World Center Birds of Prey

Last week, Michael and I did something that we have both done before, but it's been over a decade since the last time. As Boise natives already know, the Treasure Valley is home to the world leader and most extensive, renown Birds of Prey. It’s such an enjoyable, affordable way to spend a day in Boise and makes the list of Boyle's Boise: 52 Things to Do and See.

Before I get into my favorite birds and exhibits, here's a bit of background on the World Center Birds of Prey organization (also called The Peregrine Fund). The Peregrine Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving birds of prey from extinction. Throughout the world, birds of prey are threatened by many things, including shooting, poisoning and loss of habitat. Saving these birds is an effective means of conserving the rich diversity of life that is critical to the future health of our planet and well being of generations to come.

Since 1970, The Peregrine Fund has been a small, nimble organization that is able to respond quickly to emerging needs. The effort to save the Peregrine Falcon from extinction typifies our approach to problem solving. When it became clear in the 1960's that Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and other birds of prey were in trouble due to the effects of DDT, The Peregrine Fund set their sights on stopping the slide to extinction. Led by founder Tom Cade, then a professor of Ornithology at Cornell University, The Peregrine Fund pioneered methods of breeding Peregrine Falcons in captivity and successfully releasing them into the wild. Almost 30 years later, they proudly hosted an international celebration when the Peregrine Falcon was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999.

This success has enabled The Peregrine Fund to act on similar problems around the world. To magnify results and stretch dollars, they cooperate with other people, agencies and organizations on every project. They believe that this is not only efficient, but it also helps build skills, expertise, understanding and pride among local people who live among threatened birds of prey.

Research and Education Since 1984, The Peregrine Fund has been headquartered at the World Center for Birds of Prey, a 580-acre site in Boise, Idaho. The campus includes an interpretive center, falconry archives and breeding facilities that currently produce chicks from captive flocks of endangered Aplomado Falcons and California Condors. In the past, they have produced Mauritius Kestrels, Harpy Eagles and other rare and endangered birds of prey for release to the wild. Their partnership is in the conservation of birds of prey and our natural world.

About Me:

I have been living in Idaho for my entire life and the Treasure Valley has been my home for more than 30 years. In addition to constantly exploring the city with a variety of activities, I am also very involved in the local philanthropy scene and have been working in the Mortgage industry as a Loan Officer for more than 35 years. Additionally, my husband Michael had a 20+ year career in Real Estate, so if you are new to the area and looking to lay some roots for your family, get involved with some great causes, connect with like-minded people or just explore all that Boise has to offer – don’t hesitate to let me know!