The Vermont Peregrine Falcon population will likely reach a new all-time high of nearly 60 pairs in 2018. Audubon Vermont's staff and community scientists, and VT Fish & Wildlife staff are beginning the process of tallying the results for this year's breeding season. At least 55 cliffs are known to be occupied, surpassing previous records from 2016 & 2017 of 51 pairs. The young are still growing on the nests at most sites, but there are a few low elevation sites where young have already learned to fly. Most young will have fledged (taken their first flight) by mid-July, and will spend the rest of the summer practicing their flying and hunting skills. They will no longer be dependent on their parents for food a month after fledging, and will start exploring the areas around their natal cliffs. Cliffs that are officially closed to climbing and hiking will re-open August 1, unless it makes sense to open them earlier.
For more information on the Vermont Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project, visit: http://vt.audubon.org/conservation/peregrine-falcon-recovery-project
For a recent article on peregrines and seasonal cliff closures, see: https://www.timesargus.com/articles/cliff-sites-closed-to-protect-peregrine-falcons/
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