A true sign of spring: the first peregrine falcon egg of the season is now visible in the nest box located on the roof of the Indiana Michigan Power Center (IMPC) in downtown Fort Wayne. The egg, which was first seen March 18, can be viewed on I&M’s FalconCam. The second egg, should there be one, is expected to be laid in the next couple days. 

Peregrine falcons typically lay between three to five eggs in March and early April, with hatching occurring about 32 days later. Since 1996, Fort Wayne has seen at least two eggs laid each year, excluding 2008 – 2012 which had no eggs laid. The chicks will take their first flight six weeks after hatching and receive care from their parents for an additional one to two months before leaving the area.

Since 1996, over 70 peregrine falcon chicks have hatched on the roof of Fort Wayne’s tallest building. Tall buildings, such as IMPC, help to support falcons with access to food and safety, similar to a tall cliff ledge or river bluff. Moxie (female) and Jamie (male) have called the Fort Wayne skies their home since taking residency in the nest box in 2013.

You can view the nest, eggs and the proud falcon parents through I&M’s live webcam: www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/FalconCam. This live feed offers a 24/7 view of the nest box and is a partnership between I&M, Soarin’ Hawk Avian Rescue and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.