Adult landing on nest to feed chick. Golden Eagle adult wingspan is 6 to just over 7 feet. Photo courtesy Eagle Rock Volunteers

BOULDER
Following a five month closure to protect nesting golden eagles, the U.S. Forest Service  reopened Eagle Rock climbing area in Boulder Canyon, July 18.

“The Boulder Canyon eagles raised one youngster to fledging – leaving the nest – which is a success! We appreciate the cooperation of climbers with the closure, and monitoring of this nest territory happens because of our partners and individual volunteers,” said Bev Baker, District wildlife biologist.

The annual nesting closures include popular rock climbing spots at Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress and Security Risk in Boulder Canyon, approximately 1.5 miles east of Boulder Falls along Colorado Highway 119. The other areas reopened in March after the eagles chose a nesting area.

The Boulder Ranger District partners with the Boulder climbing community and the Access Fund to monitor nesting progress and to inform climbers about the importance of giving the eagles space to raise their young.

For additional information, visit us online at www.fs.usda.gov/arp, Twitter@usfsarp or www.facebook.com/usfsarp.