By Julia Purdy
Just as Californians hail the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano, here in Vermont the return of the peregrine falcon to its breeding grounds is a cause for pride and excitement.
This year, peregrine falcons have already returned to their nesting cliffs throughout the state. To protect nesting peregrine falcons in two of the most popular and scenic hiking trails in the Green Mountain National Forest, the Forest Service has once again closed access to two prominent cliff sites on the national forest lands in Rutland County.
Cliff closures
As of March 15, Rattlesnake Cliff (above Lake Dunmore in Salisbury) and Mount Horrid-Great Cliff (at the top of Brandon Gap, Route 73) are closed through the summer, until Aug.1. The closure, which includes the trails and areas accessing these cliffs, is intended to prevent disturbance to critical falcon nesting habitat.
Peregrine falcon populations suffered declines due to the use of DDT in the 1940s but slowly started to recover after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which was established in the early 1970s, outlawed the use of DDT. DDT was shown to cause the thinning of birds’ shells, resulting in the loss of unhatched chicks.
Thanks in part also to the programmed captive-breeding and release of peregrines throughout northern New England from 1982 to 1987, the birds have rebounded and thrived, making the peregrine falcon a resounding success story and a beloved sight.
Across Vermont, 2021 was a very successful year for peregrines; 40 nesting pairs produced 68 young that fledged successfully. Peregrines, whose name means “wanderer,” are fast and agile aerial hunters who often descend to valley floors to nab rodents or small birds caught on the fly. They are recognizable by their pale underside, black “moustache,” sharply pointed wingtips, and speed.
What you can do
Even though — and perhaps especially because — the peregrine falcon was removed from Vermont’s endangered list in 2005, to maintain that recovery it is critical to minimize human disturbance to nest sites so that the species’ recovery continues.
Disturbance of peregrine falcons and/or their nesting grounds is a violation of federal law and may result in a fine up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
Given the increased participation in outdoor activities, particularly hiking, the Green Mountain National Forest asks hikers, campers and picnickers to adhere to the closure signs posted on the trails leading to the cliff overlooks.
Peregrine falcons are also known to nest in other cliff areas such as Bird Mountain (“Birds-eye”) in Ira and other places such as towers, silos, bridges and tall buildings.
Several agencies collaborate in peregrine falcon conservation: the U.S. Forest Service-Green Mountain National Forest, Audubon Vermont, the Vermont Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Federation, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), and the Nature Conservancy.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife makes the following recommendations:
- Peregrines generally nest about 1/3 of the way down an open cliff face. Avoid activities within mile of nest sites and especially activities above nests during the breeding season (March-July). View them through binoculars.
- Honor warning signs when posted. If a bird sounds an alarm when you’re near its territory, immediately back off. Observe and report on peregrine sightings and nesting activities in your area. Report any harassment of nesting peregrine falcons to 1-800-75ALERT.
