What: Mary Hennen, Assistant Collections Manager, Birds; and Director of the Chicago Peregrine Program at The Field Museum, and Josh Engel, Field Museum research assistant and founder of Red Hill Birding, will band young peregrine falcons hatched in May at the Evanston Public Library nesting site. EPL Collections Manager, author, and podcaster Betsy Bird will host the event. The babies will be removed from the nest, brought inside, and then returned to the nest after the banding is done.
The baby falcons (eyases) will be named at the event which is free and open to all, and the scientists will take questions. Individuals are invited to submit names for the young falcons (eyases) as well as submit questions for the scientists by filling out this form.
Participants must register at https://evanston.libnet.info/event/4332694 or by calling 847-448-8630. After registration, participants will receive information for attending the banding event virtually via Zoom.
When: Saturday, June 6, 10:00 AM
Where: Watch via Zoom on your computer or mobile device
More Details: This is the 17th consecutive year that a pair of peregrines has nested at the Evanston Public Library. Four eggs were laid; four hatched. Once on the Endangered Species list, with over 90% of the North American population lost, peregrine falcons have made a dramatic recovery. The banding process is a critical tactic in supporting the peregrine population.
While some bird species are sensitive to human disturbance at the nest, peregrines are able to handle it. The adults exhibit defensive behaviors such as yelling and flying at the intruders, but they are willing to accept the young when they are returned to the nest.
The falcons can be viewed live at the EPL falcon cam. There is also a Yahoo group: Evanston Peregrine Falcon Watch. Here’s more information about Illinois Peregrines.