Raptor Advisories Lifted at Pinnacles NM

Date: June 30, 2006

Rock formations subject to advisory closures to rock climbing and off-trail hiking for protecting nesting falcons and eagles have been reopened. A total of 32 Prairie Falcons fledged this year from ten nests, a successful year for the falcons. Additionally, 3 Peregrine Falcons fledged from a nest at HawkinsPeak. American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Cooper’s Hawks produced young this year.

Pinnacles’ rock climbing advisories are lifted a few weeks after the nests have fledged young. Park visitors did an excellent job of following advisories. PinnaclesNational Monument can only successfully protect raptors with everyone’s help. We thank the climbers and hikers for their patience and support of our efforts to protect our spectacular birds of prey at Pinnacles. “I want to extend my gratitude to the climbing community for their cooperation and proactive approach to spreading the word on Pinnacles’ raptor closures.  Thanks to you the raptors enjoyed a successful breeding season”, said David Horne, Chief Ranger of PinnaclesNational Monument.

For more information regarding the reopening of the climbing areas, or the park’s raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4485 extension 223. Generalpark information can be obtained by visiting www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.