SOLEDAD — Annual measures to protect nesting raptors of Pinnacles National Park, located five miles east of Soledad, were reinstated as of Jan. 18.
According to Park Superintendent Blanca Alvarez Stransky, 12 pairs of Prairie and Peregrine Falcons produced a total of 40 fledglings last year.
The park also had successful nesting by birds of prey, including American Kestrels, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, Long-eared Owls, Barn Owls and Great Horned Owls.
Stransky said park researchers will continue to monitor raptors to better understand the birds.
“We ask you to refrain from any off-trail hiking and climbing in sensitive areas, which include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, the Piedras Bonitas/Gargoyle area, Resurrection Wall, Little Pinnacles/Yaks Wall, and the Egg Rock/Teapot Dome areas,” Stransky said. “Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is.”
The specific locations of these sensitive areas are posted on information boards at trailheads, at the visitor centers, on the web at nps.gov/pinn or by calling 831-389-4486.
For more information regarding the park’s raptor monitoring program, call the office of Research and Resource Management at 831-389-4486 ext. 4279.
