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Peregrine falcon 



Several reports of peregrine occurrence have been compiled, including 

 several from one discrete geographic area over the past 2 years. Since 

 this area contains a known historic eyrie, further investigations are 

 warranted. 



Peregrine falcons have been the subject of information and education 

 efforts on numerous occasions. Public information on peregrines has 

 frequently been disseminated via mass media. The life history and basic 

 ecology of this species was published by Flath (1976b). 



Availability of additional funds for peregrine falcon conservation should 

 permit: 



1. Compiling records of known historic eyries in Montana; 



2. Visiting each identified site at least twice during incubation 

 and/or nestling stages to ascertain presence or absence of 

 peregrines; 



3. Attempting to locate new eyrie sites in areas of suspected 

 peregrine occurrence; 



4. Intensifying efforts to locate sites used by migrant or wintering 

 peregrines; and 



5. Developing recommendations for further investigations on any 

 occupied eyries which may be discovered and on any sites which 

 are used by migrant or wintering peregrines. 



The first year's efforts should constitute survey and inventory effort 

 to reveal presence or absence of peregrines and the circumstances under 

 which they occur. Detailed site-specific studies should not be conducted 

 at this time. Intensified research and management efforts should be 

 developed after survey and inventory efforts are completed. 



Whooping crane 



During the past 20 migration periods (1968-1977 inclusive), eight 

 documented occurrences of whooping cranes have been recorded for Montana. 

 Six occurred during spring migrations, while 2 were during fall migrations. 

 Average group size was A. 9 (range 2-9) with an average length of stay 2.1 

 (range 1-8) days. Four occurrences were on National Wildlife Refuges in 

 eastern Montana and 2 were near those refuges. A total of 64 whooping 

 crane-days of use have been recorded during this 10-year period. 



Public information on whooping cranes has frequently been disseminated 

 via mass media. Life history and basic ecology of the whooping crane 

 have been presented by Flath (1975c). 



Since whooping cranes occur in Montana only as casual migrants, a 

 research and management plan is inappropriate. It is recommended that 

 Department personnel cooperate to the extent necessary in protecting 

 migrants and reporting sightings. 



