In early 2024, UC Berkeley's resident falcon, Annie, and her mate Archie, have not been sighted for nearly two months. Their absence is attributed to the deadly avian flu ravaging bird populations globally. Annie, a prolific falcon known for producing numerous offspring over the years, has not engaged in her typical nesting behavior on the Campanile. Cal Falcons experts highlight that highly pathogenic avian influenza is particularly lethal to species like peregrines, raising concerns about the long-term health of these raptors and their habitats.
Avian flu continues to kill birds worldwide, and UC Berkeley's resident female falcon, Annie, and her mate, Archie, have not been seen in months, likely due to this disease.
Mary Malec, a Cal Falcons raptor expert, expressed concern over the absence of Annie and Archie, stating that the possibilities surrounding their disappearance must be addressed.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a significant threat to many birds, with mortality rates exceeding 90% in certain species, including peregrines.
The Cal Falcons group noted that the avian flu is particularly impacting peregrines due to their feeding habits of preying on shorebirds and waterfowl, which are known carriers of HPAI.
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