ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has reopened 11 cliff areas across the state to hikers now that peregrine falcons have finished their nesting period.
Fish and Wildlife Biologist John Buck says the young peregrines have developed, and nesting data suggest the species had a very good year. The nesting sites are monitored from March to the end of July. The cliff areas were closed to hiking in May.
At least 40 pairs of peregrines occupied Vermont's cliffs in early spring and summer. Preliminary results indicate at least 39 of them nested, with 28 pairs successfully producing at least 60 chicks. That's a 44 percent increase in nesting pairs a 55 percent increase in pairs producing young birds compared to last year's season.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
