Longtime Aurora resident Tom Schrader has cherished the Fox River since his childhood, recalling a time 60 years ago when the river was polluted and wildlife scarce. Today, the river teems with life, including peregrine falcons that once nearly vanished from the region. Schrader shares a unique experience of seeing these majestic birds along the same river he grew up near, a testament to diligent environmental efforts.
Standing near the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora, Schrader observed peregrine falcons soaring through the sky, an image unimaginable during his youth. The transformation in the river’s ecosystem is attributed to sustained clean-up initiatives. Falcons, previously absent from the area due to pesticide use and a tainted food supply, now thrive along the cleaner river.
“This is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these falcons because normally they’re in a nest box or nesting on a ledge or the balcony of a building 25 stories up or they’re in the wild,” Schrader said.
In early April, a pair of falcons chose to nest outside Aurora City Hall, captivating the community. Residents witnessed the falcons’ chicks hatch and grow, an experience enriched by a live stream set up by city staff. The stream gained hundreds of views, showcasing the collective interest and participation in wildlife conservation.
City employee Brittany Everett noted how the falcons sparked conversations in unexpected places, from city office discussions to grocery store lines. Their presence galvanized local interest in the Fox River, a focus of conservation since advocates like Jim Phillips, known as “The Fox,” raised awareness in the 1960s.
Efforts to clean the river, coupled with federal regulations under the Clean Air and Water Acts, have revitalized the falcon population. Schrader highlights these initiatives as pivotal in nurturing a habitat that supports wildlife diversity.
“The main thing, people got involved, people cared, like ‘The Fox,’ and he increased awareness of what was happening around the area,” Schrader noted.
As the city anticipates the falcons’ return, residents reflect on how these birds have unified the community and fostered an appreciation for Aurora’s natural surroundings. Whether at City Hall or atop Leland Tower, the falcons’ presence signifies a broader environmental consciousness taking root in Aurora.
Bird enthusiasts are already making plans for the potential return of these captivating birds. The experience has strengthened communal ties and redirected attention toward conserving local ecosystems.
“It seemed like it kind of brought the city together,” Schrader mentioned. “People have gotten more interested in the river. People got more interested in nature.”