Peregrine Watch

The Preserve temporarily closes areas of the Shawangunks Cliff to help support undisturbed breeding areas for the peregrines (usually in Late March through the beginning of summer). This volunteer opportunity ranges from Late February through June. Volunteers monitor and observe peregrine falcon behavior and breeding activity (courtship and copulation) to identify areas that should be temporarily closed off for the breeding falcons. Once breeding nest sites are identified, volunteers observe in three locations of the Ridge to view the breeding season and record their observations of the nest activity (egg laying, incubation, prey exchanges, presence of chicks, chick feeding, chick fledging, and young in flight). Volunteers also contribute to public outreach and interpretation of the importance of Peregrine Conservation.