Hi All:

I'm not about to take sides in this issue, but I want to point out a few
things.
It's obvious that some of the most vehement arguers in this debate are not
aware of the status of peregrines in Washington State, the mortality rate of
the young, or what falconers really do. If you feel strongly about an
issue, at least try to learn about the other side's position. It may not
change your opinion, but at least you know the basis of the other side's
argument.
The WDFW has a web site with a report (under sensitive species) on the
status of peregrines in the state; it's long but worth reading. It documents
the extent of the recovery of peregrines.
Many books, reports, web sites, etc. about raptor biology document the high
mortality rate of young peregrines. The figure most often given is a range
from 50-90%, depending on the population that's being studied. This is
normal for the species - it has not kept them from recovery.
There are "bazillions" of books about falconry. It is not the lifestyle for
me, but after reading some of these, I found it impossible not to realize
the immense commitment of both time and emotion involved. There is more to
it than walking around with a bird on the fist. Two that are readable rather
than technical that I would recommend are The Rites of Autumn (Dan O'Brien)
and A Rage for Falcons (Stephen Bodio) - particularly The Rites of Autumn.
Also - I'd like to give a big thank you to Gene Hunn for separating the
issue of harvest from the issue of emotion.
Can we be civil, please, so that every issue that people have strong
feelings about doesn't become a banned subject. Please, not *another* banned
subject!!! It is so much more interesting and educational to be able to
discuss subjects that are controversial. Vanilla is great for ice cream, but
not for discussions.

Ruth Taylor
Seattle/Ballard
rutht at seanet.com