SALT LAKE CITY — Peregrine falcons are back and are nesting again on the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in the heart of Salt Lake City.

It's the first time falcons have been downtown since 1996.

"It was bound to happen, and I'm just thrilled that they've returned to the big city to once again dazzle downtown spectators," said an elated Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife program coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Walters says it appears two, three-week-old falcons have hatched, judging by brief glimpses and observations of food brought to a nest box on the northeast corner of the building.

Peregrine falcons nested on the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (formerly the Hotel Utah) from 1986 to 1990 and 1994 to 1995. In 1996, they also nested at the First Security building downtown. The famous pair produced 16 young during that time. Five of the young birds later died, but 11 successfully departed from downtown to unknown, wilder haunts.

Also, from 1991 through 1993, the pair nested in a nearby canyon where five of six young successfully mastered flight and dispersed from that nest area.

As in past years, volunteers helping Walters plan to periodically share glimpses and gawks at the family produced by this new pair of hawks. During upcoming Watchable Wildlife program field trips, and impromptu noon hour and evening gatherings, people can catch a glimpse of the hawks using binoculars and spotting scopes that will be available on the sidewalks along South Temple, Main and State streets, in proximity to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

"Look for people holding binoculars, or standing near scopes in these areas," Walters said. "Don't hesitate to step forward and inquire about a free look and to ask any questions you have about peregrine falcons and this famous pair of birds."

Walters also said that volunteers will be enlisted to watch over the young falcons and keep them from harm's way during their harrowing first flights.

The peregrine falcon, which was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in 1999, is recovering nicely statewide and continues to enjoy protection under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.