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There is plenty to celebrate in 2008 on the 20th anniversary of the Woodmen of the World Peregrine Falcon Program.

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 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 20 years, 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, Woodmen of the World associates held their breath, awaiting the outcome of a doomed love triangle. For many years, Zeus had hacked chicks with his second mate, Amelia. Amelia, however, suffered a broken wing, and was taken to the Raptor Center in St. Paul, Minn. to recuperate. In her absence, a wild female Peregrine – Hera – laid claim to Amelia’s nest and set up housekeeping with Zeus. As the date for Amelia’s release from the Raptor Center grew near, Woodmen of the World associates waited and wondered what would happen. Nature intervened, however, as Amelia died shortly after her release back into the wild, never to return to Omaha.

Woodmen of the World will mark the 20th anniversary of the program by partnering with Raptor Recovery Nebraska, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and other local nature groups on activities planned to coincide with the annual banding of new chicks. In recent years, bandings have taken place at the Woodmen Tower in mid-May.

“The Peregrine Falcons have provided us with a rich source of nature education over the past 20 years,” says Sautter. “Through programs such as the one at the Woodmen Tower, the plight of the Peregrine Falcon has been upgraded, from ‘endangered’ to ‘protected.’ We are gratified that we were able to play a part in that success story.”

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