Woodmen of the World's Winged Friends

In two decades, the Peregrine Falcons, once considered endangered, have successfully adapted to their urban habitat on the 28th floor of Woodmen Tower, and have multiplied well beyond the expectations of local raptor enthusiasts. Woodmen of the World falcon offspring have been spotted as far away as South America and the falcons, who once visited for only a few months at a time, now live atop the Woodmen Tower year-round, although it is difficult to say if that behavior is based on preference or the necessity to guard their hotly-contested hunting ground.  Peregrine Falcons will fight to the death to protect their territory.

“The falcons have adapted in other ways too, to their Omaha home,” says Betsy Finch, Executive Director of Raptor Recovery. “Falcons usually hunt during the day, but the Woodmen of the World falcons have learned that the bright lights of the Woodmen Tower by night can lure dinner to their doorstep.

“I occasionally see them performing their aerial acrobatics,” says Tim Sautter, manager of the Woodmen Tower and longtime Peregrine enthusiast. “One will go into a steep dive and literally knock out an unsuspecting pigeon.  I often see bits of bird carcasses in the parking lot and on the sidewalks around the building.”

Sautter regularly monitors falcon activity, and keeps detailed records of egg laying, hatching, fledging and other events. In 1996, Sautter witnessed a bloody square-off between two male falcons. “There was a lot of squawking and pouncing and locking of talons, and even the victor took quite a beating. One thing I have learned is that each year is different, and falcon behavior is not always predictable,” says Sautter.

Woodmen of the World brought the first Peregrine Falcons to the Woodmen Tower in 1988, when the small predators with the slate grey backs and distinctive black patches on their cheeks were considered endangered. The use of the pesticide DDT had greatly reduced their numbers by causing their shells to become so thin that many eggs broke before hatching. In the 1930’s, there were about 1,000 nesting pairs of the Peregrine Falcon east of the Mississippi River and Rocky Mountain region. By 1965, the Peregrine population in the east had nearly vanished.

But in 1972, the use of DDT in the United States was restricted and captive breeding and rearing programs began in locations around the country. Although Peregrine Falcons prefer high cliffs for nesting, in cities such as New York, Baltimore and Omaha, tall buildings proved to be an effective substitute.  

In 21years, the Woodmen of the World falcon program has produced 46 chicks (although not all have survived to fledge), with more than a little drama along the way. 

Last year, Hera, was injured in an aerial fight with another falcon. She was unable to care for her new eggs and the 20th Anniversary of the Peregrine Falcon Project passed in sadness. Hera is now fully recovered and back in Omaha with Zeus.

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