The First Breeding Pair Of Peregrine Falcons Spotted in Rockford

Rockford may be the home to the first breeding pair of Peregrine Falcons.

As they've been spotted hanging out in the downtown area of the Forest City.

You may say "OK, what's the big deal about a couple of birds?"

Well these falcons were nearly extinct in the early 1970's according to the Rockford Register Star.

It wasn't until 1986 to 1990 when 46 peregrine falcons were released back into the wild, due to efforts from the Chicago Peregrine Project, that their numbers started to climb.

In 2015 the peregrine falcons were removed from the Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species list.

The pair that were spotted in Rockford, have made a nest at the top of  Register Star's tower.

What makes this sighting even more exciting for birders, and those who enjoy nature, is that the pair have an egg in resting the drainage channel in that news tower.

Making this the first known egg or soon to be peregrine falcon chick to be born in this area since reintroducing the birds back into the wild.

The Register Star even put a camera up there to monitor the birds, egg and hatching process.

Well that's kind of cool.

Once endangered birds are making a comeback and a pair decided on Rockford to make their home, or rather nest here.