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95-423: The entire valley is around 22 kilometres (14 mi) long from Storjord to the border with Sweden. From the end of Junkerdalsura and further up the valley, the height is around 200 metres (660 ft) above sea level and the valley has a slight rise here, but approximately where the side valley Skaiti begins, the valley becomes steep. At the national border, the height is around 600 metres (2,000 ft). The valley

190-401: A scrape , normally on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species in many areas because of the widespread use of certain pesticides, especially DDT . Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild. The peregrine falcon is

285-549: A breeding territory, a pair may have several nesting ledges; the number used by a pair can vary from one or two up to seven in a 16-year period. The peregrine falcon nests in a scrape, normally on cliff edges. The female chooses a nest site, where she scrapes a shallow hollow in the loose soil, sand, gravel, or dead vegetation in which to lay eggs. No nest materials are added. Cliff nests are generally located under an overhang, on ledges with vegetation. South-facing sites are favoured. In some regions, as in parts of Australia and on

380-417: A falcon's nostrils are theorized to guide the powerful airflow away from the nostrils, enabling the bird to breathe more easily while diving by reducing the change in air pressure. To protect their eyes, the falcons use their nictitating membranes (third eyelids) to spread tears and clear debris from their eyes while maintaining vision. The distinctive malar stripe or 'moustache', a dark area of feathers below

475-412: A few Arctic ground squirrels ( Urocitellus parryii ). Other small mammals including shrews , mice , rats , voles , and squirrels are more seldom taken. Peregrines occasionally take rabbits , mainly young individuals and juvenile hares . Additionally, remains of red fox kits and adult female American marten were found among prey remains. Insects and reptiles such as small snakes make up

570-404: A high perch or from the air. Large congregations of migrants, especially species that gather in the open like shorebirds, can be quite attractive to a hunting peregrine. Once prey is spotted, it begins its stoop, folding back the tail and wings, with feet tucked. Prey is typically struck and captured in mid-air; the peregrine falcon strikes its prey with a clenched foot, stunning or killing it with

665-713: A narrow 5.4 kilometres (3.4 mi) long road was built up through Junkerdalsura. The road was laid on a dry-wall embankment between the steep mountain slope and the Junkerdale river. The road was part of a larger road plan from 1867 about a road connection between the Saltenfjorden and Piteå in Norrbotten. During construction, large quantities of dynamite were used for the first time in Nordland. For this work it was, among other things, employed qualified workers from

760-591: A peregrine falcon. The peregrine falcon has been designated the official city bird of Chicago . The Peregrine , by J. A. Baker , is widely regarded as one of the best nature books in English written in the twentieth century. Admirers of the book include Robert Macfarlane , Mark Cocker , who regards the book as "one of the most outstanding books on nature in the twentieth century" and Werner Herzog , who called it "the one book I would ask you to read if you want to make films", and said elsewhere "it has prose of

855-604: A petrol station, hotel rooms and cabins of various standards, a camping site and a children's playground. The Adde Zetterquist art gallery is also located there, along with shops with Sámi applied art. Junkerdal Junkerdal is a village in the Øvre Saltdal area in Saltdal Municipality in Nordland county, Norway, just south of the Junkerdal National Park . The village is located at

950-607: A small proportion of the diet, and salmonid fish have been taken by peregrines. The peregrine falcon hunts most often at dawn and dusk, when prey are most active, but also nocturnally in cities, particularly during migration periods when hunting at night may become prevalent. Nocturnal migrants taken by peregrines include species as diverse as yellow-billed cuckoo , black-necked grebe , virginia rail , and common quail . The peregrine requires open space in order to hunt, and therefore often hunts over open water, marshes , valleys , fields, and tundra , searching for prey either from

1045-497: A span of 17 metres (56 ft). Both the deck and the railing are made of wood. The bridge was built in 1887 in connection with the construction of the road between Junkerdalen and Fjellstuen in Graddis. Parts of the original wood were replaced in 1980, but the dry climate means that the materials are well preserved. The bridge was one of four blast works bridges that were built on the road construction through Junkerdalen. The bridge

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1140-474: A stretch of around 13 kilometres (8.1 mi). The facility was divided into five parcels, of which the two most difficult were carried out by the state, and the others by compulsory work organized by Saltdal Municipality . The road up through Junkerdalsura was widened in the 1920s to open up motorized traffic. Up in Junkerdalen you can see the listed Djeveldalsbrua. This is a wooden blasting bridge with

