THE PEREGRINE: WHAT CLIMBERS SHOULD KNOW
By Steve Longenecker
"#$%*#@# birds!" We've all said this, or something
like it, when arriving at
Looking Glass
,
Linville
or
Whitesides,
only to find that the very place we wanted to climb was closed because "somebody"
had decided that was bestfor the falcons.
I'm a climber. I'm also fascinated by the peregrine falcons and am the person
who posts the "Closure" signs at the North Side of Looking Glass. Perhaps
I can answer some of the questions you have about the annual Peregrine Closure
situation. You can also E-mail me at
"sfl@ioa.com" and I'll communicate with
you directly.
Q: "WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR BIRD?"
A: As with most things, it depends upon your perspective. For some, seeing
and hearing a peregrine is one of the most thrilling experiences ever. For
others, peregrines represent a ruined weekend of climbing. The peregrine
falcon, until 1999, was on the list of Federally Endangered Species. Though
it was de-listed then, it remains on North Carolina's list of endangered
species. The U.S. Forest Service's biologists, along with the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission's biologists, believe that the peregrine's recovery
is not yet strong enough to warrant de-listing in North Carolina.
Q: "AM I GOING TO BE IN BIG TROUBLE IF THEY CATCH ME IN THERE CLIMBING?"
A:
YES!. The law enforcement folks who work
for the U.S.Forest Service and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission will
cause problems for any climbers caught within the "Closure" area. When the
news is out that the posted boundaries are being enforced, it will act as
a strong deterrent to others who might be tempted to enter the posted area.
Q: "HOW DOES MY CLIMBING BOTHER THE PEREGRINES?"
A: Peregrines, if they were humans, would probably be taking Ritalin or Adderal!
They are "ADHD" birds, very excitable and impulsive. Yes, I realize that
I'm being anthropomorphic here, but many climbers can appreciate the comparison.
Not only are these very nervous birds, their instincts cause them to be both
territorial and protective of their progeny. Typically, their eggs are laid
on a flat surface, on the ledge below the overhang that has been established
as their "eyrie" (nesting place).
Seeing and/or hearing climbers can mean death for the eggs/immature peregrines.
There is no nest involved, only a flat surface with a shallow depression
that the birds have made ("scrape"). Peregrines have very long tails and
wingtips. An excited parent bird can easily dislodge an egg accidentally.
Another time, after the eggs have hatched, is also critical. A young peregrine
can be frightened to a point where it might panic and attempt to escape from
the eyrie. Unable to fly, it would die from the fall or from being unable
to kill its own food/defend itself on the ground.
Q: "WHY DO THE BOUNDARIES AT WHITESIDES AND LINVILLE CHANGE FROM YEAR
TO YEAR?"
A: The nesting pair of peregrines at Looking Glass
have returned to the same eyrie each spring since 1989; other pairs have
established alternate sites over the years. While the biologists want to
make rock climbing as easy for us as possible, they also must find, then
protect, nesting locations that have changed from a previous year.
The large "Notices", found at either trailheads or on bulletin boards, show
detailed maps and other information that can keep from making your hike an
exercise in frustration.
Q: "WILL THESE `CLOSURES' REMAIN IN EFFECT FOREVER?"
A: No! Once the biologists have determined (1) that the peregrine has been
effectively re-established in the North Carolina mountains or (2) that climbing
activity is not causing any problems for the birds, then expect the closures
to be stopped.
Until that time, please help inform other climbers about what is being said
here and continue enjoying both the climbs and the magnificent peregrine!
Thanks.
Steve
Longenecker
Falling Creek Camp
(828) 254-9726
E-mail: sfl@ioa.com
Submitted by Steve Longenecker
