For the first time in nearly 50 years, a pair of peregrine
falcons have made their nest at the Pinnacles National Monument – a
demonstration of the park’s aggressive restoration efforts in
bringing the once-endangered birds back to the area, according to
staff.
Paicines – For the first time in nearly 50 years, a pair of peregrine falcons have made their nest at the Pinnacles National Monument – a demonstration of the park’s aggressive restoration efforts in bringing the once-endangered birds back to the area, according to staff.
The pair were first spotted in January, and three eggs appeared in the duo’s cliff-side nest April 3, said Gavin Emmons, Pinnacles raptor biologist. While a pair were seen in the same vicinity last year, this is the first time the birds have nested at the national park since 1957, Emmons said.
The nest is located on the north side of Hawkins Peak, about 50 feet from its base, Emmons said. If the pair are experienced nesters and everything goes well, three baby falcons could make their appearance by mid-May, he said.
Peregrine falcons disappeared completely from the Pinnacles from 1960 to the mid-1980s. They were listed as endangered species in 1970 due to pesticide poisoning that resulted in egg-shell thinning, but have slowly increased in numbers thanks to the banning of pesticide DDT in 1973, according to a park-issued statement. They were taken off the endangered species list in the late 90s, and while they have been observed migrating through the park in past years, no nesting occurred until this January, according to the statement.
This year marks the 19th year of raptor monitoring at the park, and the return of a nesting pair of falcons reinforces the importance of having raptor advisory areas in place from January to July, Emmons said. Raptor monitoring areas, such as the one where the falcons are nesting, are locations around the park where visitors are asked not to tread, Emmons said.
Visitors, staff and climbers’ help and cooperation in respecting the advisory areas is one of the reasons for the birds’ historic return, according to Tom Leatherman, chief of research and resource management.
“This demonstrates the effectiveness of the advisory program, which would not be possible without everyone’s cooperation,” he said. “Now more people will have an opportunity to see these spectacular birds in their own backyard.”
Because falcons have been known to desert their nests if humans get too close or make too much noise, visitors interested in viewing the nest are asked to observe from an area a distance away, he said.
The best viewpoint is where the Condor Gulch Trail meets up with the High Peaks Trail, he said.
For more information about the birds call Pinnacles National Monument at (831) 389-4485, or visit the park located at 5000 Highway 146 in Paicines.
