Re: [cayugabirds-l] Taughannock Falls light show?

[Geo Kloppel]

 Peregrines (and Ravens too) sometimes nest on buildings, bridges, and other structures in the vicinity of artificial lights. But those individuals have chosen those sites, and they are accustomed to the lights. I think the potential for harm to the birds nesting in the dark Taughannock gorge is concentrated in the suddenness and surprise of turning spotlights upon them. Especially tough for the Ravens, whose nest is right above the falls! If it was my decision, I wouldn’t risk it at this season. But if it’s really beyond cancelling, I suppose it might help to turn on the lights early, _before_ darkness settles in the gorge. Also to direct the spots solely upon the falls itself, and not flood the Raven’s nest and the whole amphitheater with light. There will already be quite a bit of moonlight those evenings. I know I want to be there, not to see the spotlights but to observe the reaction of  the incubating females. -Geo On Apr 14, 2024, at 1:16 PM, Deb Grantham <d...@cornell.edu> wrote:  So what do we do?   Deb     From: bounce-128145578-83565...@list.cornell.edu <bounce-128145578-83565...@list.cornell.edu> On Behalf Of Geo Kloppel Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 12:07 PM To: CAYUGABIRDS-L <cayugabird...@list.cornell.edu> Subject: Re: [cayugabirds-l] Taughannock Falls light show?   Below is the press release for the evening light shows at the great falls in Taughannock Falls State Park later this week, which have potential to disturb the Peregrine Falcons and Ravens that are currently on nests there).   Note that the event is jointly hosted by NYS Parks, Visit Ithaca, and also the Tompkins Chamber, which is handling online registration for after-dark hikes up the gorge trail to the lighted falls.   Go for a hike and view the lights to celebrate 100 years of NYS Parks at Taughannock Falls mytwintiers.com   On Apr 14, 2024, at 10:16 AM, Tim Gallagher <t...@cornell.edu> wrote: I heard some disturbing news last night. Apparently Taughannock Falls will be brightly illuminated from 8:30 to 10:00 this coming Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night (April 18, 19, and 20). I guess it’s some kind of PR stunt to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the New York State Park Service, but it couldn’t possibly come at a worse time, with the eggs just about to hatch in the Peregrine Falcon eyrie and a pair of Ravens nesting right beside the falls—not mention all the other wildlife in the park. There certainly should be other, less potentially harmful, ways to celebrate the Park Service. You can contact the Taughannock Park office at (607) 387-7041. (Photo by Arthur A. Allen) -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds ABA Please submit your observations to eBird! -- -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds ABA Please submit your observations to eBird! --