2025 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 Saturday, February 1, 2025, 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)
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. We thank our dedicated Conservation Science staff and Peregrine Watch participants for their diligent observations of the peregrine sites and the climbing community for their patience and support of our efforts to protect these amazing falcons.
Click here to learn more about peregrines on the Shawangunk Ridge.
Peregrine Watch Observations
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.
12.21.23 – Preserve Peregrine Cam: Enjoy this video of peregrine falcon activity on the ridge.