SPFGA Naturalist Series - Return of the Peregrine

Developed to further our mission by teaching people about nature and how to advocate for its conservation, the SPFGA is continuing its Naturalist Series again in 2025.

Each month we will bring various naturalists from differing backgrounds to share their knowledge in native wildlife and ecosystems to connect participants with nature and increase our appreciation of Alberta's natural heritage.

A naturalist is an expert in, or a student of natural history, so we can all become naturalists!

Our April session is a talk about management and recovery of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) in Canada.

Back by popular demand, Gordon Court, presenter of our January session Owls, Owlers, and Owling in Alberta will talk about the history of the peregrine and its problem with organochlorine pesticide pollutants. Gord will look at the decline of the peregrine in Canada and the rest of the world and review the steps that were taken to try to re-establish the bird and the challenges faced along the way. Finally, he will talk about the recovery of the species in Canada and present-day projects to manage the recovering population to ensure its vitality in Alberta.

Gord will be bringing Vinnie, the Ambassador Peregrine (that's him in the photo above!), always a favorite with folks interested in wildlife.

Minimum Attendance Age

If a youth is attending without adult accompaniment, they must be 15 years of age or older. If the youth is accompanied by an adult however, there really isn’t a minimum age. As long as they are old enough to make it through this day of activities and do so safely, they are absolutely welcome to attend.

Presenter Bio

Gordon Court is presently the Provincial Wildlife Status Biologist for the Alberta Environment and Parks and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta.

• Through the course of his career as an ornithologist, he has studied the breeding biology and toxicology of birds at both ends of the Earth - from penguins to peregrine falcons.
• His Ph.D., conducted as a Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Otago, New Zealand, involved the study of marine pollutants in Antarctic seabirds.
• Earlier in his career, he completed a Master of Science degree on the toxicology and breeding biology of arctic peregrine falcons at Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Gordon has also worked for over four decades on the recovery of the peregrine falcon in western Canada and is recognized internationally as an expert on this species.
• He has also studied forest-dwelling owls in the boreal forest of Canada, particularly those species affected by the expansion of industrial forestry in Western Canada.
• Gordon is formerly the Canadian Director of the U.S.-based Raptor Research Foundation.
• Court is a keen wildlife photographer with his work appearing in books and serial publications such as Natural History, Canadian Geographic, New Zealand Geographic, and Canada Outdoors. Several of his photographs have won prizes in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.

FAQs

Will there be refreshments?

Yes, in addition to the delicious sweets and beverages we typically offer at our Naturalist Series sessions we’ll be hosting a smokie and hot dog roast following Dr. Court’s captivating presentation on Peregrine falcons. So, be sure to bring your appetite along with your curiosity about the fastest animal on earth!

What happens if there's bad weather?

This is an indoor session. Unless the weather poses safety conditions, this event will proceed.

What should do I need to bring?

Participants only need to bring their interest and curiosity in Alberta’s peregrine falcons.

Refund Policy

We will refund registration fees if an event is cancelled. Outside of that, individual refunds will not be provided. Please ensure your availability prior to booking. Individuals who cannot make the event may transfer their registration to another individual.

Funding

These SPFGA Naturalist Series sessions have been generously funded through a grant from Beaver County and the Government of Alberta Department of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.