Gyrfalcons for Serious Falconers
A limited number of pure Gyrfalcons will be available in 2024. All young are produced from mated pairs, with full natural incubation and rearing. Our breeding stock represents the finest bloodlines available in North America. Color of young birds will be classic white, silver or grey.
CITES-registered for international sales and shipping.
Location
Breeding facility is in the western Wyoming high country at an elevation of over 7,200 feet (2,200 meters), which enjoys cool summers and cold winters with low humidity year-round.
The air is "thinner" at high altitudes meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules per volume of air. There is approximately 6% less oxygen at our elevation than at sea level. Every breath taken at a high altitude delivers less of what working muscles require. Birds as well as human athletes respond by increasing the number of red blood cells in the body. This results in increased oxygen carrying capacity, thereby improving endurance and stamina.
Since the 1968 Mexico Olympics, elite human athletes have focused on the benefits of altitude training. It is significant that most world records for long distance events are held by athletes who were born, and/or who train at, altitude. These athletes are physiologically more efficient at uptake, delivery and utilization of oxygen. Clearly the exposure to altitude does improve an individual’s overall vitality that has consistently translated to improved performances. The growth and development of young falcons at the high elevation of Gyrfalcon Ranch allows them to attain maximum genetic potential.
About Me
MY NAME IS John Dahlke
Falconry has been the defining influence of my life. Starting with a variety of wild pets, at age twelve I obtained my first red-tailed hawk. Cooper’s hawks soon followed. University days in Missoula, Montana provided the opportunity and privilege to work for Dr. John Craighead, managing his golden eagle breeding effort. This exposure to a combination of breeding, falconry and research led me to a career as a wildlife biologist primarily focused on greater sage-grouse and raptors. Hawking sage-grouse with gyrfalcons has been my falconry focus for the last 25 years.
