Falcon Nest Discovery Halts Tree Work in Exeter Cemetery

EXETER, N.H. - A large tree removal project was interrupted late last month when crews found a Merlin falcon and its nest in Winter Street Cemetery tree. According to the Union Leader, crews will wait until nesting season is over to remove the trees.

Knowles Tree Service of North Hampton showed up at the cemetery on May 29 with plans to remove about 20 trees, but stopped after only a few were cut, said Town Manager Russ Dean.

Kristen Murphy, the town’s natural resource planner, visited the cemetery and confirmed that it was a nesting Merlin falcon in the tree. Merlins are a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Murphy said it’s important to hold off on the cutting to avoid disturbing the bird or potentially harming its young.

To read the full story, visit the Union Leader.