Wintering peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) habitat utilization near Sequim, Washington

As DDT residues decrease in the environment, habitat loss becomes the number one threat to peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) in Washington. This state's population has grown, making it the second most densely populated Western state, and urban expansion threatens peregrine wintering areas in western Washington, including the area around Sequim. Three peregrine falcons were followed by radio-telemetry near Sequim, Washington to determine their habitat (resource) needs during winter, and to provide information to resource managers and planners in the Sequim area, and other similar areas. Two peregrines used two different habitats; an immature female utilized open water habitat significantly more than expected ( alpha = 0.05), while an immature male utilized grassy fields significantly more than expected. The home ranges for the male and female were 85.69 km super(2) and 65.79 km super(2) respectively. Ducks comprised 27% of the collected kills and 44% of other hunts (including missed attempts and uncollected kills). Passerines combined made up 42% of the collected kills and 26% of the other hunts. Conifer snags were the most common type of perch used.