Peregrin Falcon Nesting Season: Acadia National Park Closes Trails

As the peregrine falcon nesting season begins in Acadia National Park, the National Park Service has temporarily closed several trails to provide these magnificent birds with adequate space for breeding and raising their young. The affected areas include Jordan Cliffs Trail, Precipice Trail, and Valley Cove Trail, which will remain closed until further notice.

This year, three breeding pairs of peregrine falcons have made their homes on Acadia's cliffs, with nests located near these trails. To ensure the success of their nesting attempts, park resource managers are carefully monitoring the areas to determine if the falcon families are thriving or not. Public entry into these closed areas is strictly prohibited and can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.

Visitors who attempt to enter these areas may inadvertently disturb the falcons and their chicks, leading to serious consequences for the birds' health and well-being. Research has shown that nesting peregrine falcons are particularly vulnerable to human activities, which can cause them to abandon their nests temporarily or permanently. This can leave the eggs and chicks susceptible to hypothermia, starvation, and predation.

To protect these magnificent birds, park staff and volunteers have posted hundreds of signs along the trails, alerting visitors to the presence of nesting birds. Additionally, visitor outreach efforts are underway on the islands and at local boat ramps to educate people about the importance of respecting these bird habitats.

Visitors who wish to learn more about the peregrine falcon nesting season in Acadia National Park can explore the park's website or visit our barrier islands page for information on which TNC-owned barrier islands in Virginia are open for public use and about important use policies and restrictions.

By taking a few simple steps, visitors can help ensure the success of these iconic birds. Remember to stay on designated trails, keep a safe distance from nesting areas, and avoid bringing pets or other animals that may disturb the falcons and their chicks.

In partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Volgenau Foundation, Acadia National Park is committed to managing and protecting its coastal treasures for future generations. As part of our Migratory Bird Program, we work tirelessly to prevent disturbances to these incredible birds while still allowing visitors to enjoy these beautiful natural areas.

By respecting the peregrine falcon nesting season in Acadia National Park, we can help ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent birds and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Peregrin falcon nesting season