The next generation of peregrine falcon chicks hatching in Wisconsin are being born into an amazing legacy — and they will have the names to prove it.

People from across the state voted in a special naming contest to honor the “founding feathers” of the We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) peregrine falcon program. The company has been working to bring peregrines back from the brink of extinction for more than 30 years.

The top 10 names, selected by thousands of falcon fans, pay tribute to some of the legendary peregrines who once nested at We Energies and WPS power plants.

Top names picked in naming contest:

  • Leopold — Leopold was born in captivity and released at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant in 1992. He kicked off the falcon program and raised 42 chicks over the course of his life.
  • Eclipse — Eclipse was the female falcon at the Oak Creek Power Plant from 2011 to 2017. She was born in Ohio in 2009.
  • Flaps —Flaps was born in Green Bay in 1998. She produced 23 chicks in Port Washington from 2000 to 2006.
  • Atlanta — Atlanta was born at the former Pulliam Power Plant in 1996. She settled at the Oak Creek Power Plant in 1999 and produced 41 chicks in her 12 years there.
  • Brinn — Brinn came to Port Washington from Minnesota in 2014 and raised 30 chicks in 11 years.
  • Breezer — Breezer was the resident female falcon at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant from 1999 to 2008. She produced 31 chicks.
  • Scout — Scout was raised in captivity and released from the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant in 1992. She settled in Indiana and raised 23 chicks.
  • Hercules — Hercules was born in 2011 in Milwaukee. He nested at the Valley Power Plant from 2014 to 2023 and raised 23 chicks.
  • Beasley — Beasley nested in Port Washington from 2017 to 2025. He was born at the former We Energies Milwaukee County Power Plant in 2014.
  • Maya — Maya was born at the Weston Power Plant in 2006 before settling at the Valley Power Plant and raising eight chicks.

Nest box updates

 So far, there are six chicks at all four nest sites with seven eggs still expected to hatch:

  • Four chicks at the Oak Creek Creek Power Plant will be named and banded next week — stay tuned for details.
  • One chick at the Valley Power Plant will be named and banded at the end of May.
  • One chick and three eggs at the Weston Power Plant will continue to hatch this week and be named and banded in June.
  • Four eggs at the Port Washington Generating Station are expected to hatch around the end of May.

You can keep an eye on all four nest sites and watch the chicks grow, build strength and learn to fly on the We Energies live cameras.

Peregrine falcon program

 We Energies and WPS began installing peregrine falcon nest boxes on power plants in the early 1990s. So far, 459 peregrine falcons have hatched at We Energies and WPS facilities — that’s 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin.

This program is another 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.