cover photo: Geoff Williamson
The Year of the Peregrine Falcon
Celebrating 25 years as Chicago’s Official City Bird
In October of 1999, a fierce election took place in Chicago that would set the tone for the city for years to come. The position in question? Official bird of the City of Chicago!
With more than two dozen ballot boxes distributed across the city, from locations like city hall to local parks, Chicagoans were encouraged to vote early and vote often for their bird of choice. After a hard fought campaign with six contenders and 42,000 ballots cast, the Peregrine Falcon emerged victorious.
The Windy City is home to a tremendous array of birds from rare, to common, to famous but Chicago’s relationship with Peregrine Falcons is a special one and perhaps one of the reasons it sailed to victory. Their journey from near extinction to wildly successful recovery is in large part thanks to the people and buildings of Chicago.
As we approach 25 years since that fateful election that crowned the peregrine, COS is marking this milestone by declaring 2024 The Year of the Peregrine Falcon! We hope that you’ll join us on a variety of falcon themed trips, programs, and on social media all year long as we take the opportunity to celebrate this incredible species and the mark it has forever left on our bird loving city.
Celebrate with Us!
COS is hosting programs, field trips, and events throughout 2024 to celebrate our official city bird. Join us at any of these free events to learn more about Peregrine Falcons and meet the people who have and continue to work to conserve this incredible species.
Decline and Recovery of the IL Peregrines
Monday, February 26 at 6pm
Virtual Program via Zoom
Join Mary Hennen, Director of the Chicago Peregrine Program, as she takes us through the recovery of the Peregrine Falcon in Illinois and what it means to live in close proximity to this remarkable and now primarily urban bird.
Peregrine Watch
Sunday, March 10 at 8am
Field Trip
Peregrine Falcons are right at home in Chicago’s urban cliffs and canyons and can be seen tearing through the sky in search of food for hungry chicks. Join COS President Edward Warden as we go out in search of these mighty birds and see them in action.
The Hunt for Peregrines
Saturday, April 27 at 10am
The Field Museum of Natural History
Join Mary Hennen (Director of the Chicago Peregrine Program) for a look behind-the-scenes at the Field Museum's Bird Collection highlighting peregrine specimens! We’ll explore the role museums played in peregrine recovery as we get an up close look at subspecies and eggs from around the world.
The Peregrines of Rockford
Thursday, June 13 at 6pm
Virtual Program via Zoom
In 2020, Rockford declared the Peregrine Falcon the official city bird, cementing their legacy in city and peregrine history. Join us as we hear from Jennifer Kuroda on how these birds took Rockford by storm.
Falcon Banding Demonstration
Friday, June 14 at 10:30am
Evanston Public Library
Join members of the Evanston Public Library and Chicago Peregrine Program for this incredibly rare encounter with recently hatched Peregrine Falcon chicks getting their uniquely coded bird bling.
Peregrine Watch
Sunday, June 16 at 8am
Field Trip
Peregrine Falcons are right at home in Chicago’s urban cliffs and canyons and can be seen tearing through the sky in search of food for hungry chicks. Join COS President Edward Warden as we go out in search of these mighty birds and see them in action.
A Journey of Discovery with Peregrine Falcons
Thursday, July 18 at 6pm
Virtual Program via Zoom
Join us as we hear from author and wildlife biologist, Sophie Osborn, about her journey with Peregrine Falcons and other work being done to save endangered birds in the U.S.
Flock Club: Peregrine Edition
Wednesday, August 14 at 6pm
Skunk Cabbage Books
Join us for the COS social event series by and for birders; Flock Club! With each gathering featuring a new location, theme, games, food, and good company, there's a place for everyone and this month’s them is Peregrine Falcons.
Hawkwatch: Peregrine Edition
Sunday, September 22 at 9am
Northerly Island Natural Area
Hawkwatch season is in full swing and Peregrine Falcons are now making their way south for the winter. Join COS President Edward Warden for a bird themed picnic during peak flacon migration as we count falcons and other birds of prey as they pass by on the lakefront flyway.
Hawkwatch: Peregrine Edition
Friday, October 4 at 9am
Steelworkers Park
Hawkwatch season is in full swing and Peregrine Falcons are now making their way south for the winter. Join COS President Edward Warden for a hawkwatch during peak flacon migration from atop the steelmill walls in search of falcons and other birds of prey as they pass by on the lakefront flyway.
The Chicago Bird Debate
Tuesday, October 29 at 6pm
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
If a new election for the title of official bird of Chicago were held today, would the Peregrine win again? Join us for a debate where advocates will make their case for which bird should be the city’s symbol and cast your ballot for your favorite!
Chicago’s Bird
Wednesday, November 13 at 6pm
The Field Museum of Natural History
Co-hosted by the Field Museum, join us as we cap off the Year of the Peregrine with a special film screening featuring new documentary footage taken right here in Chicago and a panel discussion with some of the champions behind Chicago’s Peregrine Falcons.
Go Birding with Us
COS hosts free, public field trips throughout Chicagoland all year round. While never a guarantee, many of these trips visit places where peregrines hunt, nest, and hang out. Join us on one of these many trips to see if we can find them and many other birds that call Chicago home.
Falcon Cams
Chicago is not only lucky to have so many Peregrine Falcons living in and around town, but we also have several nest cameras set up at regular nesting sites. These cameras offer us a non-invasive and unique glimpse into the lives of peregrines, opportunities for research, avenues for procrastination, and a rare chance to share the lives of individual birds. Check out some of the most popular from around Chicagoland at the links below!
Note that cameras may be deactivated, undergoing maintenance, or simply have no activity during the non-breeding season; approximately August through February.
There are lots of amazing resources available to learn more about Peregrine Falcons. Several organizations over the years have played a critical role in the survival and recovery of peregrines, many of which are based here and very much still active today. To learn more about these organizations, the work they do, and Peregrine Falcons in general, check out some of these resources!
Wear the Look!
Looking for a way to show your pride in Chicago’s official bird? A milestone like this calls for some celebratory artwork and we’re very excited to unveil two new designs by local artist Kelly Ballantyne. Now is your chance to add Chicago’s peregrines to your wardrobe while also supporting bird conservation and education across Chicagoland.
