Exciting News: Falcons Are Nesting in the Krkonoše Mountains!
Let's Respect Their Habitat – Discover New Adventures Beyond Boredom!
Since 1992, the monitoring of falcons has been happening in the Krkonoše Mountains. In the current year, zoologists from Krkonoše are heading out to their designated observation spots. They set up tripods to closely watch how falcons are nesting at their sites. On the Czech side of the Krkonoše Mountains, there are usually up to 8 pairs of this critically endangered bird species that nest regularly, alongside another 2-3 pairs that make their homes on the Polish side of the mountain range. The falcons return from their winter habitats in January to survey their nesting sites and start preparations for nesting on rocky areas formed by glaciers. Nesting actually begins around February. This species is very sensitive to disturbances, particularly during the nesting period, where excessive disturbances can force the parents to abandon their nests. Therefore, adhering to the fundamental conservation guidelines in the national park is of utmost importance.
One of the key rules is to stay on marked trails and paths in the quieter areas of the park (these are clearly marked on the ground, as well as in physical maps and on Mapy.cz). This is especially important for skiers traversing open terrains (such as ski mountaineering or freeriding) in glacial areas, or those snowkiting along the Krkonoše ridges, where rare grouse breeding is also protected. Additionally, undisciplined sports activities can disrupt falcons, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles contributes to this issue. Hence, flying drones is prohibited by law within the Krkonoše National Park, outside designated municipal areas. Any exceptions to this drone restriction must be approved by the KRNAP Administration for specific scientific reasons, with each approval limited to certain times and dates.
The Nature Conservancy and the KRNAP Administration are grateful to all visitors for their commitment to following nature conservation rules and assisting in the protection of the valuable aspects of Czech nature that still exist.
