A Falcon’s Visit

The Evanston Public Library is the host to a pair of Peregrine Falcons each year, which means sighting them isn’t a big surprise.

However, having one right outside your window and watching it devour a pigeon is quite the thrilling distraction from other chores.

I had to ship an order so I reluctantly went out to run my errand.

Upon my return, the falcon was still there.

I watched a squirrel get too close and be chased away.

Since 2004, the Library’s third floor window ledge has become a nesting site for falcons. Since 2005 Nona has come to lay her eggs, and as of 2006 she was accompanied by Squawker.  A falcon cam tracks the nest when eggs are laid and hatchlings come out.

Each year the hatchlings receive names voted on by the community, and after their banding ceremony by wildlife preservation experts they are free to roam Evanston and beyond.

While I was distracted that day, I am heeding this totem animal’s call to focus and strategize.

“When they show themselves to us, we are being called to focus on our desires and our goals, and do what is necessary to bring our desires into our reality.”