-Xcel Energy is excited to announce the return of peregrine falcons to the nesting box located on the roof of the Bay Front Power Plant, marking another season of falcon activity. For the first time, they are being documented live through Xcel Energy’s “Bird Cam,” offering a unique opportunity for the public to observe these magnificent birds up close.
This year, a change has been noted in the nesting pair. The regular female peregrine falcon, named “Penny,” is absent, and an unbanded female has taken her place. Meanwhile, the male falcon, “Scottie,” has returned and sired four eggs so far this season. Chicks are expected to hatch around June 3 and banding will take place three weeks after hatching by teams from the Raptor Resource Project to document their journey.
Peregrine falcons have been nesting at the Bay Front Power Plant since 2014, following the removal of a nearby oredock on Lake Superior where they previously nested. Notably, a chick born in Ashland in 2023 was identified last year as far south as South Padre Island, Texas, showcasing the incredible journeys these birds undertake.