1235-541: A technique called hacking . Finally, after years of close work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, a limited take of wild peregrines was allowed in 2004, the first wild peregrines taken specifically for falconry in over 30 years. The development of captive breeding methods has led to peregrines being commercially available for falconry use, thus mostly eliminating the need to capture wild birds for support of falconry. The main reason for taking wild peregrines at this point

1330-466: A variety of pigeons. Among pigeons, the rock dove or feral pigeon comprises 80% or more of the dietary intake of peregrines. Other common city birds are also taken regularly, including mourning doves , common wood pigeons , common swifts , northern flickers , eurasian collared doves , common starlings , American robins , common blackbirds , and corvids such as magpies , jays or carrion , house , and American crows . Coastal populations of

1425-410: A well-respected falconry bird due to its strong hunting ability, high trainability, versatility, and availability via captive breeding . It is effective on most game bird species, from small to large. It has also been used as a religious, royal, or national symbol across multiple eras and areas of human civilization. The peregrine falcon has a body length of 34 to 58 cm (13–23 in) and

1520-676: A wingspan from 74 to 120 cm (29–47 in). The male and female have similar markings and plumage but, as with many birds of prey , the peregrine falcon displays marked sexual dimorphism in size, with the female measuring up to 30% larger than the male. Males weigh 330 to 1,000 g (12–35 oz) and the noticeably larger females weigh 700 to 1,500 g (25–53 oz). In most subspecies, males weigh less than 700 g (25 oz) and females weigh more than 800 g (28 oz), and cases of females weighing about 50% more than their male breeding mates are not uncommon. The standard linear measurements of peregrines are:

1615-506: Is a 0.6–0.7% genetic distance in the peregrine falcon-Barbary falcon ("peregrinoid") complex. The peregrine falcon lives mostly along mountain ranges , river valleys , coastlines , and increasingly in cities . In mild-winter regions, it is usually a permanent resident, and some individuals, especially adult males, will remain on the breeding territory. Only populations that breed in Arctic climates typically migrate great distances during

1710-701: Is adapted to available prey in different regions. However, it typically feeds on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves , waterfowl , gamebirds , songbirds , parrots , seabirds , and waders . Worldwide, it is estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 bird species, or roughly a fifth of the world's bird species, are predated somewhere by these falcons. The peregrine falcon preys on the most diverse range of bird species of any raptor in North America, with over 300 species and including nearly 100 shorebirds . Its prey can range from 3 g (0.11 oz) hummingbirds ( Selasphorus and Archilochus ssp.) to

1805-506: Is formed up in Junkerdalen by the confluence of Graddiselva and Skaitielva at Lappbrulia. The Graddiselva has its sources in Sweden and flows in waterfalls down the craggy mountain areas of Graddis. The Junkerdalselva flows calmly through the Junkerdalen itself. Tjørrisdalen and Skaitidalen are narrow gorges where they enter Junkerdalen. Since ancient times, there has been a road through Junkerdalen via Graddis and across to Sweden. The height of

1900-456: Is from the larger females of the largest subspecies to the smaller males of the smallest subspecies, approximately five to one (approximately 1500 g to 300 g). The males of smaller and medium-sized subspecies, and the females of the smaller subspecies, excel in the taking of swift and agile small game birds such as dove, quail, and smaller ducks. The females of the larger subspecies are capable of taking large and powerful game birds such as

1995-473: Is less strange. The valley floor in Junkerdalen consists of sand and gravel, and stones of different sizes. The valley floor is covered by thin and lean soil . Junkerdalsura is narrow, and therefore it happens that the valley floor is submerged in the spring flood . In earlier times, the road to Junkerdalen was only a path across from Evenesdalen over Solvågskaret. This very narrow gorge has large sections of stone clocks on both sides. The road up Junkerdalsura

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2090-421: Is not clear, as the issue is complicated by widespread hybridization confounding mtDNA sequence analyses. One genetic lineage of the saker falcon ( F. cherrug ) is known to have originated from a male saker ancestor producing fertile young with a female peregrine ancestor, and the descendants further breeding with sakers. Today, peregrines are regularly paired in captivity with other species such as

2185-519: Is plucked before consumption. A 2016 study showed that the presence of peregrines benefits non-preferred species while at the same time causing a decline in its preferred prey. As of 2018, the fastest recorded falcon was at 242 mph (nearly 390 km/h). Researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and at Oxford University used 3D computer simulations in 2018 to show that

2280-516: Is relatively recent, during the time of the Last Ice Age , therefore the genetic differential between them (and also the difference in their appearance) is relatively tiny. They are only about 0.6–0.8% genetically differentiated. Although its diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, the peregrine will sometimes hunt small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. Reaching sexual maturity at one year, it mates for life and nests in

