What to do if you see a falcon on campus

Two adult peregrine falcons have hatched three chicks on the nest site at Craigie Hall--two have taken flight and the last one is expected to go any day. To keep these falcons safe, special precautions are required.

Elleonora (Elli) Jilek, a specialist advisor who works with Libraries and Cultural Resources, has been following the falcons since 1995 when they were found nesting on campus.

“Peregrine falcons are on the threatened species list and so we need to take special care of them,” says Jilek.

Jilek updates a website solely dedicated to informing the public about the falcons on the U of C campus. Observations, background on the species and images are viewed by people around the world. Amateur and professional bird watchers come to campus to catch a glimpse of the falcons that typically appear on campus from April to early-mid September.

“We work with Campus Security when we need to rescue and we also work with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development in keeping track of the birds,” says Jilek.

In the event of a problem involving a suspected peregrine falcon, please contact the following agencies:

Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division: 297-6423 (8:15 am-4:30 pm, Monday to Friday). Pat Young, Arlen Todd or conservation officers.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: 221-4500 (8 am-4 pm, Monday to Friday)

If a falcon needs to be picked up after hours, you may try the following numbers:
Campus Security – 220-5333 – 24 hrs a day
Elli Jilek -- 220-5959(W) or 282-1722(H)
Richard Moore --220-8412 or 220-4224(W) or 932-0776(H)
Jean Moore -- 282-4162(H)
Dawna Cutcliff – 249-0550(H) or 268-5220(W)

A fledgling falcon that is injured and unable to fly could also be delivered to the Calgary Zoo Animal Hospital, 1625 Centre Avenue East - call Animal Health Centre--232 9376

Other possible contacts for temporary assistance with an injured falcon are Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation (Ph: 239-2488) or Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (Ph: 946-2361).

If no one can be contacted and the bird is in imminent danger, the bird should be captured (if possible) and held until someone is contacted. The best capture method is to throw a large, light cloth (e.g. towel, light blanket, jacket, etc.) over the bird. The bird can then be safely bundled up in the cloth, taking extreme care to ensure the wings are held close to the body to avoid damaging growing feathers. Also be wary of the sharp claws (talons) and beak. Place the bird in a box large enough for it to stand upright. The box should have a perch several inches above the bottom to prevent damage to the tail feathers (push a stick or rod through the box to provide a perch). If the bird appears healthy but unable to fly, it can probably be held overnight. Ensure that the box is ventilated to avoid over-heating. Water can be provided using a clean eye dropper.