A pair of nesting peregrine falcons have returned to downtown Salt Lake City after a three-year hiatus. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources had already set up a web cam and nesting box atop the One Utah Center on Main Street in anticipation of their return.
Russ Norvell is avian conservation program coordinator with the Division of Wildlife Resources. He said it's remarkable they've returned to the hazards of raising a family 350 feet in the air.
“It gives us a real sense of intimacy and appreciation for the challenging lives they lead and the fact that they’re able to survive in our downtown urban area I think is a testament to what a great adaptable species they are.”
Norvell said nesting peregrines have thrived downtown since at least the mid-80's. He said hatchlings from Salt Lake's returned falcons are expected any day now, and could be starting their daring flight lessons by July.
