Thomas Joseph Cade (January 10, 1928 – February 6, 2019) was an American ornithologist most notable for his efforts to conserve the peregrine falcon.
[1] As a child, Cade read a 1937 National Geographic article "Adventures with Birds of Prey", written by Frank and John Craighead, that piqued his interest in falconry.
[3] The peregrine falcon was severely affected by exposure to DDT, leading to its extirpation from the East Coast of the United States.
[1] Cade worked with various stakeholders including universities, falconers, conservationists, and businesses to begin a captive breeding and reintroduction program.
[3] Cade's Hawk Barn was described as a "virtual Peregrine Falcon factory" for its role in captive breeding success.
[2] After Cade's death, the Idaho House of Representatives introduced a resolution to honor him,[6] calling him "one of the world's most visionary conservationists and widely respected scientists".