Don't get me wrong, I'm not pro-peregrine or anti-raven. Wildlife does what it does. Problems only arise when what they do comes in conflict with human activities. In this case, the activity is the recovery of an endangered species. Ravens as a species will survive and thrive even if this pair fails this year. Peregrines, which are much fewer in number and while they are doing better than they used to, do still need some assistance, and we have invested in laws/money/time/energy to help them. The box was installed for peregrine use.
The ravens have proven how fast they can build a nest; they can find another location and will probably do just as well there; their eggs have not been destroyed; and the adults have not been "scared" off site nor have they been injured in any way. It is unfortunate that the project needs to choose one species over another, but that is what the project was set up to do. Perhaps if the ravens (or other species) return next year, the project might feel that they need to have a door or cover through the winter which would then be removed once the peregrines return.
Species-at-risk projects are well aware of the ecological dangers of choosing one species over another - that's how we got into this mess in the first place. Everything has its place, but we have caused things to be out-of-whack and now and we have to redress the balance without making the same mistakes - everything has its place but some things need our help to get back to theirs. The ravens, as a species, are fortunate to have avoided the damage we did to the peregrines. Eviction is preferrable to extirpation.
* puts soapbox away *
Wonderful explanation as always TPC!!
Everything happens for a reason! And sometimes, humans do need to interveen, especially when it comes to the peregrines. This nestbox was vacant and had a sign "suite for rent". The ravens grabbed it and moved in, but this box was built for the peregrines.
In a way, I do feel badly, especially after watching them work so hard & double time to make up a nest, but I'm very confident that they will work triple time to get another made up.
To these ravens, it's a lost/failed nest site, and I do hope they will succeed somewhere else. After watching these two work together, they deserve a penthouse suite up in the trees...
I wish George & Weezie all the best to find that penthouse to raise their family.
Let's all wish them luck!
GOOD LUCK GEORGE & WEEZIE! We wish you two all the best!
