“Checkers,” a We Energies peregrine falcon, is checking things out Milwaukee’s Molson Coors nest box.
Checkers was born at the Oak Creek Power Plant in 2021. He was recently spotted on the brewery’s nest box camera and identified thanks to the band placed on his leg. The combination of colors, letters and numbers on the tags helps identify all falcons born at We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) power plants.
After a peregrine falcon leaves the nest, sightings in the wild can be rare, but Checkers must like the spotlight. This is the second time that Checkers has been spotted in the Milwaukee area. Last year, he was identified in a nest box at the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
Greg Septon, the We Energies peregrine falcon manager, suspects he may be staying close to home to find his own opportunity to nest.
Peregrine falcon program
Two more We Energies peregrine falcons have been spotted recently in the wild. Read more about sightings of Trapper and Birdie Blair.
A total of 453 peregrine falcons have been born at We Energies and WPS power plants since the program began in 1992. That means 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin during that time hatched at We Energies or WPS facilities, helping the endangered species escape possible extinction.
Coming soon
The countdown is on to the arrival of a new group of chicks. Watch for updates later this month as We Energies and WPS continue helping peregrine falcons nest and raise their young at power plants across Wisconsin.
The peregrine falcon program is just one way We Energies and WPS are building a bright, sustainable future. From helping endangered animals and restoring natural habitats, to building new solar facilities and reducing carbon emissions, we are committed to a cleaner future.