17 June 2020
Yesterday, we took a drive to the Predatory Bird Research Group located in Santa Cruz, California, about a three hour drive to meet with Zeka Glucs, Ph.D., the Director, at her home to deliver the young falcon remains for further examination which would include DNA samples and mercury analysis. These are accomplished by removing three small scapular feathers from the back area for DNA.
She sexed the young falcon as a male by measuring the outside diameter (OD) of the tarsus (lower leg) and the beak from cere to tip. Males will be smaller in both measurements by mere millimeters.
“The Ken Norris Museum was very happy to add it to their collection. They love our specimens because they always come with so much associated data! For mercury we use the tip of the 4th secondary feather. It was grown while in the nest so we can estimate the area where their food was captured during that time. Generally mercury is associated with the marine food web so it will be valuable to have your Morro Rock peregrines represented.” Zeka Glucs
Happy trails, Bob
Item: From a meeting 8-10 years ago, I had met Zeka as a fledgling biologist at Morro Rock and helped her find the falcons. It’s such a pleasure meeting passionately involved people on their return trips to Morro Rock and hear how they have pursued their studies.
Though sad about the young male peregrine’s death, I’m delighted for you that you had this reunion with Zeka and that the peregrine will take its place of honor at the Ken Norris Museum. Please report what the mercury analysis reveals when you know it. Good work, Bob!
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Great story! Good feedback on the deceased falcon and your visit to Santa Cruz. Helping people is what Bob is about – and Zeka turned out to be a very special person.
Trip to the rock yesterday a special day too. A triple header – first a sighting of a large Osprey at Pier T, then both male and female peregrines on diving board south side of rock and female on north side on diving board.