For the third straight year, peregrine falcons are back and nesting in downtown Salt Lake City.
Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife program coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, said two young-of-the-year falcons have hatched, "judging by images beamed from a nest box camera at the north end of the east face of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building at South Temple and Main Street."
It is possible to see the falcons by logging onto the DWR's Web site at www.wildlife.utah.gov/peregrine.
Peregrines use alternate nest sites in the wild, so it's not an unexpected surprise that the falcons have switched from the box they used at the Deseret Building last year to using the Joseph Smith Memorial Building this year.
Peregrine falcons nested on the Joseph Smith Memorial Building from 1986 to 1990 and from 1994 to 1995. In 1996, they also nested at the Deseret Building, which is about one block south of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The famous pair produced 16 young during that time. Eleven youngsters successfully departed from the downtown area.
In 2004 and 2005, three of five falcons successfully fledged in the busy downtown area.
Also, from 1991 through 1993, the pair nested in a nearby canyon where five young successfully mastered flight and left the area.
As in past years, volunteers will be in the area to point out the peregrine family for people in the downtown area.
During upcoming Watchable Wildlife program field trips and impromptu noon hour and evening gatherings, volunteers will have binoculars and spotting scopes available to watch the falcons.
"Look for people holding binoculars or standing near scopes in these areas during the first part of July," Walters said. "Don't hesitate to step forward and inquire about a free look and to ask any questions you have about peregrine falcons and this famous pair and family of birds," said Walters.
Not only are the volunteers there to assist passers-by but to watch over the young falcons and keep them from harm's away during their harrowing first flights.
The peregrine falcon, which was removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999, is recovering statewide and continues to enjoy protection under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.