MGE Peregrine Falcons

Meet Lance, Goldy and Aster

June
07
2019

We announced the names of three peregrine falcons that hatched in the nesting box on top of our Blount Generating Station in May. In recognition of wildflowers and the important role they play in providing habitat for pollinators, we chose wildflower-inspired names: Lance, Goldy and Aster.

Falcon Chicks Hatch

May
28
2019

Three falcon chicks are chirping after hatching in mid-May in the nesting box at Blount Generating Station.

Our female falcon, Trudy, laid her eggs between April 5 and 13. This is the eighth straight year Trudy has laid eggs in our nesting box. It is the fifth year Trudy and Melvin have returned to the box together.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world's fastest birds, being able to reach 200 miles per hour while diving from great heights to strike prey.

In 2018, a known total of 111 falcon chicks hatched at 36 nest sites in Wisconsin. 39% of those chicks were hatched at power plants which have dedicated nesting boxes.

Peregrine falcons are on Wisconsin's endangered species list. Historically the use of DDT pesticides resulted in the rapid decline in the falcon population. Falcons were nearly extinct in the 1960s.

Peregrine falcons can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

Falcon females can be 20% bigger than males

Female falcons can be up to 20% larger than male falcons.

Peregrine falcons feed on a variety of birds including pigeons, ducks and songbirds as well as bats. They can catch their prey in mid-air.

Peregrine falcons get their name from the Latin word peregrinus, meaning "to wander."