Field Trip Report: Loop Peregrine Watch

words by Brighten Jelke
photos by Edward Warden

March 10, 2024

Fourteen birders gathered on a chilly but bright Sunday morning for the Chicago Ornithological Society’s first ever Peregrine Falcon Watch. This event was also COS’ first walk to be held in the Loop, which has no official eBird hotspots near the start of the South Branch. The day’s checklist was recorded as a new “Wacker Peregrine Path.” With 4 peregrines spotted in just over a mile, perhaps this name could catch on in the future!

Peregrine Falcons feel right at home among the urban cliffs created by the numerous edges, parapets, sills, and spires of city architecture in the Loop. Jokes about “peregrine neck” abounded as participants craned to catch a glimpse of the speedy peregrines flying far overhead, expertly weaving between the skyscrapers. These birds tend to return to the same perch over and over again, so once you catch sight of one, it’s likely you’ll be able to observe it for a while. Near Wacker and Adams, a female poked her head out when a male landed on the ledge above, and then the pair flew off to mate on the roof of a building on the west side of the river. This site became briefly well-known last year for reports of dive-bombing falcons protecting their nest, and it’s possible there will be a nest again this year. To learn more about Chicago’s official city bird, check out COS’ Year of the Peregrine page.

The total count of birds for the day was 100 individuals, with House Sparrow (38) narrowly winning out over Rock Pigeon (33). Other highlights from the walk included two Red-breasted Mergansers diving in the sun, taking advantage of the calm weekend morning to have Wolf Point to themselves. A bit further along the riverwalk path, the group was treated to a close-up view of a Ring-billed Gull snacking on a large crayfish.

Returning to our starting spot, the loud, wailing cries of one of the mating pair echoed through the quiet streets. As we gazed admiringly at the majestic falcons perched in the shadow of the iconic Willis Tower, all of us agreed: what a cool city we live in!