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| John James Audubon- Wikimedia |
MDC, Ameren Missouri and World Bird Sanctuary partner on video feeds of falcons nesting.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Through a cooperative effort among the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Ameren Missouri and the World Bird Sanctuary (WBS), the public can get a bird’s-eye view of peregrine falcons raising chicks in a nest box at Ameren’s Sioux Energy Center in St. Louis. A camera near the birds’ nest box provides video feeds to each organization’s website. MDC and WBS staff are providing commentary on what is happening.
The nest can be viewed on MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov/node/16934, on Ameren’s website, or on the WBS website at worldbirdsanctuary.orghttp://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/. The camera is live for viewing from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. (CDT) seven days a week.
“This peregrine project will help Missourians discover nature right in the nest of these amazing raptors,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “The project illustrates the power of partnerships between private and public sector organizations to help conserve native wildlife.”
Ameren staff installed the webcam at the nest site in early January. Peregrine falcons have been seen at Sioux Energy center since early 2011, with this year’s nesting activities first spotted in the beginning of February. MDC and WBS researchers have been observing the birds’ activities and are posting observations on the websites as updates warrant.
According to WBS Director Jeff Meshach, the female peregrine falcon laid her first egg on Monday, March 12. She is expected to lay a total clutch of four to five eggs, with an additional egg laid every two to three days. The eggs are expected to hatch around April 12. The male falcon will bring food to the female and take his turns incubating the eggs so the female can feed and preen her feathers.
Meshach added that the peregrine falcon has made an incredible comeback from the brink of extinction.
