Peregrine Falcons Return to Acadia

Peregrine falcons once nested on the east face of Champlain Mountain, but by 1964 they had become extinct throughout the eastern United States because the pesticide DDT prevented successful reproduction. Beginning in the 1970s, coordinated efforts across the country, including a reintroduction project at Acadia National Park, restored peregrines to the east. Although removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999, they remain federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and are still considered endangered by the state of Maine. As part of the reintroduction effort, 23 young birds were released near Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park between 1984 and 1986. One of these birds returned to Acadia in 1988, and between 1991 and 1998 he and his mate raised 26 young falcons on this cliff face; unbanded males then bred successfully here each year through 2002, bringing the total number of juveniles fledged there by that time to 37. Peregrine falcons live on steep cliffs, arctic tundra, skyscrapers, and bridges, hunt other birds in midair from sparrows to mallards, and can reach speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. Champlain Mountain provides ideal habitat because its steep, open cliffs and ledges overlook forests, marshes, and ocean waters rich in prey. In April, peregrines lay two to four eggs in a scraped-out area on a rock ledge rather than building a stick nest, and the young hatch in May and begin flying in June or early July.

Bar Harbor, Maine · United States