When it was discovered that a young family of Peregrine falcons decided to make the rafters at BMO Field their home, preparations and setup for the 2026 FIFA Toronto games hit a bit of a bump. Peregines parents are very protective of their offspring and would likely not be overly impressed by workers hauling lighting and speakers up into the rafters.

So, Hawkeye's Dan Frankian was called in to observe, consult, and assist. Dan quickly determinded that moving the nest was unnecessary and predicted that the chicks would leave the nest and spread their wings before any spectators would arrive to take in the action on the soccer field - and he was correct. Instead, Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control installed a series of netting and protections around the birds. This way, the birds were separated from the rigging crew and their disturbance could be kept at a minimum.

In fact, there were times when the female (mother) falcon was less than 4 feet from Dan and so unbothered that she appeared to be sleeping. Mind you, he kept her well-fed and happy  :) All in all, this was a wonderful outcome for all. No workers or falcons were injured and four young chicks took to the Toronto skies just before kick-off.

All of us at Hawkeye are incredibly proud to have played a part in proving that conservation and world-class sports events can coexist.

Dan Frankian spoke with Globe and Mail about the experience, his own love for birds of prey, and how not every World Cup story happens on the field. Thanks to photographer Alejandro Gomez Garcia for coming out to Acton and taking photos at Hawkeye's aviaries.

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https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/fifa-toronto-2026