Peregrine Falcon Nesting At Juanita Jordan's For-Sale Condo
CHICAGO (CBS) -- There is a luxury Lake Shore Drive condo -- with a well-known owner -- for sale on the Gold Coast, and the unit has a very special unexpected visitor living just above it.
CBS 2's Marissa Bailey reports a rare Peregrine Falcon has been nesting with several eggs just on the roof of the penthouse at 1100 N. Lake Shore Dr.
The high-rise is prime Gold Coast real estate, with a penthouse that offers a decent view, but the unit comes with an added rooftop bonus – a Peregrine Falcon nesting in a planter on the balcony outside.
"They won't go in something that is very deep walled – like they are going into a well – they want to be able to see up over the edge," said Mary Hennen, with the Chicago Peregrine Program at the Field Museum.
Hennen got a call from property managers at the high-rise that a mother Peregrine had laid eggs in a planter on the 41st floor.
Juanita Jordan, basketball star Michael Jordan's ex-wife, had put the condo up for sale, asking for $5 million for the penthouse unit.
Hennen photographed the falcon on her first visit to care for the bird, and noticed the bird had a tag.
"Her name is Ballistic. She fledged from a nest in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2005 and she's been in Chicago since 2006," Hennen said.
Ballistic's old home was at the St. Michael in Old Town parish, actually behind the statue of Saint Michael.
She was last seen at the church in April, and has since made herself at home in the penthouse at 1100 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Juanita Jordan declined requests for an interview, but did allow reporters access to take pictures of the bird.
While the mother falcon was protective while cameras were around, as many as four eggs were spotted in the nest.
Hennen said, if her math I right, the eggs could hatch any day now.
Meantime, rooftop access at the building – even for open houses – is restricted.
Peregrine Falcons had vanished in the Chicago area at one time, but thanks to people like Hennen, they've been reintroduced to the area.
Recent numbers show an uptick in the Peregrine population throughout the past few years.