2375-422: Is surrounded by large mountains; the most prominent are Solvågtinden and Båtfjellet. There are settlements like Junkerdal throughout the valley. Norwegian County Road 77 towards Sweden also runs through the entire valley. Junkerdalsura nature reserve and Stor-Graddis nature reserve have been established in the area. The valley otherwise has a lot of pine forest, but also birch and mixed forest. Previously, there

2470-454: Is to maintain healthy genetic diversity in the breeding lines. Hybrids of peregrines and gyrfalcons are also available that can combine the best features of both species to create what many consider to be the ultimate falconry bird for the taking of larger game such as the sage-grouse . These hybrids combine the greater size, strength, and horizontal speed of the gyrfalcon with the natural propensity to stoop and greater warm weather tolerance of

2565-584: The Barbary falcon of the Canary Islands and coastal North Africa to be two subspecies ( pelegrinoides and babylonicus ) of Falco peregrinus , rather than a distinct species, F. pelegrinoides . The following map shows the general ranges of these 19 subspecies. The Barbary falcon is a subspecies of the peregrine falcon that inhabits parts of North Africa; namely, from the Canary Islands to

2660-931: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds . The RSPB estimated that there were 1,402 breeding pairs in the UK in 2011. In Canada, where peregrines were identified as endangered in 1978 (in the Yukon territory of northern Canada that year, only a single breeding pair was identified ), the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada declared the species no longer at risk in December 2017. Peregrines now breed in many mountainous and coastal areas, especially in

2755-513: The domestic and feral pigeons are both domesticate forms of the rock dove , which are a major prey species for Eurasian Peregrine populations. Due to their prevalence over most other bird species in cities, feral pigeons support many peregrine populations as a staple food source, especially in urban settings . The peregrine is a highly successful example of urban wildlife in much of its range, taking advantage of tall buildings as nest sites and an abundance of prey such as pigeons and ducks. Both

2850-456: The fastest animal on the planet. According to a National Geographic TV program, the highest measured speed of a peregrine falcon is 389 km/h (242 mph). As is typical for bird-eating (avivore) raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic , with females being considerably larger than males. The peregrine's breeding range includes land regions from the Arctic tundra to

2945-486: The great horned owl and the Eurasian eagle-owl . When reintroductions have been attempted for peregrines, the most serious impediments were these two species of owls routinely picking off nestlings, fledglings and adults by night. Peregrines defending their nests have managed to kill raptors as large as golden eagles and bald eagles (both of which they normally avoid as potential predators) that have come too close to

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3040-523: The lanner falcon ( F. biarmicus ) to produce the " perilanner ", a bird popular in falconry as it combines the peregrine's hunting skill with the lanner's hardiness, or the gyrfalcon to produce large, strikingly coloured birds for the use of falconers. Numerous subspecies of Falco peregrinus have been described, with 19 accepted by the 1994 Handbook of the Birds of the World , which considers

3135-468: The peregrine , and historically as the duck hawk in North America , is a cosmopolitan bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae . A large, crow -sized falcon , it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a black head. The peregrine is renowned for its speed. It can reach over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop (high-speed dive), making it

3230-525: The prairie falcon ( F. mexicanus ). This lineage probably diverged from other falcons towards the end of the Late Miocene or in the Late Pliocene , about 3–8  million years ago (mya). As the peregrine-hierofalcon group includes both Old World and North American species, it is likely that the lineage originated in western Eurasia or Africa. Its relationship to other falcons

3325-433: The spinal column at the neck. An immature bird is much browner, with streaked, rather than barred, underparts, and has a pale bluish cere and orbital ring. A study shows that their black malar stripe exists to reduce glare from solar radiation , allowing them to see better. Photos from The Macaulay Library and iNaturalist showed that the malar stripe is thicker where there is more solar radiation. That supports

3420-458: The tropics . It can be found nearly everywhere on Earth, except extreme polar regions , very high mountains, and most tropical rainforests ; the only major ice-free landmass from which it is entirely absent is New Zealand . This makes it the world's most widespread raptor and one of the most widely found wild bird species . In fact, the only land-based bird species found over a larger geographic area owes its success to human-led introduction ;

3515-638: The " tiercel ") and the female (simply called the "falcon") both leave the nest to gather prey to feed the young. The hunting territory of the parents can extend a radius of 19 to 24 km (12 to 15 mi) from the nest site. Chicks fledge 42 to 46 days after hatching, and remain dependent on their parents for up to two months. The peregrine falcon is a highly admired falconry bird, and has been used in falconry for more than 3,000 years, beginning with nomads in central Asia . Its advantages in falconry include not only its athleticism and eagerness to hunt, but an equable disposition that leads to it being one of

