A biologist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is recommending that climbers avoid the area where the two falcons are expected to nest, a ledge on the southwestern cliff face. The closure is between what climbers call Power Line Wall and Head Wall.
Last year, climbers avoided the area where the falcons nested. It’s not unusual to close climbing routes to protect nesting raptors. In 1970, peregrine falcons were placed on the federal Endangered Species List, but they were delisted in 1991. There are only 72 known pairs in Washington state, including three pairs on Fidalgo Island.
If disturbed by nearby activity, falcons would leave their eggs unattended and exposed to the elements. If they hatch unattended, chicks could fall from the cliff when startled.