![]() ![]() They are growing up too fast! With them getting closer and closer to fledgling age, the chicks can often be seen out on the edge of their nest or scrape. Somewhat like the weather here at Acadia National Park, the chicks are changing and fast! Last week they looked similar to white puffballs and this week there are little to no white downy feathers left. To no surprise, the falcons have no issue with trying to chase away humans, causing the banders to wear hard hats and other protective gear. Peregrine falcons are very territorial and aggressive birds they can be seen chasing off eagles, vultures, and other birds away from the nest site. Too small, and the band will slip right off, but too big and they are fearful of humans and difficult to band. Thanks to this process, we were given the information of having two girls and one boy chick! We will have to brainstorm some names for them soon.īanding can only happen in a short period of time when the chicks are the perfect size at 21-25 days old. Recently, the chicks at the Precipice Trail site have been banded by Wildlife Management staff here at Acadia National Park. Data can be combined to estimate survivorship of young chicks after independence, and overall help to demographically predict how many nests are required in an area to insure proper population in a region. Some other information gained from banding includes life-span, travel distance, where they spend winter, and how young they are when they start to breed. Do not let the weather stop you from stopping at the program, a cloudy dreary day was a great day to see the falcons perched on the cliff and still chasing off other birds.īanding is important to assist in the knowledge of where peregrine falcons and other birds travel throughout their lifetime. Hot afternoons or rainy days seem to be a little less action packed, as the birds would prefer to stay out of harsh weather. In nice weather, peregrine falcons are most active during dawn and dusk, where they will spend most of their time hunting. They also have no trouble making sure they are being heard, screeching from the bottom of the cliffs. Parent falcons have been busy with catching and transferring food, chasing away everything in their territory, and saving some time to pose for those of us looking at them through scopes. While they are young, they can be compared to cotton or snowballs, you can sometimes spot them poking their heads out of the nest and enjoying the view from the cliff. The chicks are at an age to where they will begin trying to fledge by the end of the month. My plan is to delve deeper into the history and fun facts about this program throughout the season. Using the falcons as an example is the perfect way for enhancing visitor appreciation for reintroducing and protecting other native species as well. Having the public be involved in this program is the perfect way for the community to create a pride and personal understanding of these amazing raptors, and more support for their overall protection. I am honored to be a part of this amazing program and excited to invite all of you along on this journey of watching the chicks (eyases) grow up. The PEFA program is an amazing opportunity for people in the community to become more interested and knowledgeable about ways national parks conserve natural resources. Through my education and experiences, I found my main interest in informing the public on the importance of conservation and sustainable practices. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Iowa State University. I grew up in a small town in Iowa where I found my passion of protecting and conserving wildlife and the environment. Birds are fascinating to me, and I am ecstatic to learn as much about them as possible and share my knowledge. My name is Logan Witt, and I am the Raptor Intern for the 2023 season. The main goal of the program is to enhance visitor understanding and appreciation for reintroducing and protecting native species.Īcadia National Park typically hires a Raptor Intern through the Student Conservation Association to assist with the Peregrine Falcon Watch. A Peregrine Falcon Watch program (PEFA) is offered at the Precipice Trail parking lot where scopes are set up to view the nesting area and falcons. DDT pesticide overuse was the main reason for the decline of peregrine falcon populations. The once endangered peregrine falcon has been protected since 1970 to save them from extinction. ![]() Conservation efforts are the culprit of these closings. You may wonder why the infamous Precipice Trail, along with Jordan Cliffs and Valley Cove trails, are closed during the most popular season at Acadia National Park. This extremely steep route up the Precipice Trail on Champlain Mountain is among those closed to the public during Peregrine falcon nesting season.Īshley L.
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