2026 PEREGRINE WATCH SEASON
Based on our experience, current scientific research and raptor protection strategies of conservation partners, the Preserve will continue applying a responsive management approach during the early breeding season to optimize successful eyrie (cliff nest) site selection.
Starting Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Preserve will be implementing a temporary closure of climbing and bouldering at the Trapps Cliff as follows:
- Climbing – The sections between and including Laughing Man (5.11) and Clunies Jollies (5.12)
- Bouldering – The Buddha, Nameless, Murray and Boxcar areas. This includes all problems from Atlas (V10) to Little Death (V10)
We look forward to working together to enable another successful breeding season and help ensure the continued protection of these remarkable raptors. Once an eyrie is established, we will adjust the closure based on the line-of-sight approach that we typically use. This adjustment generally occurs in early spring.
Based on our experience, current scientific research and raptor protection strategies of conservation partners, the Preserve will continue applying a responsive management approach each year during the early breeding season to optimize successful eyrie (cliff nest) site selection. Click here to learn more about peregrines on the Shawangunk Ridge.
Peregrine Watch Observations
6.12.25 – Preserve Peregrine Cam
Two growing peregrine falcon chicks and a watchful parent are seen in their rocky eyrie.
The chicks are developing quickly, with their juvenile feathers coming in and their appearance darkening each day. As they continue to shed their soft down feathers, they’re getting closer to a major milestone: their very first flight—known as fledging.
5.21.25 – Preserve Peregrine Cam
We’re thrilled to announce that baby peregrine falcons have hatched in the Gunks! Our Peregrine Watch program has confirmed the presence of eyases, peregrine falcon chicks, at Mohonk Preserve. In this video, two chicks have been observed and are estimated to be between 19-23 days old.
4.29.25 – Preserve Peregrine Cam
Tune in to see some peregrine falcon action on the Shawangunk Ridge!
4.22.25 – Preserve Peregrine Cam
Blink and you might miss it! The peregrine falcon is renowned for its incredible speed, particularly during its hunting stoop, which is a controlled dive where the bird plunges from great heights to capture prey in the air, reaching speeds of over 200 mph.
4.8.25 – Preserve Peregrine Cam
Tune in to hear from some locals on the Shawangunk Ridge! Peregrine falcons vocalize for various reasons to communicate and coordinate behaviors like defense of territory, breeding and hunting food.
5.14.24 – Preserve Peregrine Cam: Footage shows a peregrine falcon vocalizing in the Shawangunk Ridge.
This peregrine is “ee-chupping.” Ee-chup is a peregrine-to-peregrine vocalization. Because this sounds like a “whisper call” or a softly vocalized call, it’s likely these peregrines are communicating in a friendly way to each other. Perhaps the peregrine staying in the eyrie is communicating to their partner something along the lines of, “have a nice flight” or “bring me back a tasty morsel!”
4.8.24 – Preserve Peregrine Cam: Two peregrine falcons are seen feeding on a northern flicker in the Shawangunk Ridge.
3.14.24 – Preserve Peregrine Cam: Tune in with your sound on for some peregrine falcon calls! This footage shows a pair of peregrine falcons on an eyrie in the Shawangunk Ridge talking to one another. Falcons will use various different calls to signal their presence to potential mates, communicate needs to their partners or to establish territory.
2.5.24 – Preserve Peregrine Cam: A peregrine falcon takes flight off an eyrie on the Shawangunk Ridge. Did you know the peregrine falcon is considered the fastest member of the animal kingdom? Peregrine falcons are very fast fliers, reaching speeds up to 69 mph in direct pursuit of prey and 200 mph when hunting from high above! These amazing high-speed dives are called hunting stoops.
1.16.24 – Preserve Peregrine Cam: A peregrine falcon preening their feathers to keep them clean.