BAR HARBOR — A part of Maine’s Acadia National Park is closed to the public to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

Park officials say the peregrines have been spotted in and around Beech Cliff on the southwest side of Echo Lake.

The Bangor Daily News says the closed areas are clearly marked.

Park rangers said that if the nesting effort appears unsuccessful, the area would be reopened.

If the peregrines successfully nest, the area will remain closed until approximately five weeks after the last chick leaves the nest.