Look Up! Peregrine Falcons Nesting at Reston Town Center

Contributed by Reston Environmental Advisory Committee

The Reston falcons have their own live camera. Photo by Steve Potts.

In the heart of Reston Town Center, high above the shops and restaurants, a drama of talons and wings plays out every spring—and most locals have no idea it’s happening.

It all began in June 2015, when two baby peregrine falcons were discovered on Market Street. The downy chicks had tumbled from a nest atop one of RTC’s high-rises, but they were already feathered enough to survive the fall. That surprising sidewalk discovery was the first clue that the iconic bird of prey had taken up residence in the heart of Reston.

Once nearly wiped out from the Eastern United States due to pesticide exposure, especially from DDT, peregrine falcons have made a remarkable comeback since the chemical was banned in the 1970s. By 1999, their numbers had rebounded enough to be removed from the Federal Endangered Species list, although Virginia still considers them a Rare and Endangered Species.

Photo by Steve Potts

Much of their recovery is credited to conservationists who bred peregrines in captivity and released them into the wild, often on skyscrapers, bridges, and towers. These urban substitutes for cliffs turned out to be ideal nesting spots, and today, more than 30 breeding pairs thrive across the Commonwealth. Reston’s pair is among the most urban of them all.

Fast, fierce, and elegant, peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on Earth, capable of diving on prey at speeds approaching 200 mph. Their RTC nest, located on the 20th floor of an office building, gives them a perfect vantage point to hunt pigeons, starlings, doves, and blackbirds. Biologists have identified the remains of more than 15 species of birds from this nest site alone.

The nest’s location offers more than just a great view. Facing south and sheltered from rain and harsh sun, it is well protected. Nearby tall buildings give young fledglings a safe place to land as they learn to fly. All in all, it’s prime real estate for a raptor family.

Retired raptor biologist and Reston resident Steve Potts keeps a close eye on the falcons through his work with the Center for Conservation Biology. Each spring, Potts and the team band, weigh, and examine the chicks to monitor their health. If needed, they provide medical treatment as well. Support from Boston Properties has been crucial; they have worked with Potts to secure and safeguard the nest, ensuring the birds can raise their young undisturbed.

Peregrines typically mate for life, and Reston’s longtime couple seems to be thriving. This year, they welcomed four new chicks. Want to see them for yourself? You can watch them live on Boston Properties’ falcon cam: https://hdontap.com/stream/271048/reston-town-center-falcon-cam-live. The fledglings are expected to take their first flights later this month.

But it’s not all good news. In recent years, peregrine numbers have declined again in some areas, particularly along the coast. The cause remains unclear, but avian flu is a prime suspect. So far, Reston’s falcons are faring well—let’s hope they stay that way.

So next time you’re at Reston Town Center, look up. You might just catch a glimpse of these magnificent aerial hunters, soaring high above the bustle below.