3610-514: The 19th century. In Skaitidalen, further up, there were clearing men from Rana in 1843 and Swedes settled in Tjørisdalen in 1878. He also stated that nomadic mountain Sami lived in Junkerdalen. In the lower part of Junkerdalen near Solvågli, a Sami burial ground is known. Under Båtfjellet there is also a cave where there was a fireplace, drying poles and other Sami objects. In the years 1871–1879,

3705-602: The 3.1 kg (6.8 lb) sandhill crane , although most prey taken by peregrines weigh between 20 g (0.71 oz) (small passerines ) and 1,100 g (2.4 lb) ( ducks , geese , loons , gulls , capercaillies , ptarmigans and other grouse ). Smaller hawks (such as sharp-shinned hawks ) and owls are regularly predated, as well as smaller falcons such as the American kestrel , merlin and, rarely, other peregrines. In urban areas, where it tends to nest on tall buildings or bridges, it subsists mostly on

3800-478: The Arabian Peninsula. There is discussion concerning the taxonomic status of the bird, with some considering it a subspecies of the peregrine falcon and others considering it a full species with two subspecies (White et al. 2013). Compared to the other peregrine falcon subspecies, Barbary falcons sport a slimmer body and a distinct plumage color pattern. Despite numbers and range of these birds throughout

3895-485: The Canary Islands generally increasing, they are considered endangered, with human interference through falconry and shooting threatening their well-being. Falconry can further complicate the speciation and genetics of these Canary Islands falcons, as the practice promotes genetic mixing between individuals from outside the islands with those originating from the islands. Population density of the Barbary falcons on Tenerife,

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3990-415: The English and scientific names of this species mean "wandering falcon", referring to the migratory habits of many northern populations. Experts recognize 17 to 19 subspecies , which vary in appearance and range; disagreement exists over whether the distinctive Barbary falcon is represented by two subspecies of Falco peregrinus or is a separate species, F. pelegrinoides . The two species' divergence

4085-767: The Junkerdal area, and arctic foxes , bears and otters roam through the area. Reindeer grazing takes place all year round. Other protected areas in connection with the valley are Stor-Graddis and Junkerdalsura nature reserve . According to tradition, county clerk and junker Preben von Ahnen (1606–1675) is the one who gave the name to the valley in connection with a campaign to Nasa silver mines in Sweden. In mid-August 1659, Preben von Ahnen went through Junkerdalen with around 100 men, most of them from Saltdal Municipality . Knut Bergsland has believed that North Norwegian names of this type may have their origin in Sámi , i.e.

4180-519: The PCB concentrations found in these falcons is dependent upon the age of the falcon. While high levels are still found in young birds (only a few months old) and even higher concentrations are found in more mature falcons, further increasing in adult peregrine falcons. These pesticides caused falcon prey to also have thinner eggshells (one example of prey being the Black Petrels). In several parts of

4275-482: The Sámi mythological Junkar or "Stohrjunckar", who is a god. The word may have been early borrowed from Sami. The Lule Sámi name is Juńńkárvuobme . Major Peter Schnitler wrote in his border examination protocol from 1742 to 1745 that the Junkerdalen was uninhabitable, but that in the summer there were Sámi who lived there. From Sweden and to Saltdalen through Junkerdalen, only Sámi traveled. Rarely did others go through

4370-648: The US were captive-bred from the progeny of falcons taken before the US Endangered Species Act was enacted and from those few infusions of wild genes available from Canada and special circumstances. Peregrine falcons were removed from the United States' endangered species list in 1999. The successful recovery program was aided by the effort and knowledge of falconers – in collaboration with The Peregrine Fund and state and federal agencies – through

4465-503: The area. County Road 77 was opened to Junkerdal in 1959. The national road to the national border was opened in 1974. County Road 77 used to go high above Junkerdalsura on the south side of this and the side of Kjernfjellet. This was a dangerous stretch of road, especially in winter. The Kjernfjelltunnelen opened on 17 October 2019 and removed this bottleneck. Today, just under 100 inhabitants live in Junkerdalen. The valley has its own school, combined gymnasium and community center which

4560-443: The back but with thin clean bars, is long, narrow, and rounded at the end with a black tip and a white band at the very end. The top of the head and a "moustache" along the cheeks are black, contrasting sharply with the pale sides of the neck and white throat. The cere is yellow, as are the feet, and the beak and claws are black. The upper beak is notched near the tip, an adaptation which enables falcons to kill prey by severing

