Aplomado Falcons rely on natural nests built by other grassland-reliant species, which have declined with habitat loss and other threats. The encroachment of woody vegetation has also facilitated the range expansion of Great Horned Owls, a major predator to Aplomado Falcons and their young. The lack of suitable nests and increased risk of predation proved to be a major threat to the population.

Biologist Brian Mutch stands behind nesting structure

Paul Juergens

Restoring a vanished species

Our Solutions

Our Aplomado Falcon team responded to these threats by installing protective artificial nesting structures for falcons to raise their young safely. Since 2003 we have constructed and deployed over 200 artificial nest structures at nearly one hundred sites.

Adult Aplomado Falcon on a nest in a nesting structure

Paul Juergens

Our Solutions

These artificial nest structures have proven to be one of the most effective solutions to both short‐ and potentially long‐term recovery. The bars on the structures are spaced such that they allow adult falcons to enter, but keep out Great Horned Owls and other larger predators.

Old wooden nesting structure lays on the ground with new aluminum structure in background

Paul Juergens

Our Solutions

Since the original wooden design, our team has modified the nesting structures to be aluminum to withstand the extreme coastal weather. In 2024, they successfully completed replacing all of the old, wooden structures with the newer aluminum designs.

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