In late September 2001, the Illinois Raptor Center had the privilege of presenting educational programs to school children and the public during "Nature Week" at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Each day for nine days, Jacques Nuzzo and Jane Seitz ferried our "Wildlife Ambassadors" from their downtown hotel to Navy Pier, the refurbished lakefront recreation, shopping and entertainment center.

A covered outdoor stage provided a comfortable setting for all who wished to learn about the hawks, owls and falcons that inhabit Illinois. Katahdin, our peregrine falcon, turned out to be the star of our programs. The City of Chicago recently named the peregrine falcon the official city bird, and

Jacques was able to help Chicagoans connect with this unique falcon for the first time. Jacques loves to tell how people were instrumental in the recovery of the federally-endangered peregrine falcon, noting that environmental success stories are just as important as pointing out environmental problems.

Today, peregrine falcons live on the ledges of tall buildings in Chicago, feasting on pigeons, and raising their young. The Illinois Raptor Center would like to thank the Chicago Department of the Environment for inviting us to be part of "Nature Week." Many other groups and organizations also sponsored the nine days of programs.

See our photo album below!

For more information about peregrine falcons, see the entry in our pictorial guide to Illinois birds.