THIS STORY HAS AN UPDATE. Click here.

By Steve Polston

Peregrine falcons perched atop one of Indiana’s tallest ledges have been exhibiting expectant-parent behavior for a few weeks. They soon may be ready to protect and show eggs.

This annual event is one of the best Indianapolis has to offer and it is so much an outdoor activity that no matter the weather, you may see the birds exhibiting their finest aerobatic stunts.

What's remarkable is that this public event can hardly be planned, though it happens every year and will be so long as the falcons continue their habits.

Peregrine falcons were first re-introduced in Indiana in 1991, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which sponsors a nest cam and ledge cam in Indianapolis.

You can access a peregrine falcon-watcher’s blog and see the cameras’ images here.

While the amount of airborne activity around Monument Circle may be sporadic, in the past few weeks the male and female exhibited mating behavior and nest preparation behavior at the customary tall landmarks.

Falcon spotters -- dedicated volunteer bird watchers and falcon reporters -- are frequently on the Circle and some may be willing to chat you up if you are Downtown looking at the skyline and tops of buildings.

Bring good binoculars.

In the past, the birds have visited many places and could be seen flying around the ledges of the L.S. Ayres building on the South Meridian Street side and above the monument statue, an allegorical figure called Victory.

These days, the official nest and scrape are located on the east side of the skyscraper with the giant lighted red key.

If the egg laying is successful and before the falcon chicks fledge, the DNR will conduct a semi-public banding of the birds, which means the chicks will be temporarily removed from the nest to have bands placed on their legs. These numbered bands allow for separate state and federal tracking and conservation programs for the birds.