Soaring to success

The thirty-one climbing routes on the east face of the Tower at Devils Tower National Monument are now open to climbing after three Peregrine Falcon chicks successfully fledged from their nest. Each year some climbing routes are temporarily closed during the spring and summer to protect falcon nesting sites, and to protect climbers from adult falcons who will defensively dive to protect their young.

Protected nesting locations, such as Devils Tower, have been crucial in the recovery of Peregrine Falcons. Falcons experienced sharp declines in North America during the 1960s and 1970s due to widespread use of the insecticide DDT.

The insecticide impacted many raptor species by making eggshells very thin, reducing reproduction success. Peregrine falcons were listed as endangered in 1970. Since then, they have made a remarkable recovery and were removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999.

Peregrine Falcons that choose to nest on the Tower select ledges that are within the top one-third of the summit. These birds have one brood per year and lay two to five eggs that are incubated for up to thirty-two days.

“The falcon parents have been very vigilant this year at ensuring the well-being of their offspring by dive-bombing turkey vultures and teaching the fledglings to hunt ferociously. They are no longer dependent on their nesting area but may still be seen hunting throughout the park until they migrate south,” says Monique Metza, Biological Science Technician at Devils Tower.

As a reminder, the entire Monument is a no-fly zone for unmanned aircraft (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including recreation or commerce, because it can disturb wildlife, decrease the likelihood of successful nests, result in park visitor safety concerns and affect other protected resources. Operating, launching or landing these devices within the park boundary is prohibited under 36 CFR 1.5.

Devils Tower National Monument wishes to thank the climbing community and all park visitors who have been curious about the falcons, asked questions, provided their sightings and have adhered to the climbing closure.