Since 1991, peregrine falcons have been actively nesting on the cliffs of Champlain Mountain. To observe these magnificent birds, join a park ranger or volunteer for Peregrine Watch, offered most days from mid-May through mid-August, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Precipice Trail parking area. Use viewing scopes to check out activity on the cliff, learn about field-identifying marks and behavior, and hear how you can promote the conservation of peregrine falcons.

Please note that the ending date of Peregrine Watch varies each year; due to the failure of the nests in 2007 (see information below), Peregrine Watch will likely end sooner than mid-August. Please contact us for more information.

To protect nesting peregrines, annual trail closures are in place during the time chicks are present in the nest. Although the closure order to protect the peregrines has been rescinded for 2007, the Precipice and East Face Trails remain closed due to earthquake damage.

May 15, 2008. This is the eighteenth season peregrine falcons have nested at Acadia National Park since the reintroduction efforts of the mid-1980s. Spring and early summer are exciting times at the park to catch glimpses of these incredible wonders of the air.

Currently the park has four pairs at the Precipice on Champlain Mountain, Valley Cove on Somes Sound, Beech Cliffs on Echo Lake, and Jordan Cliffs. This season is off to a good start after a disappointing 2007 season, when the region suffered some severe storms in April while the adults were incubating their eggs. None of the pairs produced young in 2007.

Champlain Mountain, along the historic Precipice Trail, hosts one of the favored spots of the peregrine falcons. At 1,058 feet, this cliff face and trail are closed during the nesting season (February/March through early August) to hikers and climbers to protect the peregrines. Peregrines have been actively nesting on this cliff since 1991. This year is pair is thought to be the same banded female of the past five years and the same male of at least the past two years.

The pair at the Precipice laid eggs in early April; the eggs are believed to have hatched sometime around May 8. Staff have been able to observe the adults actively chasing off intruders such as bald eagles, turkey vultures, and ravens.

Visitors can join a park ranger or volunteer until early August to view the spectacular sight of the falcon family nesting on the cliff. Contact the park at 207-288-3338 or check the park’s Beaver Log publication for more information about ranger talks and trail closures.

For weekly information about the status of peregrines in the park this year, check the weekly update starting in June.