Index Alert

[StreetBoss]

This is just in from Eddie Espinoza the AAC Regional Coordinator here in the PNW. Please spread the word.

 

 

 

"There is an active peregrine falcon nest on the Beach ledge in the Cheeks area, on the right side of the Index Upper Town Wall. The young birds are about to fledge. Washington State Parks and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have asked that climbers not climb or work on projects in the area during the next three weeks, until July 7, 2012.

 

The closure area includes all routes beginning and ending at the Beach ledge, starting from Engines of Archimedes on the west and including the Perverse Traverse. You can still hike along the base of the wall. You can also still climb one-pitch climbs in the Zipper area (e.g., Zipper first pitch, Active Boys Puke A Lot, Attractive Nuisance). Please respect this closure for the benefit of the young falcons and the future of climbing at the Index Town Walls."

 

[mattp]

 

Yes, please don't climb these routes for another few weeks. There is a nest and baby birds and the parents will most likely not be friendly if you enter this area while your being there could pose a threat to the baby birds.

 

For the birds and for your own climbing pleasure it'd be a good idea to climb somewhere else and the State Parks and Fish and Wildlife people have asked us to cooperate.

 

These birds have been nesting in this location (or nearby) for several years.

[Buckaroo]

Saw these falcons 2 weeks ago, and there was prey feathers on the ledges of Rattletale a month ago. One time at the base of the upper wall found a pigeon foot with a band on it.

 

3 weeks ago saw a hawk take a baby rabbit on the side of I-5 by Boeing field, grabbed it with one claw, he almost hit a car as he swooped in. Perfect timing as I was cruising by about 70mph.

 

Nice to see these species well on the rebound, there was a time when a raptor was a rare sighting.