Nebraska Game and Parks officials say Orozco, a male peregrine falcon hatched at the Nebraska Capitol in 2015 was spotted in the Omaha area.
According to officials, Orozco is one of two falcons seen frequently at the north tower of St. Cecilia’s Cathedral.
Nature photographer Mike Benkis captured photos of the pair that revealed that at least one of the birds was banded. The other falcon has not been identified.
"Many peregrine falcons across the Midwest are banded as chicks shortly after hatching, including peregrine chicks banded by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in Lincoln and Omaha," officials said in a statement.
Officials added that Benkis’ photos were able to confirm that one of the falcons captured was Orozco.
They said it was based on the unique alphanumeric leg band that was placed on his leg back in May 2015.
Orozco is named after fallen Omaha Police officer Kerrie Orozco.
Omaha Police Sgt. Matt Manhart said in a statement why he thinks the falcon is in Omaha.
“She (Kerrie) is watching over the citizens of Omaha and her brothers and sisters of the Omaha Police Department,” Manhart said.
Officials say Orozco the falcon was last seen in September 2015 at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue.
He is the sixth peregrine falcon hatched at the Nebraska Capitol.
Officials believe Orozco and his mate may be nesting at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral, which would be the third peregrine falcon nesting territory in Omaha and the fourth in Nebraska.
