Dallas County Conservation will be invading Polk County this Saturday for a bird-watching event at the State Capitol.

From 9-11 a.m., Dallas County naturalists and representatives with the Department of Natural Resources will be on the east side of the building to view nesting peregrine falcons. Forest Park Museum Curator Pete Malmberg says it’s a unique opportunity to view a rare sight. “Now that seems a little weird, going down to the State Capitol to look at birds. But the peregrine falcons are down there! Now isn’t that cool? Our beautiful state capitol, with these really cool birds on the eastside ledges. This program was such a success last year, we’re offering it again this year.”

Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on the planet, able to reach speeds in excess of 200-miles-per-hour. The birds are not often found in the wild, so Malmberg says getting to see several at a historical nesting site is a gift. There is no cost to attend, no registration is required, and attendees can come and go as they wish. For more information on this and other Dallas County Conservation events, call the Forest Park Museum at 515-465-3577.