2026 Peregrine Falcon Chicks Named and Banded
June 3, 2026—The 2026 MGE falcon chicks have names that celebrate pollinators—Honey and Monarch.
A pollinator is a bee, butterfly or other agent that transfers pollen from one plant to another. Pollinator habitats are shrinking nationwide, reducing food sources and nesting areas for bees, butterflies and other insects vital to pollinating plants and supporting food production. MGE, in partnership with vegetation consultants, establishes pollinator habitats by planting native seed mixes at MGE-owned and operated solar sites.
Wisconsin peregrine falcon expert Greg Septon banded the two falcon chicks at Blount Generating Station on June 2. The bands allow experts to track the birds throughout their lifetimes.
Honey, a female, was named for honey bees. Earlier this spring, MGE welcomed honey bees to the O'Brien Solar Fields in Fitchburg, one of the Company's initial pollinator sites. In partnership with a local beekeeper, five bee hives were set up and a colony of honey bees now resides at the solar array. The bees collect nectar from some of the native pollinator plants at the site, contributing to the ecosystem.
The plantings at MGE solar facilities provide nectar and forage for pollinators from spring through fall. This process enables fertilization and the production of food such as seeds, fruits and nuts.
Monarch, a male, was named for monarch butterflies. One of the biggest impacts on the monarch population is the loss of habitat for breeding, migrating and overwintering. Monarch butterflies need habitat for both their caterpillar and adult populations. At three of our MGE-owned and MGE-operated solar sites, our native seed mixes were planted to support the monarch's life cycle from egg to caterpillar to adult. This was accomplished by planting several types of milkweed and native plants that will flower throughout the monarch season in Wisconsin.
Watch the chicks on the MGE Falcon Cam as they continue to grow and begin fledging.
