Raptor Restoration

Relevance of Topic:

Moving now from large mammals to large birds, bald eagles and peregrine falcons were also eliminated from most of Pennsylvania, then reintroduced. The reasons for the population declines of these raptors are different from those of the elk, otter or fisher -- and the methods of restoration are different, as well.

The bald eagle and the peregrine falcon were both on the endangered species list. Students can explore what that designation means and what their current status is for these species.

PA Environment & Ecology Standards Reference:

Grade 7 Grade 10

4.2.7 A2

4.6.7 A2, 5 4.6.10 A4, 7, 13

4.7.7 A2; B4, 5, 6; C1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 4.7.10 A1, 2, 3; B1, 2; C1, 2

4.8.7 D3

Key Vocabulary:

raptor, pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, food chain, toxic, reintroduction, restoration, fledge/fledgling

Suggested Sequence for Use of Video & Teacher’s Guide Materials:

• facilitate Project WILD activity "Deadly Links"; point out that pesticides particularly affected populations of raptors who ate other birds and fish (osprey, bald eagles and peregrine falcons)

• show video clips of bald eagle and peregrine restoration projects

• facilitate Pennsylvania Game Commission’s activity "Peregrine Falcon Reintroduction Program"

• show video clip of barn owl preservation program, making reference to student involvement; brainstorm other ways students might be able to contribute to similar programs

For Discussion:

Why do you think it took so many years before DDT use was banned in the United States? Even though DDT has been banned, in what ways are we still feeling its affects even today?