Jump to content

Ducknut

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    888

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    1

 Content Type 

Posts posted by Ducknut

    The rhyme and reason behind falcon closures?

    in Climber's Board

    Posted

    don't goldens get a big closure at smith? seem to recall seeing really cool, giant nests walking back from the marsupials this summer 'round the monument area

     

    Yes Ivan there is a huge old nest there. Golden Eagle nest sites like falcon aeries can be used for hundreds of years. I have read of gyrfalcon nests in Greenland that have prey remains documenting shifts in prey over the last few hundreds of years. This is one of the reason that agencies protect falcon nest sites. Once successful nest site is established by a pair they and may be used the site for the rest of their reproductive life.

    The rhyme and reason behind falcon closures?

    in Climber's Board

    Posted

    So I dont really check the site too often, but I just noticed this. I have no interest in getting involved in the Beacon Rock arguments so back to the original postings. There are two birds the climbers in the northwest really need to think about. The peregrine is the most common, and there is a ton of known research and studies about them. If the bird scientists say 500ft then there is probably a good reason for it. I personally find it enjoyable to see peregrines at climbing areas and the closures are not that big of a deal. If you are super pissed off that one climbing area is closed due to birds you need to branch out a little more and think about climbing some routes you have never climbed before.

     

    Golden Eagles are another bird that cliffs are getting closed for. I have done some work with these birds so I know a little more about them.

    Goldens need a much bigger closure area than peregrines. So its possible the Zion closures are for them. If a golden eagle sees you heading to toward a nest the adult will often leave the nest before you ever see them. They will not return until you are done climbing so it is entirely possible a climber could cause a golden eagle nest to fail without ever seeing the bird. One trip to a cliff with a golden eagle nest could be the end of the chicks. There is a nest at China Bend here in Washington that has failed for the last 7 years due to climbers. There is also a very healthy population of goldens at Tieton, and a couple at smith. I have been working directly with the raptor biologist for WA fish and wildlife so if anyone has any specific questions let me know.

    Just to clarify everyone elses answers, yes almost all birds are protected under the migratory species act.

     

    Thanks for mentioning golden eagles Alasdair. They are in serious trouble and are extremely sensitive to disturbance.

    The rhyme and reason behind falcon closures?

    in Climber's Board

    Posted

    Since you asked and I don't have time to read the above links, but as a biologist who is responsible for conserving migratory birds.

     

    1. Yes, they are Federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under that Act all take is prohibited unless authorized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Take under MBTA does not include disturbance like the Endangered Species Act. However, removal of active nests or young is defined as take.

     

    2. Each Land Management Agency can establish it's own rules, regulations and policies to protect nesting peregrines, active nests and young. There are no standard guidelines on how far from a nest climbing can occur without disturbing the birds. No agency wants to see the peregrine re-listed and be the cause of that action. So they all adopt whatever distance seems appropriate for that local circumstance.

     

    3. Peregrines are increasing or stable in most of the West. But they require pretty specific conditions to successfully nest. Giving up a little cliff space for successful pairs seems like a reasonable thing to ask from climbers.

    important question

    in Spray

    Posted

    No such excitement Paul. No, I am just old, fat, and had ACL replacement, been as busy as shit saving the world, and bought a retirement farm assuming I live long enough to retire.

     

    Muffster, hugs and kisses. 8D

    Sobo's starting early today!!!1

    in Spray

    Posted

    Glad things turned out ok Paul. I hope you also teach the little lady that wheat flour will burn also. I am glad that it smothered the flames instead of going poof. Wanna bet that beside the new MW and cabinets that you end up with new counters, appliances and flooring?

×
×
  • Create New...