Oak Creek Power Plant in Wisconsin — Peregrine Falcon Nest Webcam Live
Why peregrine falcons chose a power plant in Wisconsin
Peregrine falcons are birds that nest on rocky cliffs and canyons in the wild. Tall industrial structures of power plants perfectly mimic their natural habitat: smokestacks and boiler buildings resemble sheer cliffs, while the height protects them from ground predators. We Energies installed nest boxes at its power plants specifically for these rare raptors, and the program has been incredibly successful.
Since 1992, 461 peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service facilities — that's more than 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin. The Oak Creek Power Plant has become one of the key sites for restoring the population of this species in the state.
Oak Creek Power Plant: energy and ecology side by side
Oak Creek Power Plant is a base-load power plant running on coal and natural gas, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. Construction of the first phase began in 1950, and the first generating unit was commissioned in 1953. Later, units were added in 1959, 1961, 1965, and 1967. The plant is owned by Wisconsin Energy Corporation (now We Energies) and is located in the city of Oak Creek, a suburb of Milwaukee with a population of about 36,000 people.
The power plant sits on the shore of Lake Michigan, creating ideal hunting conditions for peregrine falcons. The body of water attracts waterfowl, which form the basis of these raptors' diet. This is why the peregrine falcon nest here operates year-round, and the online camera allows you to observe them at any time of day.
Nesting season calendar: what happens and when
The peregrine falcon breeding season in Wisconsin begins in March, when a pair occupies the territory and cleans the nest. During this period, you can observe courtship flights and mating displays. Egg-laying occurs in April — usually 3-4 eggs appear in the nest. Incubation lasts about 33 days, and chicks are born in May-June.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, peregrine falcon chicks (fledglings) begin to leave the nest at about 6 weeks of age. By the end of June, young birds are already trying to hunt on their own, although they stay near their parents for some time. Watching this process through a webcam is a unique opportunity to see how the fastest bird on the planet learns to fly.
Peregrine falcon: the fastest animal on Earth
The peregrine falcon is not just a bird of prey — it is the absolute speed record holder among all living creatures. During hunting, it uses a diving technique (stoop), in which it drops onto prey from a great height. In such a dive, the peregrine falcon reaches speeds of over 320 km/h, and according to some sources — up to 390 km/h. This makes it the fastest animal on the planet.
The main difference between the peregrine falcon and other raptors in Wisconsin — red-tailed hawks, owls, or hawks — is its specialization in catching birds in flight. While hawks often hunt from a perch or while soaring, the peregrine falcon strikes prey on the wing, using its incredible speed and agility. Its vision is 8 times sharper than human — it can spot a pigeon from a distance of more than 1.5 km.
Night observation: what's visible on the camera after sunset
The webcam at Oak Creek Power Plant is equipped with built-in infrared illumination, allowing you to observe peregrine falcons at night without stressing the birds. IR light is invisible to peregrine falcons, so their behavior remains natural. At night, you can see how parents warm the chicks, how birds rest after hunting, or how chicks begin to show activity with the first rays of sunlight.
The camera operates around the clock, and the stream is available for free without registration. This is especially valuable for researchers and bird enthusiasts who study peregrine falcon behavior at different times of day. The nocturnal activity of peregrine falcons is often underestimated, although it is in the dark that they can hunt roosting birds or defend the nest from owls.
Recovery program: from extinction to 461 chicks
The history of peregrine falcons in Wisconsin is a story of remarkable recovery. In the mid-20th century, the population of these birds in North America declined catastrophically due to the use of the pesticide DDT. By the 1960s, peregrine falcons had completely disappeared from the eastern coast of the United States. In Wisconsin, they were listed as an endangered species.
The We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service program to install nest boxes at power plants started in 1992 and became one of the most successful in the country. Since then, 461 peregrine falcons have hatched at company facilities, accounting for more than 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin. Each year, chicks are named through online voting, and ornithologists band them to track migrations.
Oak Creek: a city on the shore of Lake Michigan
The power plant is located in the city of Oak Creek — a municipality in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The city sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, directly south of Milwaukee. According to the 2020 census, the population of Oak Creek was 36,497 people, and by 2024 it had grown to approximately 38,000.
Oak Creek has been experiencing an economic boom in recent years — major companies, including Amazon and IKEA, have opened here. The city is known for its parks on the shore of Lake Michigan, including Bender Park and Lake Vista Park. The Oak Creek Power Plant is one of the largest employers in the region and at the same time a center of environmental initiatives, including the peregrine falcon protection program.
What you can see on the camera
The online camera is installed on a wooden structure with visible beams and metal fasteners. The frame shows a view from above of a reservoir with rows of rectangular ponds, likely water treatment or fish farming ponds. In the background is the wide expanse of Lake Michigan. Green grassy slopes, trees, and a road complete the landscape.
The peregrine falcon nest is located on an industrial structure of the power plant — a tall smokestack or building that mimics natural rocky cliffs. During the nesting season (March-July), adult birds, chicks, and fledglings can be seen in the frame. At other times, the camera shows wintering peregrine falcons or individual birds that use the nest as a stopover. The live stream is broadcast in real time, and you can watch the life of the fastest bird on the planet right now.
