Climbers & Raptors
What you need to know |
When is raptor breeding season?
In Southern Arizona, raptor breeding season is roughly February through July.
Nesting raptors are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703 (MBTA). CASA recognizes that any climbing area may be considered off limits, subject to the conditions. Do your part to be on the right side of the law (and the birds)—and have fun and be safe out there.
Nesting raptors are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703 (MBTA). CASA recognizes that any climbing area may be considered off limits, subject to the conditions. Do your part to be on the right side of the law (and the birds)—and have fun and be safe out there.
Can I climb near raptors?
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Breeding falcons will let you know when you're getting too close. Here are some signs that you should climb somewhere else.
You notice the raptors are
If you experience any of these signs, climb somewhere else to protect yourself and the birds. |
Photo by Jeff Ladderud
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What's my next step?
Get the word out. Use your favorite platform:
Register a raptor sighting:
Register your sighting (above) and tell other climbers about where you noticed breeding raptors. Help them not climb too close. If you choose, you can also red-tag the climbs. But try not to disturb the birds.
Special notice: Raptors in Cochise Stronghold
The Forest Service has lifted nesting raptor closures in the Stronghold and is trusting climbers to NOT disturb the birds. If climbers choose to disturb nesting raptors, the closures will be reinstated (and likely expanded). Let’s work together to make sure this doesn’t happen!
- Facebook Tucson Rock Climbers (use #raptors)
- Mountain Project
- Instagram (use #raptors)
- Word-of-mouth
Register a raptor sighting:
Register your sighting (above) and tell other climbers about where you noticed breeding raptors. Help them not climb too close. If you choose, you can also red-tag the climbs. But try not to disturb the birds.
Special notice: Raptors in Cochise Stronghold
The Forest Service has lifted nesting raptor closures in the Stronghold and is trusting climbers to NOT disturb the birds. If climbers choose to disturb nesting raptors, the closures will be reinstated (and likely expanded). Let’s work together to make sure this doesn’t happen!
Reported raptor nest sites to avoid March 1 - June 30
More sites TBA. "Contact CASA" to report a new site. Or Register a Raptor Sighting
Area |
Formation |
Route |
Specific Location |
West Cochise Stronghold |
Warpath Dome |
Warpath |
Top of pitch 2 - Please avoid all routes on Warpath Dome until chicks have fledged Reported 3/31/2025 |
Cochise Stronghold |
Muttonhead, West Face |
Mystery of the Desert |
Nest observed on a cliff directly North and opposite of the third pitch of Mystery of the desert on MuttonHead Date reported 4/15/24 |
Cochise Stronghold |
Entrance Dome, SE Face, left side. |
Whores of Babylon |
Reported to be approx 300' left of the top of Full Circle. (Probably just left of Whores of Babylon.) |
Cochise Stronghold |
Bastion Towers |
Forest Lawn |
Exact location not known |
Photo by Jeff Ladderud
