2023 Peregrine Watch Season Update
Through our Peregrine Watch program, we now have confirmed nesting activity in the Trapps. As a result, we are revising our temporary climbing and bouldering closures as follows:
- Trapps Climbing – No climbing between and including Forty Eight (5.4) to and including Pressure Drop (5.12.b).
- Trapps Bouldering – No bouldering in the Boxcar area. Exception: Problems starting on or below Undercliff Carriage Road will remain open for small, quiet groups of 10 or fewer.
We will continue to post updates on the peregrines’ progress here. Thanks for your continued support of the Preserve’s conservation mission and we look forward to a successful breeding season!
Click here to learn more about peregrines on the Shawangunk Ridge.
2023 Peregrine Watch Observations
May 22 – 10:30 a.m.
An adult peregrine falcon emerged from a sentry tree, began flying along the clifftop, came across a group of turkey vultures, and started dive bombing them in a territorial manner. Once the peregrine chased off the turkey vultures, they returned to perch in the same sentry tree.
May 11 – 10:50 a.m.
A female peregrine flew out of eyrie, was joined by the male in an aerial male-to-female prey exchange. The female flew to the south, the male went into eyrie. Later, the female returned to eyrie with prey and the male flew from the eyrie heading south.
May 7 – 4:50 p.m.
The Peregrine Watch team has reported sightings of incubation, perching and nest exchange behaviors.
April 21 – mulitple reports
At Trapps, Millbrook and Bonticou, peregrines are displaying behavior that indicates incubation. The average incubation period for these raptors 4 weeks. Male peregrine falcons have been observed perching at sentry locations to keep a watchful eye out while the female sits on the eggs.
April 10, 10 a.m.
Male peregrine observed patrolling, defending territory, and perching at sentry points that overlook the eyrie. Female presumed to be incubating eggs.
April 2, 10:30 a.m.
A male peregrine was seen dive-bombing two turkey vultures and returning to the eyrie.
March 21, 10 a.m.
Activity was observed from a territorial pair of peregrine falcons. The two peregrine falcons visited a potential eyrie ledge and nearby sentry perch several times.
March 13, 11:30 a.m.
Adult peregrine falcon was observed flying and perching at multiple locations.
March 10, 2:00 p.m.
Two peregrine falcons were observed vocalizing ‘ee-chup calls.’
March 9, 10:05 a.m.
An adult peregrine falcon was observed landing on a rock ledge, flying off, and returning to the ledge. Half an hour later two peregrine falcons were observed flying.
March 5, 10 a.m.
Observed a peregrine dive bomb a bald eagle high above the cliff. Around 11:30 a.m., a peregrine landed on a ledge and remained perched there for 19 minutes until observation ended.
Feb 26, 10:15 a.m.
An adult peregrine flew a short distance to perch on a ledge just beneath a small dome-shaped overhang 40 feet from the top of the cliff. The peregrine remained perched for half an hour, then flew out of view.
Feb 19, 12:10 p.m.
Single adult peregrine observed perching. A pair of ravens was also observed.
Feb. 13, 10:50 a.m.
Single adult peregrine spotted exhibiting perching and preening behavior. Perching continued throughout the observation.
Jan. 31, 1:05 p.m.
Two peregrines were spotted exhibiting perching behavior. They landed, flew off, and landed back in original spot. They turned into an alcove, re-emerged 30 seconds later, flapped their wings, and briefly basked in the sun before disappearing at 1:17 p.m.
Banner Photo by Tom Sarro