2024 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.

As of Thursday, February 1, 2024, the Preserve has implemented 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)

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.

Signage about the closures is posted at the Trapps Cliff. Closures will not be implemented at Millbrook Ridge or Bonticou Crag, but Peregrine Watch volunteers and staff will continue to monitor peregrine falcon eyrie sites at all three cliffs.

As a reminder, peregrine nesting season may possibly run through late summer. We will keep you updated as the season progresses and share our latest observations with you.

Thank you for your support of our conservation mission as we work together to enable a successful breeding season and help ensure the continued recovery of these remarkable raptors.

Click here to learn more about peregrines on the Shawangunk Ridge.

Peregrine Watch Observations

Peregrine falcon by Karen Maloy Brady

3.1.24 – Peregrine Watch 2024: The 2024 Peregrine Watch season started with a successful volunteer orientation on February, 14th with 18 new volunteers signed up. Overall, the group has 32 volunteers who will monitor the ridge for peregrine falcon activity.

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.

Binocular scope pointed at the Gunks on a blue sky winter's day
Peregrine watch sighting scope by Penny Adler-Colvin

1.18.24 – Peregrine Watch Volunteer Orientation: For information about participating in our Volunteer Peregrine Watch program, we are holding an orientation session on February 14 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Click here for more information on this and our other Volunteer opportunities.

12.21.23 – Preserve Peregrine Cam: Enjoy this video of peregrine falcon activity on the ridge.