Ring out ahoya, Marquette fans! “Iggy” the peregrine falcon chick has been spotted in the wild for the first time since she left the nest.
Iggy — named after Marquette’s mascot Iggy the Golden Eagle — was born this spring at the Valley Power Plant in Milwaukee. After a peregrine falcon chick leaves the nest, sightings are rare.
Iggy was spotted at the Highlands Heron Rookery in Highland, Indiana. Perhaps she is spying on Marquette rival Notre Dame.
Iggy was identified thanks to the band placed on her leg. The combination of colors, letters and numbers helps identify all falcons born at Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and We Energies power plants.
New nesting season report
Iggy was one of 11 chicks born during another highly successful nesting season for WPS and We Energies. The details are laid out in the newly released 2023 Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season Report.
A total of 444 peregrine falcons have been born at WPS and We Energies power plants since the program began in 1992. That means 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin during that time hatched at WPS or We Energies facilities, helping the endangered species escape possible extinction.
Coming soon
As a new year approaches, the countdown is on to the arrival of a new group of chicks. Watch for updates this spring as WPS and We Energies continue helping peregrine falcons nest and raise their young at power plants across Wisconsin.
The peregrine falcon program is just one way WPS and We Energies 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.