Since 1991, peregrine falcons have nested 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 end date of Peregrine Watch varies each year. 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.

July 2009. This was the nineteenth season peregrine falcons have nested at Acadia National Park since the reintroduction efforts of the mid-1980s. This year, two female and two male falcons were born at Beech Cliffs (above Echo Lake) and one male and one female were born at the Precipice on Champlain Mountain.

In the entire state of Maine for the 2009 season, there were a total of about 24 active peregrine territories. Fifteen of those were successful; including Acadia, 37 new young peregrine falcons fledged state-wide. In addition, park biologists and falcon enthusiasts were delightfully surprised when a new peregrine territory was discovered on an island in Frenchman Bay. This year three young fledged from this new territory.

For more information about the 2009 nesting season, check out the weekly update.