hawk, or eagle nest, please let us know. Go to the Whidbey Audubon Society website, www.whidbeyaudubon.org, and click on the “Contact Us” tab.

This information adds to our knowledge of these species and aids in protecting them. It’s important that the information not be shared widely, as some humans haven’t learned the vital roles that raptors play in our ecosystems. Shootings and other persecutions of these birds are sadly a too-common occurrence on our island.

How fortunate we are to have these charismatic birds in the skies of Whidbey Island! We’re doubly blessed that people such as the Barbers care enough to help keep them a part of Island County’s natural heritage.

Steve Ellis
President, Whidbey Audubon Society
Coupeville