4655-415: The biggest of the seven major Canary Islands, was found to be 1.27 pairs/100 km , with the mean distance between pairs being 5869 ± 3338 m. The falcons were only observed near large and natural cliffs with a mean altitude of 697.6 m. Falcons show an affinity for tall cliffs away from human-mediated establishments and presence. Barbary falcons have a red neck patch, but otherwise differ in appearance from

4750-647: The bird associated with princes in formal hierarchies of birds of prey, just below the gyrfalcon associated with kings . It was considered "a royal bird, more armed by its courage than its claws". Terminology used by peregrine breeders also used the Old French term gentil , "of noble birth; aristocratic", particularly with the peregrine. Since 1927, the peregrine falcon has been the official mascot of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio . The 2007 U.S. Idaho state quarter features

4845-401: The chicks fledged. In Oregon , Portland houses ten percent of the state's peregrine nests, despite only covering around 0.1 percent of the state's land area. Due to its striking hunting technique, the peregrine has often been associated with aggression and martial prowess. The Ancient Egyptian solar deity Ra was often represented as a man with the head of a peregrine falcon adorned with

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4940-444: The easier falcons to train. The peregrine falcon has the additional advantage of a natural flight style of circling above the falconer ("waiting on") for game to be flushed, and then performing an effective and exciting high-speed diving stoop to take the quarry . The speed of the stoop not only allows the falcon to catch fast flying birds, it also enhances the falcon's ability to execute maneuvers to catch highly agile prey, and allows

5035-416: The eggs are lost early in the nesting season, the female usually lays another clutch, although this is extremely rare in the Arctic due to the short summer season. Generally three to four eggs, but sometimes as few as one or as many as five, are laid in the scrape. The eggs are white to buff with red or brown markings. They are incubated for 29 to 33 days, mainly by the female, with the male also helping with

5130-461: The eyes, is thought to reduce solar glare and improve contrast sensitivity when targeting fast moving prey in bright light condition; the malar stripe has been found to be wider and more pronounced in regions of the world with greater solar radiation supporting this solar glare hypothesis. Peregrine falcons have a flicker fusion frequency of 129 Hz (cycles per second), very fast for a bird of its size, and much faster than mammals. A study testing

5225-521: The falcon to deliver a knockout blow with a fist-like clenched talon against game that may be much larger than itself. Additionally the versatility of the species, with agility allowing capture of smaller birds and a strength and attacking style allowing capture of game much larger than themselves, combined with the wide size range of the many peregrine subspecies, means there is a subspecies suitable to almost any size and type of game bird. This size range, evolved to fit various environments and prey species,

5320-423: The female in mid-air. To make this possible, the female actually flies upside-down to receive the food from the male's talons. During the breeding season, the peregrine falcon is territorial; nesting pairs are usually more than 1 km (0.62 mi) apart, and often much farther, even in areas with large numbers of pairs. The distance between nests ensures sufficient food supply for pairs and their chicks. Within

5415-523: The flight physics of an "ideal falcon" found a theoretical speed limit at 400 km/h (250 mph) for low-altitude flight and 625 km/h (388 mph) for high-altitude flight. In 2005, Ken Franklin recorded a falcon stooping at a top speed of 389 km/h (242 mph). The life span of peregrine falcons in the wild is up to 19 years 9 months. Mortality in the first year is 59–70%, declining to 25–32% annually in adults. Apart from such anthropogenic threats as collision with human-made objects,

5510-511: The genetic diversity of this species. Since peregrine falcon eggs and chicks are still often targeted by illegal poachers, it is common practice not to publicize unprotected nest locations. Populations of the peregrine falcon have bounced back in most parts of the world. In the United Kingdom, there has been a recovery of populations since the crash of the 1960s. This has been greatly assisted by conservation and protection work led by

5605-434: The high speed allows peregrines to gain better maneuverability and precision in strikes. The peregrine falcon is sexually mature at one to three years of age, but in larger populations they breed after two to three years of age. A pair mates for life and returns to the same nesting spot annually. The courtship flight includes a mix of aerial acrobatics, precise spirals, and steep dives. The male passes prey it has caught to

5700-410: The higher parts of the valleys there are traces of the farms' open field mowing, including grassland and haystacks. Outland meadows and haystacks are traces of both Sami and Norwegian cattle herding in the valleys. The cultural monuments are often very vague and difficult to see, and accessibility is poor due to the great distances. They have the greatest value for those who engage in outdoor activities in

