06:10 PM MST on Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Alyson Oüten
Idaho's NewsChannel 7

BOISE -- He was internationally respected and locally beloved -- world-renowned falconer, Morley Nelson has passed away.

Courtesy birdwatching.com

Morley Nelson was a world-renowned falconer. Nelson passed away Monday at the age of 88.

For nearly 60 years, Morley Nelson shared his passion for birds of prey - teaching people about the roles eagles, hawks and falcons play in the ecosystem.

He was known simply as "the raptor man."

"You can't see a falcon make a 1,000 foot dive without being inspired by the ability of that bird on this planet," said Nelson during a past interview with NewsChannel 7.

His research on raptors began in the 1960s, and eventually led to the establishment of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area - a nearly 500,000 acre preserve. Not only in the Snake River Canyon, but across the sagebrush desert.

“It is a beautiful place, you walk along the edge of the cliff and the birds will come out and squawk to you... and it's a beautiful place to go and look at all this right off in here,” Nelson said.

Morley Nelson was also instrumental in saving the Peregrine Falcon from extinction and he helped found the World Center for Birds of Prey, a major research and breeding facility near Boise.

His lifelong love for birds of prey kept him active late into his life - in his early 80s Nelson continued sharing his knowledge of nature - giving river tours of his beloved Snake River Canyon.

"Boy, it's a terrific canyon, isn't it? It's unique in the world," Nelson said.

He too was unique in this world. Morley Nelson passed away Monday evening at the age of 88.

Governor Dirk Kempthorne issued a statement Tuesday on the passing of Morley Nelson:

“Morley was a pioneer in the study and preservation of raptors, including the Peregrine Falcon, in Idaho,” Kempthorne said. “His films and television programs brought these magnificent birds into the living rooms of America. He was a driving force in the creation of the Snake River Birds of Prey area as well as the World Center for Birds of Prey."

“In my positions as mayor, United States Senator and now as governor, I have always appreciated Morley’s eagerness to share his expertise with policy makers, school children and other researchers. Patricia and I will keep the Nelson family in our prayers. Morley will be missed.”