Peregrine Falcon Chicks Named and Banded by We Energies in Milwaukee

We Energies, a prominent energy provider, recently introduced and banded the first peregrine falcon chicks of the season on Thursday, May 23, in Milwaukee. This event marked the initiation of the annual tradition carried out by We Energies to monitor and protect these majestic birds.

Naming Contest Honors Olympic Medalists

In a unique initiative, We Energies organized a naming contest for the 2024 peregrine falcon chicks, inviting the public to participate. The contest, which garnered significant attention, paid homage to Olympic medalists with ties to Wisconsin.

Top 10 Names

After receiving over 10,000 votes, the top 10 names for the falcon chicks were announced. Among them, Birdie Blair emerged as the most popular choice, honoring the renowned five-time Olympic gold medalist speedskater Bonnie Blair. Other notable names included Hero, dedicated to Wisconsin’s Special Olympics athletes, and Warrior, paying tribute to Wisconsin’s Paralympic athletes.

Significant Falcon Hatchings

As of May 16, eight falcon chicks had hatched, indicating a successful breeding season for the peregrine falcons in the region.

We Energies’ Peregrine Falcon Program

We Energies, in collaboration with WPS (Wisconsin Public Service), has been actively involved in conserving peregrine falcons since the early 1990s. Through the installation of nest boxes on power plants, the program has contributed significantly to the conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Impactful Conservation Efforts

According to a news release, We Energies and WPS facilities have witnessed the hatching of 444 peregrine falcons, amounting to 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin. This underscores the substantial impact of their conservation initiatives on the falcon population in the state.

Public Engagement and Livestreaming

To further engage the public in their conservation efforts, We Energies plans to involve the community in naming this year’s falcon chicks through a naming contest. Additionally, live cameras will stream the activities within the falcon nest boxes at four We Energies/WPS facilities, including the Oak Creek Power Plant, Port Washington Generating Station, Valley Power Plant in Milwaukee, and Weston Power Plant in Rothschild.

Conclusion: Promoting Conservation and Community Engagement

We Energies’ commitment to peregrine falcon conservation not only contributes to the preservation of this endangered species but also fosters community engagement through initiatives like naming contests and live streaming. By involving the public in these efforts, We Energies reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation. Stay informed about such initiatives by downloading The Local News App today.

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