Not far off the coast of Southern California, Santa Catalina Island rises out of the Pacific, providing valuable ground for ecotourism and recreation in coastal desert scenery. Creatively cultivated by brilliant minds and wealthy captains of industry, such as William Wrigley Jr., Catalina’s main port of entry, Avalon, is a European-style riviera within the confines of Los Angeles County. American icons including Ronald Reagan and Marilyn Monroe called Avalon home before rising to the heights of stardom. Today, Catalina is a tourist destination offering bison tours, zip-lining, and the rare chance to get up close and personal with some of the fastest creatures on Earth. The practice of falconry is a relatively recent addition to the island, combining practicality with uniquely memorable experiences. Dave and Gina Long, falconers and long-term residents of Catalina, passionately serve as Avalon’s pest-bird abatement force. Thousands of seagulls no longer call the city their home—or …