July 17, 2025 – Yosemite National Park officials announce the peregrine falcon had a successfully breeding season and have expanded into new territory.

The granite walls of Yosemite are not only a playground for adventurous climbers but also serve as nesting sites for the peregrine falcon, a species that was once endangered but is making a remarkable recovery in the park.

Peregrines build their nests, known as scrapes, high on sheer cliffs. During the nesting season, when these birds are especially vulnerable, park officials close certain areas to climbing and slacklining activities. These closures remain in effect until the peregrine chicks have fledged and dispersed.

This nesting season, a total of 15 nests were confirmed, with 22 young birds successfully fledging. Highlights from the nesting season include the recording of seven new nests, the establishment of one new territory at Parkline Slab, and new cliff occupancy noted at BHOS Dome.

Seasonally closed areas reopened on Tuesday, July 15. Please check our Raptor Dashboard for updates on closures, territories, and nest sites of peregrine falcons throughout the park. https://experience.arcgis.com/.../page/View-current-closures

A “Thank You” goes out to the park staff and the climbing community for a successful peregrine falcon breeding season.

Happy climbing!

Photos 1 & 2 seen above and below. Photo credit: James McGrew

Photo 3: Nest on Half Dome with two nestlings poking out.

Source: NPS