Season 12 of falcon watch is officially underway in downtown Fort Wayne. For more than a decade, peregrine falcons Moxie (female) and Jamie (male) have called the city skies their home, taking residence in a nest box on top of the Indiana Michigan Power Center (IMPC) building in 2013. Many might not know that the once endangered bird has an extensive history with northern Indiana.

Since 1996, almost 70 peregrine falcon chicks have hatched on the roof of the former One Summit Square building, now IMPC. The most recent chicks, Marshmallow, Stewart and Squirt, are just three of Moxie’s and Jamie’s 30-plus chicks. 

Peregrine falcons were the focus of a restoration program by the Wildlife Diversity Section of the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife from 1991 through 1994. A total of 60 young falcons were released in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Evansville during this time.

By putting leg bands on young birds and reading these bands on adults at nesting sites, movement and survival of Midwestern peregrines can be tracked. This can be distances as great as 200 miles from the site the falcon was raised or released. 

Peregrine falcons lay 3-5 eggs in March and April with hatching taking place around 32 days later. Fort Wayne has seen at least two eggs each year since 1996 except for 2008 – 2012 when there were no eggs. Young birds will take their first flight about six weeks of age and receive care from their parents for an additional one to two months before leaving the area.

IMPC is the tallest building in Fort Wayne, which supports the falcons that historically nested on ledges of tall cliffs and river bluffs. The building, which offers access to safety, food and water, is just one example of how tall buildings, smokestacks and bridges in urban areas have become homes for these birds.

I&M’s Falcon Cam is a popular attraction for bird watchers and falcon fans. This live feed is the result of a partnership between Indiana Michigan Power, Soarin’ Hawk Avian Rescue and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/FalconCam to see what Jamie, Moxie and possible chicks are up to 24/7.  

Once the falcons reach an appropriate age, I&M will work with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and area students to name and band each falcon. Stay up to date with information on this on our social media accounts or www.IndianaMichiganPower.com.