| WILDLIFE IN THE BUCK ROCK AREA |
In order to save threatened fire lookouts, the Buck Rock Foundation is applying a “mul Peregrine Falcon Survey Project The purpose of this project is to plan for and implement annual surveys of the Peregrine falcon in compliance with US Fish and Wildlife mandates and for creating consistent and comprehensive data collection for research and documentation. The Buck Rock Foundation, in cooperation with the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group (SCPBRG), Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park, will aid in the coordination of this effort. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing nearby fire lookouts as observation posts, for providing information and for data collection. ( It is interesting to note that over half of the survey locations are nearby or at fire lookouts including The Needles. Buck Rock, Shuteye Peak, MT. Tom, and Fence Meadow.) Since the de-listing of the peregrine falcon a few years ago, funding for surveys and monitoring have all but disappeared. For this reason, it is our goal to coordinate an ALL-VOLUNTEER EFFORT! Already, several outstanding people from our local rock-climbing community have agreed to help. If you are interested, please contact us at buckrock@inreach.com. Go to www.scpbrg.org to learn more about peregrine falcon survey protocol and guidelines, detailed descriptions of peregrine behavior and vocalizations.  |
ti-use” approach for utilizing and justifying the value of such facilities. One possible use is to staff abandoned fire lookouts as wilderness outposts for needed wildlife observation and the study of endangered species and threatened wilderness habitats. At Buck Rock, lookouts observe a variety of wildlife. Cooper’s hawks, golden eagles, red-tail hawks, and even the elusive goshawk catch the thermals off the west side of the dome. Nearby at Chimney Rock, a pair of peregrine falcons attempt to breed at an historical eyrie, and on occasion fly by Buck Rock for a visit.