Peregrine Falcons Capture Hearts and Restore Ecological Balance in Aurora

Tom Schrader, a lifelong resident of Aurora, has always cherished the Fox River. As a child 60 years ago, he recalls the river smelling like sewage, with fish bearing sores and birds of prey being scarce. However, standing alongside the same river today, he finds himself surprised by the presence of peregrine falcons. These birds have brought life back to the region, exhibiting playful behavior as they chase morning doves outside the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora.

On an unexpected occasion, Schrader shared an elevator ride in Aurora City Hall with city employees and a baby falcon primed for release after a rescue. The falcon originally fell into the Fox River, yet efforts to clean and restore the river played a major role in its survival. Adding to the community’s engagement, city personnel installed cameras to allow hundreds of residents to observe the falcons’ growth on a ledge outside City Hall. These efforts have contributed to a broader appreciation for local wildlife, reflecting a successful culmination of decades-long river cleanup endeavors.

The falcon parents, Vixen and Dave, chose a crevice on the second floor of City Hall for nesting. Following their offspring being hatched in early May, residents watched the young falcons learn to fly and eventually depart the nest. Brittany Everett, the city’s human resources benefits coordinator, noted unexpected discussions surrounding these birds at uncommon locations, from City Hall offices to diner booths.

A decisive moment occurred with the dramatic rescue of a young falcon trapped in the Fox River by exploiting a bucket and towel. Quentin Johnson, the city’s animal control officer, played a pivotal role in the bird’s release from the City Hall roof. The ensuing fascination with the falcons reached unsuspected heights through viewership of a city live stream, overcoming technical hurdles and showcasing these birds up close.

With mentions of the falcons interwoven into day-to-day City Hall conversations, camaraderie among employees flourished. The falcons developed an affectionate familial nickname among staff, elevating employee engagement and casting light on the ecosystem restoration efforts that took decades to materialize.

Schrader attributes the river cleanup’s origins to Jim Phillips, nicknamed ‘The Fox.’ An Illinois teacher who fought polluters, Phillips brought awareness to ecological damage in the 1960s. His legacy paved the way for federal Clean Air and Clean Water Acts under President Richard Nixon, which helped mend the damage caused by pesticides like DDT that had thinned egg shells and decimated peregrine falcon populations.

In the spring, the arrival of peregrine falcons revitalized downtown Aurora. There’s optimism about their return next year. Schrader hopes to witness them at City Hall again, as falcons often retain loyalty to previous nesting sites. He mentions several falcons have nested in the 22-story Leland Tower on Stolp Island since 2016.

Schrader underscores community unity driven by the falcons, with fresh interest in the river and nature inspiring gatherings for enthusiasts preparing for next year’s falcon arrivals. “The falcons brought the city together,” he stated. “People have developed deeper interests in the river and natural environment.”