Falcon Nest in Omaha: Webcam with Panoramic Real-Time View
WoodmenLife Tower — a skyscraper with a falcon nest
In the center of Omaha, a city on the western bank of the Mississippi, rises the 478-foot (146 m) WoodmenLife Tower, which has served as the headquarters of the WoodmenLife insurance company since 1969. But this building is known not only for its architecture — for more than three decades, peregrine falcons, the fastest predatory birds on the planet, have nested on its upper floors. The panoramic online camera allows you to observe the life of these feathered residents in real time without leaving your home.
The falcon nest on WoodmenLife Tower is one of the oldest urban peregrine falcon nesting sites in the United States. The wooden nest box, installed on a metal structure, has become home to several generations of these rare predators. The camera with a view of the falcon nest broadcasts around the clock, allowing you to see not only the birds themselves but also a panoramic view of the city from above.
How peregrine falcons appeared in downtown Omaha
The history of the nest began in 1988, when as part of the Peregrine Falcon Project, a pair of peregrine falcons was released on the building, then the tallest in downtown Omaha. In the 1950s, the population of these birds declined sharply due to pesticides, and the species was listed as endangered. Reintroduction programs helped restore their numbers, and WoodmenLife Tower became one of the key sites in Nebraska.
Since then, the nest on the skyscraper has become a true attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. Since 1988, more than 50 peregrine falcon chicks have hatched here. WoodmenLife collaborates with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Raptor Recovery at Fontenelle Forest, providing monitoring and protection of the nesting site. In 2019, a pair of peregrine falcons named Chayton and Mintaka raised three chicks named Jimmy Falcon, Diamond, and Lightning.
Nesting season: when to watch the stream
The peregrine falcons in Omaha follow a strict schedule. The nesting season lasts from March to July, and the first eggs usually appear in late March or early April. The female lays eggs every 2–3 days, typically 3–4 eggs per spring. Both parents take turns incubating the clutch while the other partner hunts.
Peregrine falcon chicks hatch after 35–42 days of incubation, which in Omaha corresponds to late April or early May. In the first weeks, the parents feed them pieces of meat, bringing prey — usually small birds the size of pigeons. By late May or early June, the young peregrine falcons begin to fledge and make their first flight attempts, remaining under adult supervision for another 2–3 months.
Chick life: from egg to first flight
Peregrine falcons do not build nests in the traditional sense — they use scrapes (shallow depressions) or bare rock surfaces. On WoodmenLife Tower, a special wooden nest box with bedding material made of branches has been installed for them, mimicking natural cliff conditions. Nearby is a wooden box with an open entrance — an additional shelter for the birds.
The chicks develop rapidly. Within just 10 days of hatching, they can leave the nest but stay nearby, receiving food from their parents. Adult peregrine falcons are skilled hunters, capable of catching prey in flight at speeds exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph). On the camera, you can see the parents bringing food and feeding their growing offspring, as well as moments when the young birds first spread their wings on the edge of the nest box.
Omaha and its panoramic view from above
The webcam with a view of the falcon nest provides an opportunity not only to observe the birds but also to see a panoramic view of Omaha from a bird's-eye perspective. The city landscape unfolds in the background of the stream: green lawns, residential neighborhoods, trees, and a cluster of skyscrapers in the distance. The camera is positioned at a significant height, providing a view of both suburban and urban development.
Omaha, the largest city in Nebraska, stretches along the Mississippi River. From the height of WoodmenLife Tower, downtown quarters, park areas, and residential neighborhoods are visible. During daytime hours, movement on the streets can be distinguished on the stream, and at night, the city lights create a contrast with the dark nest box where the peregrine falcons rest after hunting.
How to find the nest: address and landmarks
WoodmenLife Tower is located at 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, in the very center of the city. The building is easily recognizable by its outstanding height — it dominates the downtown skyline. Nearby are major Omaha attractions, including the Old Market District and the Mississippi River waterfront.
For those who want to see the falcon nest in person, WoodmenLife Tower is visible from the street. However, the nest itself is located on the upper floors, inaccessible to visitors. This is why the online stream remains the best way to study the behavior of peregrine falcons in their natural habitat — without the risk of disturbing the birds during the nesting season.
What you can see on the camera
The stream from the falcon nest in Omaha shows the peregrine falcon's wooden nest box installed on a tall metal structure. Inside is bedding material made of branches and small debris that the birds use to arrange their dwelling. To the right is a wooden nest box with an open entrance, the interior of which is darkened. To the left are yellow metal safety railings typical of industrial structures.
During the nesting season (March–July), adult peregrine falcons incubating eggs or chicks being fed and taught to fly by their parents can be observed on the camera. At other times, the nest may be empty — peregrine falcons do not stay in one place year-round. In the background of the stream is a panoramic view of Omaha: green lawns, residential neighborhoods, trees, and the city skyline with a cluster of skyscrapers in the distance. The camera operates in real time, allowing you to see the life of the city and its feathered residents without delay.
