Woodmen of the World Joins with Nebraska Peregrine Falcon Project

In the 1950s, as peregrine falcon populations plummeted, and the species was placed on the endangered list, efforts were started to try to breed peregrines in captivity. At first, the eggs were artificially incubated to prevent them from breaking. Captive-bred young falcons were hacked out of traditional aeries in wild areas in an effort to bolster wild populations.

Some of these birds began to take up residence on skyscrapers in eastern cities. And they did well in urban settings, where tall buildings simulated the cliffs of old. There was an abundant supply of pigeons and starlings for the birds to eat. Young falcons imprinted to the city area and returned there at adulthood to breed.

Biologists recognized this adaptation to city buildings and environments as an opportunity to dramatically increase the return of peregrines to the wild. Urban rooftop releases were tried and proven successful. And so, in 1988, the Nebraska Peregrine Falcon Project began work in Omaha. The Nebraska Peregrine Falcon Project was made up of four non-profit organizations: Audubon Society of Omaha Fontenelle Forest Association Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Raptor Recovery Center The Omaha effort joined cities such as Boston, Albany, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Denver in sponsoring peregrine recovery efforts. Although urban sites, like the Woodmen of the World Tower, protect falcons from predators such as the great horned owls, Peregrines face different dangers such as vehicles and collision with glass windows.

Seven falcons were successfully hacked from the Woodmen of the World Tower in 1988. They were named Woody, Newf, L.C., Happy, Falco, Willa and Pappy. Five of the seven chicks survived (Happy and Pappy died), but none returned the following year.

In 1989, the group released falcons at nearby Mutual of Omaha and atop the Woodmen of the World Tower. The group of five Woodmen of the World Tower chicks included Woody and Sky King who would later establish nests on the building.

In 1992, Woody, and a mate named Windy, hatched three chicks, Aerial, Zenith and Skywalker. They were the first confirmed peregrine chicks to hatch in Nebraska since the early 1900s.

Since that time there has been a nesting pair of falcons atop the Woodmen of the World Tower. Each year, the young birds provide great entertainment to the public as they learn to fly and become at home in their element.