Peregrine Falcons Nest in Lansing, Michigan

In the 1950s and 1960s Peregrine Falcon populations in Michigan collapsed. Pesticides like DDT caused thin shells on eggs and were easily broken. The birds became a federally endangered species in 1970 and DDT was banned in the U.S. in 1973. Captive breeding programs were set up to increase the birds’ numbers and nesting pairs have been reintroduced all over the Great Lakes region.

Peregrines historically live on rock cliff ledges but also do well with tall concrete, bridges, buildings and smokestacks which have similar features. Their range is about 30 miles with their nest in the center of their range. They do not like other falcons within 3 miles of their nest site.
 

Since 2004 the Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) has had Peregrine Falcons nest at the Eckert electric generating plant in downtown Lansing, Michigan. BWL has two Falcon NestCams at the site if you want to watch.

Nesting has already begun and chicks are expected to hatch in early May. Just go to http://www.lbwl.com/FalconCam2008.asp.