Peregrine Falcons at Harpers Ferry

L to R: native shale gravel added to improve drainage at one of the nesting sites; female peregrine falcon perched on Maryland Heights cliff face; bird's eye view of Harpers Ferry from one of the peregrine falcon nesting sites.

NPS Photos

 

 

Why are we concerned about Peregrine Falcons?

Historically, the use of DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) as a pesticide resulted in a rapid decline in the population. DDT caused eggshell thinning, resulting in the eggshell breaking while being incubated. This resulted in the near extinction of the species. Since the ban of DDT in the 1970s, peregrine falcon populations have recovered significantly and are showing signs of recovery where they haven’t been spotted for decades, such as Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry.

Peregrine falcons are considered rare in Maryland and West Virginia and threatened in Virginia. The species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

 

L to R: Alan Williams, Shenandoah National Park ecologist, rappelling to one of the peregrine falcon nesting sites; Williams inspecting a nesting site.

NPS Photos

What is the NPS doing?

Staff at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park have been working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other subject matter experts and volunteers to help protect and re-introduce peregrine falcons back to the area for over a decade. In the past, several pairs of peregrine falcons have utilized the cliffs but did not successfully produce a viable clutch or successful fledgling until 2021.

In February 2017 a team of Natural Resource professionals from Shenandoah National Park worked with protection rangers and resource staff at Harpers Ferry to perform a nest site inspection at two locations on the cliffs of Maryland Heights. The inspection involved an Ecologist from Shenandoah National Park, Alan Williams, rappelling to the observed nesting sites, assessing the conditions and ultimately, adding native stones and gravel to improve site conditions and drainage. Site condition could have been one reason why the peregrine falcons did not successfully produce offspring prior to 2021.

Harpers Ferry NHP issues a seasonal, temporary cliff closure to protect peregrine falcons in years when the birds are present in the park. The closure is in place because peregrine falcons are a sensitive species on several levels. Human interference, especially during the nesting phase, can drive the mature falcons off, abandoning eggs and fledglings that would be left to die. Specific cliff areas are closed and a portion of the areas above the cliffs are closed. The closure is marked with signs and fencing. Please respect this closure to give the peregrine falcons a safe habitat to breed and nest.

 

2024 Seasonal Closures at Maryland Heights

From February 15 to July 31, 2024, portions of Maryland Heights, including several climbing areas and rock outcroppings near the overlook, will be closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Learn more.

 

2024 climbing area closures to protect nesting peregrine falcons. These are the same as in 2023.

NPS

 

Peregrine falcon in flight in the skies above Harpers Ferry NHP

NPS Photo/Volunteer Joe Kelly

2021 Success

For the first time in almost 70 years, a peregrine falcon chick hatched and fledged (developed feathers that enabled it to fly) at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. It was one of three hatchlings, but the only chick to make it through the vulnerable newborn phase and successfully fledge. Learn more about this historic event.

 

2022: Second Consecutive Successful Year

For the second consecutive year, peregrine falcon chicks successfully fledged. Out of four hatchlings, three chicks survived the vulnerable nestling phase and entered the fledging phase after they developed feathers enabling them to fly. Learn more about this event and the program that supports it.

 

Three peregrine falcon chicks successfully fledged in 2022.

NPS/Kelley.

 

Two of the three peregrine falcon fledglings from 2023 sit atop a bridge superstructure.

NPS/Volunteer Midge Flinn Yost

2023: All three chicks survive to Fledging

Three peregrine falcon chicks successfully took their first flights from the cliffs of Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP) in 2023. This is the third consecutive, documented fledging of peregrine falcons since the 1950s from this historic breeding site. This is also the first time in over 70 years that each chick has survived to this milestone.

 

Peregrine Falcon Facts

 

FAQs

Q: Why is the NPS protecting peregrine falcons at Harpers Ferry NHP?

A: Maryland Heights is the last known historic nesting site in Maryland to have a productive peregrine eyrie (nest) prior to the decline of the species.

Although no longer an endangered species, peregrine falcons are considered rare in Maryland and West Virginia and threatened in Virginia, and the species is protected under the Migratory Birds Act.

Following best practices in conservation, the National Park Service’s goal is to support the peregrines in reestablishing eyries on the Maryland Heights cliffs.

Q: When are there closures to protect the peregrine falcons?

A: In 2021, the closures are from February 25 to July 31.

Q: Is the overlook open on Maryland Heights?

A: Yes, trails are open and the overlook is open on Maryland Heights. Several rock outcroppings are closed near the overlook to give the peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting.

Q: What climbing areas are open on Maryland Heights?

A: The Union Walls climbing area is open. All bouldering sites remain open on Maryland Heights.

Q: Where can I observe the peregrine falcons?

A: The Point in Harpers Ferry is a great place to observe the peregrine falcons. Peregrines are fast fliers and are about the size of a crow, so we suggest bringing binoculars or a spotting scope for the best viewing experience.

Q: If I see someone disobeying the closure, what should I do?

A: To report disturbances, please contact the National Park Service at 866-677-6677 or e-mail us.

Q: Where can I learn more about peregrine falcons?

A: For general information about peregrines and other birds, check out Cornell University’s All About Birds website (allaboutbirds.org).

Q: What other birds can I observe in Harpers Ferry?

A: There are over 120 species of birds that breed, nest, or migrate within Harpers Ferry NHP. To learn more about these birds, check out our Birds web page at go.nps.gov/HFbirds.

 

Peregrine Falcon Facts

Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus

Size: Adult peregrines are about the size of a crow with wings that can span more than three feet.

Weight: Females are larger than males weighing 32 to 34 ounces (900-960 grams). Males are about one-third smaller and weigh 18 to 20 ounces (500-570 grams). At birth, chicks weigh about 1.5 ounces (42 grams), but they grow quickly and eat so much that they can double their weight in just six days. They grow to be 10 times their birth size after only three weeks.

Coloration: Both sexes have the same coloration. In the first year, they are a chocolate brown with lighter streaks on the belly. Adults have slate blue backs and white with black speckling and salmon hues on the breast. Both sexes have a distinctive small black stripe under each eye. Chicks are covered with a soft, white down. Brownish feathers appear in three to five weeks.

Habitat: In the wild, peregrines prefer high cliffs overlooking rivers and lakes where they build their nests. The nest is called a "scrape" which is often nothing more that a small depression in dirt or gravel. They also have been know to set up house on tall bridges, on tall building ledges, and other high places.

Preferred food: Peregrines are determined hunters that fly at high altitudes and often dive on their prey at very high speeds. They mostly feed on birds they catch in mid-air including pigeons and ducks. They also prey on smaller birds such as sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, flickers, jays and doves. A mature peregrine consumes about 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of food each day which is equivalent to two medium-sized birds.

Reproduction and Growth: Peregrines usually begin breeding around two years of age. The male mating ritual includes aerial acrobatics to attract the attention of females. Often the male will kill a bird and present it to the female. Sometimes the male, while flying above the female, will drop his prey which is caught by the female.

She lays a clutch of three to five eggs each spring. The eggs are smaller than chicken eggs and can range in color from a light pink to a reddish-brown. The pair share incubation duties which last about 33 days. At about 12 weeks of age, juveniles begin to hunt and care for themselves. A breeding pair may use the same nest site for many years. Peregrines have been known to live as long as 15 years.

Fast fliers: Their long pointed wings give them a fast-looking appearance. In level flight, they can reach 60 mph. They have been clocked diving, or stooping, at speeds of more than 200 mph.

 

Female peregrine falcon at Harpers Ferry NHP

NPS Photo