Need more discussion that what you'll find below? I now have a blog at Wordpress.com and you are welcome to check it out here.
I am now a member of NANPA, the North American Nature Photographers Association. Their Mission Statement: "NANPA promotes the art and science of nature photography as a medium of communication for nature appreciation and environmental protection. NANPA provides education and inspiration, gathers and disseminates information, and develops standards for all persons interested in the field of nature photography. NANPA fosters professionalism and ethical conduct in all aspects of our endeavors. Check out their website here: http://www.nanpa.org/
One organization that I have just learned about is Raptors of the Rockies.
"Raptors of the Rockies is a non-profit 501(c)(3) raptor education project located in Western Montana. Active since 1988, their mission is:
1. Provide a lifetime of quality care to permanently disabled birds of prey;
2. To educate schools and the public through the use of live birds such as eagles, hawks, falcons and owls in raptor education and wildlife art programs,
3. To instill a respect and admiration for these skilled hunters and to promote wildlife conservation and habitat preservation for our wild populations."
Native Bird Connections located in Martinez, CA is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to educating people about wild birds. They can be found at this link: http://www.nativebirds.org
The PG&E Falcon webcam, when active can be found at this link: http://www2.ucsc.edu/scpbrg/peregrine_cam.htm
The ongoing discussion forum for the PG&E peregrine falcons is on Yahoo and can be found HERE
Support the restoration of endangered Peregrine Falcons and other raptors...
Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group
They have a great links page along with everything else they offer and rather that repeat every link just be sure and check out the external links page on their site.
But in particular check out
The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
You can get involved on a national level....
An Important Message
Another worthy website of a group that has been working since 2002 promoting non-lead ammunition and raising lead awareness in the hunting community since 2002. And they have recently expanded their program to include Unleaded fishing, and they're now promoting non-toxic sinkers and jigs in addition to ammunition. Lead is an extremely toxic substance with proven, often deadly, effects on humans and wildlife. Join the movement and make your next hunt or fishing trip Unleaded! Its an easy way to keep yourself and the places you enjoy healthy. Project Gutpile
Thanks to Paul Andreano for this information. Paul was the SCPBRG volunteer that kept watch over Junior the last few days and was on hand to witness and report on the fledging of the latest offspring of George and Gracie.
A Really Good Photographer...
There is a world of great bird photographers out there, I am privileged to know one in particular that has been involved with raptors for most of his life. Please if you haven't visited his site yet, go there and be amazed at some terrific raptor photography. See what peregrine look like away from the big city. Buy a print too!
Parrots in the City? Oh my yes!
For parrot lovers everywhere, Mark Bittner's website is here...
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
his book is here
and the film
Mickaboo?
Made famous by Mark Bittner's movie, "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill", the parrots not being a native species have had mixed success at city life. Several have fallen ill and have been rescued by Animal Control. When found, they are sent to Mickaboo Cockatiel Rescue, a volunteer organization that rescues parrot-type birds in Northern California. Mickaboo provides them with veterinary care and releases them back to the flock if possible, or if not, they place the birds in a foster home. Mickaboo receives no city funds and relies on volunteers and donations. If you would like to help the parrots, go to www.mickaboo.org for details.
There is a really good book on raptors "Raptors of Western North America" by Brian K. Wheeler
This guide book is quite readable and the illustrations and photos are very good. "Raptors of California" by Hans Peeters and Pam Peeter
Interested in taking up "Photographing Wild Birds" ? I highly recommend Chris Gomersall's book on the subject.
One more book to consider: Arthur Morris' "The Art of Bird Photography"
Notable Books on Raptors and Peregrines in Particular
Ok I know that there are thousands of books out there on raptors. I haven't read them all and neither have you. So these are some of my personal favorites...
Return of the Peregrine - A North American Saga fo Tenacity and Teamwork
(Editors: Tom J. Cade & William Burnham)
This book is an amazing compilation of the recovery story. I can't recommend this book enough; it is an amazing recounting of the recovery from the time the problem was made known up to about 2003 when the book was published. Highly reccommended.
Peregrine Falcon Populations - Their Management and Recovery
(Edited by Tom J. Cade, James H. Enderson, Carl G. Thelander, and Clayton M. White) 949 pages, but only 5 dollars. This is a very dense read for anyone that wants to see what went on from 1969 to 1986 in detail, this is THE book. Be forwarned it will take months to get through...
Falcon
(by Helen Macdonald)
A great overview of falcons through the ages and up to the present. Would make a great gift for someone at holiday time.
Raptors of California
(by Hans and Pam Peeters)
Some amazing anecdotes of raptor behavior I have not read anywhere else, plus some very good artwork.
Raptors of the World
(by James Ferguson-Lees & David A Christie)
A fantastic raptor ID book, with full color plates throughout.
A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors
(by Brian K Wheeler & William S. Clark)
Raptors shown in all their plummage varieties and morphs.
Raptors of Western North America
(by Brian K Wheeler)
More species information than the previous book, but this one only covers the western North American Continent
Equipment
99% of the photos on my site were taken with the Canon 20D, 30D and 40D digital bodies and the Canon F5.6 400mm L and F4 500mm L series telephotos.
You can see more about the 400mm older lens that most photographers know about but seem to forget at this wonderful website. And other reviews of the lens is found at Photographyreview.com here.
You can read a description of the Canon EOS 40D body at this website. Multiple reviews can be found at Photographyreview.com
Finally, don't forget to get a good solid tripod, and for ease of tracking a bird in flight, the Wimberley Sidekick. You have to see it to understand how it works and you have to use one to really appreciate it. So take a look. You also read reviews of it and can write a review of this piece of hardware at Photographyreview.com at this link.