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    • Coronado Forest Service Information
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      • Events
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        • Bighorn Sheep Closure
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          • Raptors in Cochise
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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.
learn more

Can I climb near raptors?

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
  • swooping past you.
  • dive-bombing you.
  • making  a "kak kak kak" call.

If you experience any of these signs, climb somewhere else to protect yourself and the birds.
Select to listen to an angry falcon call.
Photo by Jeff Ladderud

What's my next step?

Get the word out. Use your favorite platform:
  • Facebook Tucson Rock Climbers (use #raptors)
  • Mountain Project 
  • Instagram (use #raptors)
  • Word-of-mouth

​Register a raptor sighting:
  • 2025 Southern Arizona Raptor Observation Report

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!



I want to do more. How can I help?

Picture
Contact CASA
Register a Raptor

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
Picture
Photo by Jeff Ladderud
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  • Home
  • News
    • Leadership Drive 2025 >
      • CliffNotes Coordinator
      • Deputy Director
    • Voices from the Community
    • 2023 Photo Contest Results
    • Coronado Forest Service Information
  • Calendar
  • Programs
    • Stewardship >
      • Events
      • News
      • Graffiti Removal
    • Anchor Team >
      • Updated Climbs
      • Bolt/Anchor Replacement
    • Education >
      • Events
      • News
      • Climber Resource Portal >
        • Pusch Ridge Wilderness
        • Climbing: An Indigenous Perspective
        • Bighorn Sheep Closure
        • Climbers & Raptors >
          • Raptors in Cochise
  • Meet CASA
    • About CASA
    • The CASA Team
    • JEDI Statement
    • Partnering Organizations
  • Report Bad Bolts
  • DONATE
    • Volunteer
    • Thank You CASA Members & Donors
  • Get Connected