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 Although the closure order to protect the peregrines has been rescinded for 2007, the Precipice and East Face Trails remain closed due to earthquake damage.

Fall 2008. The ranger-led Peregrine Watch has come to an end for the 2008 season. This was the 18th consecutive season a falcon pair lived on the cliff face since their reintroduction into the park in the 1980s. This year, the park had three other pairs at Valley Cove (Flying Mountain on Somes Sound), Jordan Cliffs, and Beech Cliffs (on Echo Lake).

The peregrine falcons were again successful in the park. Both the Precipice and the Valley Cove pairs raised three young. Typically in late summer, the young will move off on their own, and they will begin to migrate in the fall. Peregrine falcons can migrate as far as Central and South America. Adults will often migrate south as well; however, last winter the Precipice adults were spotted throughout the winter. Will they spend this winter here as well? Keep your eyes and ears open for the birds!

Where can you find the birds on the cliff when they are here? Anywhere! The birds can often be very hard to find. But when the trail opens in August, the male and female sometimes remain and watch the visitors who climb the trail. You may catch a glimpse of them as they sit perched on the cliff or circle in front of the cliff.

Join us next May to watch the peregrines!