Pinnacles National Park

As a result of this El Niño, heavy surf and rains severely eroded beaches and fragile sea cliffs in coastal California. National Park System units in California affected by the 1982–1983 El Niño event were Point Reyes National Seashore, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Pinnacles National Monument.

Wind-driven waves and abnormally high sea levels contributed to hundreds of millions of dollars in flood and storm damage in the San Francisco Bay region, including Point Reyes National Seashore, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Pinnacles National Monument. In addition to California, the 1997–1998 El Niño and the following 1998–1999 La Niña severely impacted the Pacific Northwest, including many National Park System units.

The falcon monitoring team at Pinnacles National Park began their field season in January. They started off noting which pairs of prairie and peregrine falcons were staking out which cliff faces as nesting territories. Now, after recording all of the season’s small dramas, they’ve watched the newest generation of falcons take to the skies. It’s on the small side, but a bit bigger than last year’s.

Every year, the National Park Service benefits from the extraordinary contributions of dedicated volunteers. Meet the six recipients of the 2012 Hartzog Awards honoring that service.

The 2018 raptor breeding season is coming to an end at Pinnacles National Park, and preliminary monitoring results are in. Pairs of prairie falcons, peregrine falcons, and many other species have successfully fledged young.

Both prairie and peregrine falcon pairs are currently incubating eggs at Pinnacles National Park. Ten prairie falcon pairs have been confirmed, nine of which are nesting. Two peregrine falcon pairs are also currently incubating eggs. Other raptor species are also nesting right now.

The breeding raptor season is starting up again at Pinnacles National Park! Prairie falcons and peregrine falcons have returned to nesting territories and are actively inspecting potential cliff cavity sites for nesting. Raptor advisories are in effect to help visitors avoid disturbing the birds during this sensitive time.

Spring has brought nesting prairie and peregrine falcons back to the cliffs of Pinnacles National Park! Many pairs are already incubating eggs in their chosen cliff cavities. The park’s annual raptor advisories, which help climbers and hikers avoid disturbing these key park predators while they are most vulnerable, are in effect. As of late-April, staff and volunteers confirmed nine prairie falcon pairs and four peregrine falcon pairs nesting in the park.