Protecting the peregrine falcons

In these final stages of bringing the peregrine falcon population back to full strength in Vermont, protecting nesting sites is of utmost importance. (VF&W Photo by Tom Rogers)

Peregrine falcons came off the state's endangered species list over 15 years ago, but protecting their nesting sites is a crucial part of completing that long journey.

In addition to the many trails that are currently closed to limit the spread of the coronavirus and reduce impacts during mud season, several cliff areas are closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

“Peregrine falcons are very sensitive to human presence during their breeding season, so we ask climbers and hikers to please maintain a respectful distance from all nests,” said state wildlife biologist Doug Morin in a Wednesday statement. “The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to cliff tops or overlooks.”

Audubon Vermont conservation biologist Margaret Fowle works with volunteers and other conservation professionals to monitor the sites throughout the nesting season.

“Peregrine falcons were removed from Vermont’s endangered species list in 2005, and the population continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of our many volunteers and partners,” Fowle said in the announcement. “In many cases the lower portions of the trails remain open, and we encourage people to enjoy watching peregrine falcons from a distance with binoculars or a scope.”

Biologists and community scientists are just now identifying which cliffs are occupied by peregrines, and not all sites have been visited to-date, wildlife officials said Wednesday. Once closed, these sites will remain closed until Aug. 1 or until the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department determines the risk to nesting falcons has passed.

The following 12 cliff areas are currently closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

• Barnet Roadcut (Barnet) – Rte 5 pullout closed

• Bolton Notch (Bolton) – UUW cliff – cliff access and climbing closed

• Bone Mt (Bolton) – portions closed to climbing

• Deer Leap (Bristol) – cliff-top and climbing closed

• Eagle Ledge (Vershire) – closed to hiking and climbing

• Fairlee Palisades (Fairlee) – cliff-top closed

• Marshfield Mt (Marshfield) - portions closed to climbing

• Mt Horrid (Rochester) – Great Cliff overlook closed

• Nichols Ledge (Woodbury) – cliff-top closed

• Red Rocks Park (S. Burlington) – southern cliff access closed

• Rattlesnake Point (Salisbury) – southern overlook closed

• Snake Mt (Addison) – entire western trail closed

As sites are visited in April and if nesting falcons choose new sites, additional sites may be added to the closed list at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Peregrine falcon monitoring and management efforts have been the results of great partnership between Audubon Vermont, the state, landowners and community scientists. The ongoing nest-monitoring includes attempts to carefully locate nests, determine incubation, hatching and fledgling dates, and count the number of young fledged at each site, according to Audubon Vermont.

These efforts are another inspiring expression of partnership leading to progress. The peregrine falcon was listed as a federally endangered species in 1970. The first peregrine pair returned to Vermont in 1984, and the animal came off the federal endangered species list in 1999. Now, after decades of work, the peregrine falcon's recovery in Vermont is in its final stages, with more than 55 pairs counted in 2020, nearly doubling estimates, Audubon Vermont reported. At least 30 nesting sites are monitored statewide.

After such great success, it remains incumbent upon the rest of us to do our part by respecting these special sites as we continue to enjoy the fresh air and inspiration nature provides. The recent warm weather and sunshine has reminded us, there's no better place than Vermont to experience the beauty, peace and quiet of nature. But it takes all of us to protect these natural resources. Just as we need to help each other, we also need to safeguard the environment through steadfast work and engaging the public to take part in these initiatives. We can’t take what we love for granted. These scenic surroundings are true gifts, and every effort to sustain them and our local wildlife is deserving of our steadfast support.

— Gareth Henderson