MONTPELIER — Hikers and rock climbers can return to Vermont cliffs now that peregrine falcon nesting season has ended. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Audubon Vermont have confirmed that the majority of young falcons have learned to fly and should not be disturbed by human presence on the cliffs.

According to Audubon biologist Margaret Fowle, who coordinates the monitoring effort on behalf of the Fish and Wildlife Department, biologists and volunteers monitored peregrine pairs that occupied at least 40 Vermont cliffs in early spring and summer.

Fowle noted that peregrine nesting success would not be possible without the more than 45 volunteers who monitor the nest sites statewide from March to the end of July.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife and Audubon Vermont partner to monitor and protect peregrine nesting sites in Vermont. Peregrine falcons were removed from the state’s Threatened and Endangered Species List in 2005. Ongoing cooperation from recreationists and continued monitoring efforts by Vermont Fish and Wildlife and Audubon Vermont will help sustain the peregrine’s remarkable recovery into the future.