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States.”
The outlook for eagles is also improving. “We see more eagles in Virginia that we used to, but not like it used to be,” San Jule said.
Falcons are the fastest creatures in the world, capable of flying at 80 miles per hour on a level and able to exceed 200 mph while diving after prey. Among their favorite meals are pigeons, which explains how peregrines are able to thrive in some major urban areas, where tall buildings substitute for the lofty cliffs where they tend to nest.
“Young falcons learn to chase their prey by chasing butterflies,” San Jule said. “Owls will kill young falcons, but their worst enemy has been us, humans.”
After deftly putting Pierre back in his carrying case, San Jule produced Scarlette, a 4-year-old female red-tailed hawk. “It’s not an eagle, but I think it’s nearly as impressive,” he said.
“She used to live in Busch Gardens, but they cut down some trees there without making sure all the birds were out of them,” San Jule said. “She’s got a broken collarbone — she can fly, but no higher than the ceiling, and that’s not good enough.’’
While falcons fly high and swoop down on their prey, San Jule said, “Hawks like this one perch in trees while they watch for their prey, mostly rodents. . . . There are 20 or 30 kinds of small, furry field animals.”
The most popular item on the hawk’s dinner menu is the vole. “An
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