Every year, one friend or another invites me to watch a peregrine falcon nest cam. I understand why I’m first on their list. I absolutely love the species. But just a few years ago, the survival of this iconic Illinois bird was anything but guaranteed. Between habitat loss and pesticide consumption, peregrine falcon numbers plummeted in the 1950s. Here’s the story of how this gritty bird made its comeback and the Illinoisans who stood up for state wildlife.

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Illinois contains some incredible nature. If you’re a nature enthusiast, you should know the story of this iconic Illinois bird. Peregrine falcons were saved from the brink of extinction, and today, their future seems secure.

You don’t need hiking gear to see this amazing species! Since being given the chance to recover, they’ve adapted to our most urban environments, becoming regular features of the Chicago skyline.

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