Boise Climbers Alliance

Hello Climbers,

This is the March 2010 Black Cliffs Raptor Status Report

1) Currently there are no buffer zones or closures at the Black Cliffs.
However, some unconfirmed reports indicate that there may be nesting prairie falcons at the Nixon Head. Although I have not witnessed direct evidence of nesting activity, please beware that there may be nesting raptors at this crag. If you encounter nesting falcons that are producing territorial displays (lots of fly-bys with incessant calling), please suspend climbing and notify the BCA through this site.
Once nesting can me confirmed, we will implement buffer zones and voluntarily close this area to climbing until the young have fledged from the nest.

2) Other reports also suggest that there are nesting raptors have been at Scary Canyon. While I can’t confirm this, please be aware when you are climbing there and please report any nesting raptor activity that you may observe while using these areas.

3) Be on the lookout for great horned owls and barn owls at the back of the canyon especially at the top of the Doug Scott Route and near the Carbody down climb. These areas are not yet marked with buffer zones , so please use caution when visiting and climbing at these areas and please report any nesting raptor activity that you may observe.

Thank you for complying with these closures. As always, I will update this site with up-to-date information as it becomes available. Have a great time climbing and thank you for reinforcing the good name that Boise Climbers have forged as stewards of our special crags.

Dusty Perkins
BCA Biologist
Science Outreach Coordinator