WOODBURY – The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (F&W) and Audubon Vermont recommend people check to see if the area they are planning to hike or climb is open, as some cliff tops and overlooks are closed to protect nesting peregrines. In addition to trail closures to reduce impacts during mud season, several cliff areas are now 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 their nests,” said Nongame Bird Biologist Jillian Kilborn with F&W. “The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to cliff tops or overlooks.” Over the next couple months, biologists and community scientists will be identifying cliffs occupied by peregrines this year.
There are two sites in the area: Marshfield Mountain (Marshfield), portions closed to climbing and Nichols Ledge (Woodbury), cliff-top and climbing closed.
The majority of the sites are visited in April, and nesting falcons can choose new sites, so additional sites may be added or removed from the closed list which will be updated and provided on F&W’s website. The list includes sites that have been closed in the past and will remain closed until August 1 or until F&W determines the risk to nesting falcons has passed.
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,” said Fowle. “In many cases the lower portions of the trails remain open, and we encourage people to enjoy watching peregrine falcons from a distance that requires using binoculars or a spotting scope.” To help Vermont peregrines, respect cliff closures, and retreat from any cliff where peregrines are seen. Report any disturbance of nesting peregrines to the local state game warden. Report any sightings to Margaret Fowle at [email protected]