5795-561: The impact, then turns to catch it in mid-air. If its prey is too heavy to carry, a peregrine will drop it to the ground and eat it there. If they miss the initial strike, peregrines will chase their prey in a twisting flight. Although previously thought rare, several cases of peregrines contour-hunting, i.e., using natural contours to surprise and ambush prey on the ground, have been reported and even rare cases of prey being pursued on foot. In addition, peregrines have been documented preying on chicks in nests, from birds such as kittiwakes. Prey

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5890-509: The inclusion of non-native subspecies was justified to optimize the genetic diversity found within the species as a whole. During the 1970s, peregrine falcons in Finland experienced a population bottleneck as a result of large declines associated with bio-accumulation of organochloride pesticides. However, the genetic diversity of peregrines in Finland is similar to other populations, indicating that high dispersal rates have maintained

5985-426: The incubation of the eggs during the day, but only the female incubating them at night. The average number of young found in nests is 2.5, and the average number that fledge is about 1.5, due to the occasional production of infertile eggs and various natural losses of nestlings. After hatching, the chicks (called " eyases " ) are covered with creamy-white down and have disproportionately large feet. The male (called

6080-462: The innermost part of the Junkerdalen valley, around 33 kilometres (21 mi) south of the municipal center, Rognan . In 2016, the village area and surroundings had a population of 70. This Nordland location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Peregrine falcon 17–19, see text The peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ), also known simply as

6175-683: The large subspecies pealei feed almost exclusively on seabirds . In the Brazilian mangrove swamp of Cubatão , a wintering falcon of the subspecies tundrius was observed successfully hunting a juvenile scarlet ibis . Among mammalian prey species, bats in the genera Eptesicus , Myotis , Pipistrellus and Tadarida are the most common prey taken at night. Though peregrines generally do not prefer terrestrial mammalian prey, in Rankin Inlet , peregrines largely take northern collared lemmings ( Dicrostonyx groenlandicus ) along with

6270-461: The largest of duck species, pheasant, and grouse. Peregrine falcons handled by falconers are also occasionally used to scare away birds at airports to reduce the risk of bird-plane strikes , improving air-traffic safety. They were also used to intercept homing pigeons during World War II. Peregrine falcons have been successfully bred in captivity, both for falconry and for release into the wild. Until 2004 nearly all peregrines used for falconry in

6365-422: The name was used as juvenile birds were taken while journeying to their breeding location (rather than from the nest), as falcon nests are often difficult to get at. The Latin term for falcon, falco , is related to falx , meaning " sickle ", in reference to the silhouette of the falcon's long, pointed wings in flight. The peregrine falcon belongs to a genus whose lineage includes the hierofalcons and

6460-416: The national park are Høgfjellsclokk, Pedicularis flammea , and Pedicularis hirsuta . The rich bedrock in Junkerdalen provides the basis for rich vegetation, which in turn provides the basis for a rich and varied animal life. Many rare and endangered birds nest in the area, including peregrine falcons , golden eagles , grebes , ducks and sea bream . Wolverine and lynx are permanent residents of

6555-470: The national park there are a number of mountain areas with plants of great botanical richness. Several of the vegetation types are generally rare, such as border heather and reindeer heather with lapis lazuli. Many of the plants in the national park are otherwise only found further north, or on other continents. Some of the special plants are Grønlandsstarr, Silver saxifraga , Arctic poppy , halvkulerublom, svartbakkestjerne and fjellsolblom. Other rare plants in

6650-526: The natural cliff ledges that the peregrine prefers for its nesting locations. The pair defends the chosen nest site against other peregrines, and often against ravens , herons , and gulls , and if ground-nesting, also such mammals as foxes , wolverines , felids , bears , wolves , and mountain lions . Both nests and (less frequently) adults are predated by larger-bodied raptorial birds like eagles , large owls , or gyrfalcons . The most serious predators of peregrine nests in North America and Europe are

6745-712: The nest by ambushing them in a full stoop. In one instance, when a snowy owl killed a newly fledged peregrine, the larger owl was in turn killed by a stooping peregrine parent. The date of egg-laying varies according to locality, but is generally from February to March in the Northern Hemisphere , and from July to August in the Southern Hemisphere , although the Australian subspecies macropus may breed as late as November, and equatorial populations may nest anytime between June and December. If

6840-411: The northern winter. The peregrine falcon reaches faster speeds than any other animal on the planet when performing the stoop, which involves soaring to a great height and then diving steeply at speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph), hitting one wing of its prey so as not to harm itself on impact. The air pressure from such a dive could possibly damage a bird's lungs , but small bony tubercles on

