Biologists bring endangered falcons back to New Mexico

The last place the rare northern aplomado falcon was known to nest before disappearing from the United States more than a half-century ago was a grassy plain in far southwestern New Mexico. Through an intensive reintroduction program, the falcon -- an endangered species that was once found throughout the Southwest and northern Mexico -- is returning to the grasslands near Deming. Biologists last week placed four captive-bred falcons inside a large wooden box several feet above the desert floor so they would be protected from predators while they get acclimated to their new home. In a few days, the door on the box will be opened and the 35-day-old falcons will get to stretch their wings. The release is the first of many planned this year by The Peregrine Fund, which has been working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other state and federal agencies over the past decade to reintroduce the falcon in Texas and New Mexico. Over the last three years, 120 captive-bred falcons have been released in New Mexico. Aside from the four young birds being released in the Deming area, Montoya said another 100 birds will be released at sites in southern New Mexico and Texas later this summer...AP