Photographer launches book
Former Regina resident Jon Triffo was a naturalist long before he even knew what the word meant. From the moment he first saw a robin eat a worm as a boy, he said he has been drawn to creatures everywhere.
For 30 years, Triffo has been photographing nature and wildlife. Now, the internationally renowned photographer is launching his first book.
Peregrine Falcons in the Concrete Kingdom is a children’s book about peregrine falcons in cities. Filled with Triffo’s photos, it’s based on the falcon breeding program that took place on top of Regina’s City Hall.
“In the 1980s, (these falcons) were bred in captivity. Baby falcons were shipped to different cities, Regina being one,” Triffo said.
“The idea was the falcons could grow up inside these boxes for a few weeks, look about on the cityscape, then eventually, (after they are released), disperse on migration.”
The program was done in various cities around the world, allowing the once endangered species to bounce back. It was “quite a miracle” in Regina, Triffo said.
“We released young falcons for about five or six years, and then in the early 1990s, they started coming back in force,” said Triffo.
“We had a female return (after migration) and I think she was a principle breeder in the city for up to 12 years.”
The purpose of the book is to raise awareness on these birds, Triffo said. He hopes to get the book into some schools in the future.
“The whole book is designed to inspire young people to find out what’s going on and what has been going on. At the end of the book, it’s an encouragement to go out and find these birds,” said Triffo.
Triffo’s interest in sharing his observations has been years in the making. He said he has met “zillions” of children over the years as he travelled to schools sharing his photography. Later on, he worked for nature centres doing programs in various venues.
“It just grew, the whole concept of going out, discovering what’s there, and then bringing something back home, pictures and stories, and then sharing it with the world. It’s just a continuation, an exciting new dimension for me, the idea of writing a book,” said Triffo.
Triffo’s photography has been featured in magazines and publications around the world, yet this will be the first book of his own.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind of doing such a thing,” said Triffo.
“It’s a beautiful thing just to hold it and think, ‘Wow, this has is a book that’s got my name on it.’”
Peregrine Falcons in the Concrete Kingdom is available for pre-order online.
“WE RELEASED YOUNG FALCONS FOR ABOUT FIVE OR SIX YEARS, AND THEN IN THE EARLY 1990S, THEY STARTED COMING BACK IN FORCE.” JON TRIFFO