Comments for Chicago Peregrine Falcon Blog

Comment on Opening Salvo by Kieran

Kieran — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:52:29 +0000

Again, sorry for jumping in here for updates/reports but the falcon was back again this morning playing chase with the crows. However, today he was not alone, he was joined by two other falcons. At first he was by himself and I watched as he sat on top of a light pole calling out (they have a really interesting voice). Well, much to my suprise, another falcon came flying down the street with a small bird in its talons and actually handed it off to the first bird in mid flight. The two flew into a tree and were joined shortly after by a third. It was really quite exciting to see. The three are hanging out in the area around 37th and Sangamon in Bridgeport. kieran@diversedesign.com

Comment on Opening Salvo by Kieran

Kieran — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:12:06 +0000

Sorry folks, wasn’t sure if this is relevant or not. But, this morning I watched what appeared to be a Pregrine Falcon chasing several crows at Donovan Park in Bridgeport. At first I wasn’t sure what was going on but then he/she landed on the bleachers and just stared at me. then took off after the crows again. Donovan Park is located at 3700 S. Sangamon on the South Side of Chicago. Over the last few weeks I have spotted the remains of several small birds but just figured it was the work of cats.

Comment on Opening Salvo by Nora Tocus

Nora Tocus — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:58:14 +0000

This afternoon Wednesday July 15 at about 4:15 PM a large brownish striped bird fell dead from the sky at the intersection of Dearborn and Elm, about 20 feet south of the corner and into Dearborn maybe 5 feet from the curb on the west side of the street. We had just crossed Dearborn when we heard a loud WHAP and there he was on his back, dead. From the online pictures I think he was a Peregrine Falcon, in case anyone is monitoring the death of the falcons.

Comment on Opening Salvo by Carol

Carol — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:43:35 +0000

I have been watching an adult and 2 juveniles this evening in Edgewater across from my building on Kenmore. I’ve lived here for 2 years and this is the first year I’ve heard and seen a Peregrine in this neighborhood. I had had a doubtful sighting earlier in the week.

Comment on Opening Salvo by Loraine

Loraine — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:53:32 +0000

I haven’t noticed any comments on the Wacker Dr. nest yet. Any news? The lunchroom where I work has a good view of that ledge and the south nest box, which is the one they used to nest in last year. We had a good view all last year. However, this year they must be using the north nestbox, which we can’t see, because we can see the birds (and the poop), but they’re not in the south box. Just wondering if you heard anything yet.

Comment on Opening Salvo by Steph

Steph — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:15:22 +0000

Thank you for your correction, Bernie! It also reminded me to add your link to the page!

Comment on Opening Salvo by Berni Richter

Berni Richter — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:14:20 +0000

“At present, it is illegal for falconers to have a Peregrine Falcon, as it is still on the endangered list.”

Peregrines that have been bred in captivity are legal for falconers to own and fly. Additionally, in a couple of western states (where populations are very high and the species is not listed), a very limited number of falconers may also take a nestling with a permit.

Just thought I’d clear this up.

Comment on Opening Salvo by Steph

Steph — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:08:06 +0000

I actually don't know any falconers personally, so I can't help you with that. At present, it is illegal for falconers to have a Peregrine Falcon, as it is still on the endangered list. However, I know there are a few people, like Mary Hennen here at the museum, that have special permits to keep injured falcons. Mary does a few educational programs a year, but they are generally by request from specific institutions. If she has a more public show, I'll try to post it here. The closest thing I can get to an answer might not actually be what you are looking for, but every year, the banding at the Evanston Public Library is open to the public. You can watch as Mary and Matt (I usually don't go inside for this, as I'm set up outside to get band numbers and such off the adults) band the babies. Although you can't touch the birds, it is pretty up close and personal. Hope that helps!

Comment on Opening Salvo by Tina

Tina — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:39:06 +0000

are there any events in Chicago that allow people to interact with falcons or a falconer?

Comment on Opening Salvo by Steph

Steph — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:41:22 +0000

No, they are much bigger than the one I have on my desk, which is about the size of a kestrel (desk: 8", peregrine 15-20"). They are about the size of an American Crow, if that helps. The peregrine has long wings and a shorter tail. In fact, the very tips of their wings comes about down to the end of their tail. If you see them in flight, the tail will appear sort of squared off with bands on the underside. If you are in good lighting, you may even see the yellow of their legs tucked up under their belly. If your guy has a long tail, he might be a Cooper's Hawk. If he's pretty small (like my desk peregrine) and has a long-skinny looking tail, you might be seeing an American Kestrel. Kind of hard for me to say without peeping the bird myself. We'll have to go out there sometime this spring and see what we can see.