Venue/Location: Mission Theater, 1624 N.W. Glisan St., Phone: (503) 224-0166
Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - 7:00 PM
Birds and Bridges: Bringing Portland’s Peregrines Back from the Brink
Speaker: Bob Sallinger, conservation director for the Portland Audubon Society.
5 p.m. doors; 7 p.m. event
$3 per person suggested
Peregrine falcons are the world’s most widespread bird of prey and can be found on nearly every continent. However, due to the use of the pesticide DDT, by 1970 you could not find a peregrine nesting anywhere in the state of Oregon. In 1995, “Peregrine Watch” was born, and wildlife experts and bird-loving people began helping find nesting sites for the peregrines on Portland’s many bridges. Because of the efforts of more that 150 volunteers, the raptors are making a strong comeback in this urban setting. To date, at least 140 peregrine young have been hatched in Portland, and more than 50 young have fledged on the Fremont Bridge alone. Now, these majestic birds who can reach flight speeds of up to 200 mph can be seen hunting and nesting over downtown Portland. Come learn about these amazing birds and the decades of effort to recover our local populations.