Climbers flock to the same cliffs raptors love to nest on—sheer cliffs that are difficult to access and have commanding views. During nesting season, however, our presence can spell trouble for raptors, such as Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, and climbers may be at risk of getting attacked by territorial birds. A little pre-climb planning and some awareness can ensure you’re giving these apex predators the space they need to raise young and keep you safe from falcon dive bombs.
Why Raptors Pick the Same Crags We Love
Many birds of prey build cliffside nests to avoid ground predators and to launch effortlessly into flight. Golden Eagles often return to the same aerie, or nest, year after year, while Peregrine Falcons—nature’s fastest flyers—prefer sheer faces that mimic their ancestral sea cliffs. Because these ledges double as classic climbing lines and staging areas, accidental encounters are unfortunately common and can come with negative consequences for all involved. Raptors are protected under federal and state laws, and stressing a nesting pair can cause adults to abandon eggs or chicks, jeopardizing local populations.
Read on to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to avoid these encounters where possible and promote human and raptor safety during your climbs.
Nesting Season: When Caution Counts
Breeding typically starts in late winter and stretches into midsummer. Sensitivity peaks during incubation and early nestling stages.
| Season | Raptor Activity | Why Disturbance Is Risky |
| Late winter–early spring | Pairing, nest building | Pairs may desert prime sites if repeatedly flushed |
| Spring | Incubation (30-40 days) | Adults may leave eggs exposed to predators and cold |
| Late spring | Feeding nestlings | Persistent nest defense burns energy; chicks can “force‑fledge” or fall out of their nests |
| Midsummer | Fledglings learning to fly | Risk drops as young gain independence |
How to Climb Responsibly
- Observe posted closures: Check land‑manager websites, trailhead kiosks, and Mountain Project before leaving home. Seasonal closures built based on monitoring data strike a balance between recreation and conservation.
- Scan and listen before gearing up: Defensive dives, repeated alarm calls, or adults carrying sticks or prey signal an active nest. If you hear agitated “kak‑kak‑kak” from a peregrine, back off.
- Give raptors breathing room: Pick an alternate wall, or, at minimum, choose routes and belay spots hidden from the nest’s line of sight. After chicks fledge, you can return—just leave the nest intact.
- Report what you see: Let land managers or local climbing coalitions know about nests. Many agencies invite volunteers to help monitor sites so closures are only as long as nests are active.
Reading the Cliff: Field Signs of a Nest
Be on the lookout for:
- Whitewash streaks (bird excrement) below a recess often mark a raptor’s home.
- Feathers or prey remains on ledges hint at regular dining spots.
- Stick platforms wedged in corners usually belong to eagles; falcons favor scrapes on broad shelves.
If any of these clues appear on or near your intended line, treat the area as off‑limits until nesting ends, typically by late July.
Timing Your Climbs for Success
Plan winter projects on raptor‑heavy cliffs and shift spring and early summer objectives to boulders, sport walls, or gym training.
Protecting the Birds That Inspire Us
Support raptors near you by sharing nest‑closure information with fellow climbers and on social media. Join your local climbers’ alliance to support signage and research, or volunteer for nest‑monitoring shifts. The more data agencies collect, the more responsive they can be to lift closures once nests fail or fledge.
Golden Eagles carving lazy spirals and Peregrine Falcons screaming down a skyline add wild magic to every outdoor adventure. By following closures, reading the cliff, and spreading the word, climbers can ensure these raptors keep calling our favorite walls home.
HawkWatch International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raptor research and conservation. We strive to conserve our environment through education, long-term monitoring, and scientific research on raptors as indicators of ecosystem health. Whether through donations, volunteer opportunities, or simply spreading the word, your involvement can make a difference in preserving our natural world. Support our work today, help protect these incredible birds, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of hawkwatching!