6935-622: The origins of captive breeding stock used by the Peregrine Fund in the recovery of peregrine falcons throughout the contiguous United States. Several peregrine subspecies were included in the breeding stock, including birds of Eurasian origin. Due to the extirpation of the eastern population of Falco peregrinus anatum , the near-extirpation of anatum in the Midwest and the limited gene pool within North American breeding stock,

7030-827: The pass is on the Swedish side and is 686 metres (2,251 ft) above sea level. The priest Søren Christian Sommerfelt worked in Saltdal from 1818 to 1824. Here, he laid the foundations for his important botanical work, Supplementum Florae lapponicae from 1826. The work is intended as an addition to the Swede Göran Wahlenberg's Flora lapponica from 1812. Sommerfelt's work on plants is still an important source work. Sommerfelt did part of his investigations in Junkerdalsura. The work provides an overview of 700 northern Norwegian plant species. Junkerdalen lies in

7125-594: The peregrine falcon proper merely according to Gloger's rule , relating pigmentation to environmental humidity . The Barbary falcon has a peculiar way of flying, beating only the outer part of its wings as fulmars sometimes do; this also occurs in the peregrine falcon, but less often and far less pronounced. The Barbary falcon's shoulder and pelvis bones are stout by comparison with the peregrine falcon and its feet are smaller. Barbary falcons breed at different times of year than neighboring peregrine falcon subspecies, but they are capable of interbreeding. There

7220-728: The peregrine may be killed by larger hawks and owls . The peregrine falcon is host to a range of parasites and pathogens . It is a vector for Avipoxvirus , Newcastle disease virus , Falconid herpesvirus 1 (and possibly other Herpesviridae ), and some mycoses and bacterial infections . Endoparasites include Plasmodium relictum (usually not causing malaria in the peregrine falcon), Strigeidae trematodes , Serratospiculum amaculata ( nematode ), and tapeworms . Known peregrine falcon ectoparasites are chewing lice , Ceratophyllus garei (a flea ), and Hippoboscidae flies ( Icosta nigra , Ornithoctona erythrocephala ). The peregrine falcon's diet varies greatly and

7315-417: The peregrine. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species over much of its range because of the use of organochlorine pesticides , especially DDT , during the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Pesticide biomagnification caused organochlorine to build up in the falcons' fat tissues, reducing the amount of calcium in their eggshells. With thinner shells, fewer falcon eggs survived until hatching. In addition,

7410-532: The rain shadow compared to Svartisen , and has a relatively warm and dry summer climate. The climate and favorable bedrock have given life to many plant species. The plant life in the eastern parts was already protected in 1928 as the Junkerdalen-Balvatnet plant conservation area. Junkerdal National Park was adopted in 2004 and includes areas in Junkerdalen and Balvatnet in Fauske municipality. In

7505-633: The snow over Bierg and Dale. " Archaeological investigations show many traces of the Sami's life in Junkerdalen. Johan Dyring writes a travelogue in 1900 entitled "Junkersdalen and its flora" which was sent to the Ministry of the Church, also printed as an article in Nyt magasin for naturvidenskaberne. This is reproduced in Saltdalsboka 1986. In this article it is mentioned that Junkerdalen was built on in

7600-592: The solar disk, although most Egyptologists agree that it is most likely a Lanner falcon . Native Americans of the Mississippian culture (c. 800–1500) used the peregrine, along with several other birds of prey, in imagery as a symbol of "aerial (celestial) power" and buried men of high status in costumes associating to the ferocity of raptorial birds. In the late Middle Ages , the Western European nobility that used peregrines for hunting, considered

7695-399: The solar glare hypothesis. Falco peregrinus was first described under its current binomial name by English ornithologist Marmaduke Tunstall in his 1771 work Ornithologia Britannica . The scientific name Falco peregrinus is a Medieval Latin phrase that was used by Albertus Magnus in 1225. Peregrinus is Latin, meaning "one from abroad" or "coming from foreign parts". It is likely

7790-420: The south of the country. The road was highly exposed to rock and snow avalanches , and was considered to be rerouted just a few years after it was put into use. A landslide accident in 1955 led to plans for a new road gaining momentum. Further from the farm Junkerdalen, a road was built to the east over Graddis and inwards towards Sweden. A road was built in the years 1892–1895 from Bleiknes to Junkerdalsura,

7885-405: The species in captivity. The chicks are usually fed through a chute or with a hand puppet mimicking a peregrine's head, so they cannot see to imprint on the human trainers. Then, when they are old enough, the rearing box is opened, allowing the bird to train its wings. As the fledgling gets stronger, feeding is reduced, forcing the bird to learn to hunt. This procedure is called hacking back to

