MONTPELIER — Hikers and rock climbers can return to Vermont cliffs starting Aug. 1 now that peregrine falcon nesting season has ended. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has confirmed that all the young falcons have learned to fly and will not be disturbed by human presence on the cliffs. 
“The young peregrines have fledged, and nesting data suggest Vermont falcons had a successful year. A final report will be issued later this year,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s bird biologist Doug Morin. He noted that the falcons’ nesting success is due in large part to the hikers and rock climbers who observe a respectful distance from nesting falcons during this critical period. 
According to Audubon biologist Margaret Fowle, who coordinates the monitoring effort on behalf of the Fish & Wildlife Department, biologists and volunteers monitored peregrine pairs that occupied at least 55 Vermont cliffs in early spring and summer. 
“We greatly appreciate the time and effort volunteers put into monitoring the population this year, and we thank landowners and recreationists for their cooperation in protecting nesting peregrines from human disturbance,” said Fowle.