Bald Eagles Really Need To Consult With Chicago's Peregrine Falcons On Real Estate Choices
By JoshMogerman in News on Mar 4, 2012 9:00PM
Bald eagles seem to have a really bad sense of real estate in Chicagoland. Last month, a nesting pair of the national symbols drew headlines after their presence threw plans for a Chicago Police Department shooting range into doubt on the Southeast side near the banks of the Calumet River. And now, the Sun-Times reports that another pair has been found nesting in central Gary, IN.
Hey, there is not a ton going on in either place---both areas have been hobbled by the departure of industry decades ago---so we are glad to see someone (or something) making use of the land. And, certainly, their penchant for fish and quiet neighborhoods helps to guide the eagles’ choice. But those aren’t exactly fitting spots for such regal raptors. Perhaps, the new birds of prey should check in with Chicago’s official bird for advice on swankier spots.
No, our bird is not the pigeon. In fact, Chicago’s favored feathers eat pigeons for breakfast (and lunch and dinner).
In this town, we celebrate the peregrine falcon.
The Field Museum monitors 20 pairs of the fast flyers. And, most of them are in pretty interesting spots: University Hall at UIC, the Uptown Theater, Evanston Public Library, a bevy of downtown buildings, and tall structures all over town (including Pilsen, Lawndale and Hyde Park) that mimic the cliffs falcons prefer to live on in the wild. Given the vertical nature of Chicago, that puts the falcons in a more favorable real estate position than the new-to-town eagles, but Gary…?
Given some pics posted last week, it seems the falcons might not be the most welcoming neighbors, so maybe the eagles would do better getting advice from you, oh wise Chicagoistas. Suggestions for more appropriate new bald eagle digs in town?