7980-479: The valley, but when it happened that someone from Piteås Lapmark came through Junkerdalen, it was in the summer, when the rivers were at their smallest. The journey had to be preferably on foot, and to a small extent one could ride on horseback: " transl.  In winter it is not possible to come by horse, or to Fodz: but one must either run on skis, or ride Kieredst, as the Finns do; In the way you go everywhere on

8075-472: The west and north, and nest in some urban areas, capitalising on the urban feral pigeon populations for food. Additionally, falcons benefit from artificial illumination, which allows the raptors to extend their hunting periods into the dusk when natural illumination would otherwise be too low for them to pursue prey. In England , this has allowed them to prey on nocturnal migrants such as redwings , fieldfares , starlings , and woodcocks . In many parts of

8170-513: The west coast of northern North America, large tree hollows are used for nesting. Before the demise of most European peregrines, a large population of peregrines in central and western Europe used the disused nests of other large birds. In remote, undisturbed areas such as the Arctic, steep slopes and even low rocks and mounds may be used as nest sites. In many parts of its range, peregrines now also nest regularly on tall buildings or bridges; these human-made structures used for breeding closely resemble

8265-491: The wild . To release a captive-bred falcon, the bird is placed in a special cage at the top of a tower or cliff ledge for some days or so, allowing it to acclimate itself to its future environment. Worldwide recovery efforts have been remarkably successful. The widespread restriction of DDT use eventually allowed released birds to breed successfully. The peregrine falcon was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species list on 25 August 1999. Some controversy has existed over

8360-480: The wing chord measures 26.5 to 39 cm (10.4–15.4 in), the tail measures 13 to 19 cm (5.1–7.5 in) and the tarsus measures 4.5 to 5.6 cm (1.8–2.2 in). The back and the long pointed wings of the adult are usually bluish black to slate grey with indistinct darker barring (see "Subspecies" below ); the wingtips are black. The white to rusty underparts are barred with thin clean bands of dark brown or black. The tail, coloured like

8455-491: The world peregrine falcons have adapted to urban habitats, nesting on cathedrals , skyscraper window ledges, tower blocks, and the towers of suspension bridges . Many of these nesting birds are encouraged, sometimes gathering media attention and often monitored by cameras. In England , peregrine falcons have become increasingly urban in distribution, particularly in southern areas where inland cliffs suitable as nesting sites are scarce. The first recorded urban breeding pair

8550-652: The world, such as the eastern United States and Belgium , this species became extirpated (locally extinct) as a result. An alternate point of view is that populations in the eastern North America had vanished due to hunting and egg collection. Following the ban of organochlorine pesticides, the reproductive success of Peregrines increased in Scotland in terms of territory occupancy and breeding success, although spatial variation in recovery rates indicate that in some areas Peregrines were also impacted by other factors such as persecution. Peregrine falcon recovery teams breed

8645-454: Was a mountain lodge at Graddis. Amund Helland writes in the chapter on Saltdalen in Norges land og folk (1908) that there is slate in Junkerdalen, and that the valley was formed during the last ice age . Helland says that the mountains around Junkerdalen have been peculiar in the past, and then mentions Solvågtinden, Båtfjellet and Tausa. Tjernfjellet on the south side is made of granite and

8740-410: Was built along the river and in places it is high above it. The surrounding mountain walls are steep and there are often has both snow and rock avalanches . The road is so narrow that there is no room for paving stones, and besides, paving stones will be torn down by landslides anyway. The slopes that descend into Junkerdalsura in winter and spring start at the very top at Solvågtinden. Junkerdalselva

8835-401: Was built on a donation basis (1995). The Bodø and Surroundings Tourist Association has laid out hiking trails that are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Along the hiking trails there are picnic areas, picnic areas and campfires. At Storjord there is a tourist center at the ascent to Junkerdalsura (Saltdal Turistsenter Storjord). The tourist center opened in 1990 and has a roadside inn,

8930-529: Was observed nesting on the Swansea Guildhall in the 1980s. In Southampton , a nest prevented restoration of mobile telephony services for several months in 2013, after Vodafone engineers despatched to repair a faulty transmitter mast discovered a nest in the mast, and were prevented by the Wildlife and Countryside Act – on pain of a possible prison sentence – from proceeding with repairs until

9025-583: Was protected by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage on 17 April 2008. The cultural monuments in Junkerdalen show that the area is a traditional Sámi settlement and use area. One represents traces of Sámi adaptation from the hunter-gatherer culture to reindeer nomadism, and permanent settlement in the outback areas. It shows different utilization of mountains, water and river and valley areas. The cultural monuments are also typical of border areas between traditional Sámi and expanding Norwegian settlement. In

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