For an urban area, Evanston has its share of wild creatures. Last summer we were treated to the sight of a red fox, just hanging out at the boat launch, chillin'. A few months ago, we saw a large, very healthy looking coyote running down one of Evanston's main streets on the way to school. We were so excited that I made an illegal turn down a 1-way street so we could follow it. We drove slowly alongside, marveling at its wildness, until it turned down and alley and slipped into someone's backyard. Finally, Jedi has been overjoyed to chase rats in the alleys on our evening walks, investigate the myriad of rabbits who surprisingly live downtown, and even to catch a baby squirrel in a parking lot the other day (she had it by the tail twice, but didn't know what to do with it...she let it go each time so she could chase it some more until I rescued it from her "fun" time).
This month, we've been priveleged to be able to observe the falcons who come to Evanston every year to make their nest and lay their eggs on top of the public library on the next block (see picture). This year, they had 4 babies who decided to use the building right across from our balcony as a airstrip while learning how to fly. It has been amazing to look out and see them so close by. This week they have sharpened their skills and are able to cruise around in the area of our building's rooftop garden, dipping and swooping and screeching with joy. If the windows are open, they even wake us up in the morning! Here is a picture of 2 of the babies as they are thinking about spreading their wings...
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