Live Stream from the Peregrine Falcon Nest at Harding Street Power Plant
What the Peregrine Falcon Nest Camera in Indianapolis Shows
This live webcam provides access to one of Indianapolis's most remarkable natural sites — the peregrine falcon nest at the Harding Street power plant. The live stream comes from a specially installed nesting box on an industrial facility owned by AES Indiana. Viewers can observe the lives of these swift predators in real time: from egg laying to fledging chicks. The camera operates around the clock, switching to infrared mode after dark, allowing you to watch the birds even at night.
Where Harding Street Power Plant Is Located
The Harding Street Generating Station is located on the southwest side of Indianapolis, in Marion County. The exact address is the intersection of Interstate I-70 and Harding Street. It is one of the city's key energy facilities, owned by AES Indiana. The industrial zone along I-70 creates ideal conditions for peregrine falcons: tall structures mimic rocky ledges, and open spaces allow them to hunt pigeons and other urban birds. Although the plant grounds themselves are closed to free access, the webcam gives you the opportunity to see the nest without leaving your home.
History of Peregrine Falcon Nesting at Harding Street
Peregrine falcons appeared in Indianapolis as part of a species recovery program that began in the 1990s. The first pair of peregrine falcons began nesting in the city as early as 1995, and a second pair appeared on the south side of Indianapolis in 2001. Since 1999, peregrine falcon chicks have regularly hatched and grown at the AES Indiana Harding Street station on the southwest side of Indianapolis. Over this time, several generations of these rare predators have grown up here. In 2013, the peregrine falcon was removed from Indiana's endangered species list after summer surveys showed the birds were thriving in about two dozen locations across the state. This became a true triumph of conservation efforts — from complete disappearance in the region to a sustainable population in less than two decades.
Why Peregrine Falcons Chose an Industrial Site
Peregrine falcons typically nest on cliffs or artificial structures such as buildings and bridges, which explains their choice of industrial sites. The tall structures of the power plant — smokestacks, turbine buildings, metal structures — serve as excellent substitutes for natural rocky ledges. From these heights, the predators survey the territory for hunting, while vertical walls protect the nest from ground predators. The urban environment of Indianapolis is abundant with pigeons and starlings — the primary prey of peregrine falcons. Thus, the Harding Street industrial zone became an ideal habitat: tall structures for nesting and plenty of prey within the city limits.
Nesting Box Design
In December 2025, Indiana Audubon installed new peregrine falcon nesting boxes in Indianapolis through Mumford and Keller grants, replacing two old boxes in poor condition. The nesting box at the Harding Street power plant is a wooden structure with an open entrance, equipped with a wooden platform or step for the convenience of adult birds. The bottom of the nest contains a bedding of gravel, pebbles, feathers, and twigs — this filler provides drainage and comfort for the chicks. The gravel also helps maintain proper moisture levels and prevents eggs from slipping during incubation. The structure is secured at height, providing the peregrine falcons with protection from the elements and safety.
Seasonality of Peregrine Falcon Observations
The nesting season for peregrine falcons in Indianapolis lasts approximately from March through July. In March, the female lays 3–4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about 33 days. The chicks appear in April–May, and this period is the most interesting to observe via the webcam. The parents actively hunt and bring prey to the chicks, which grow and fledge quickly. By June, young peregrine falcons begin making their first flights, and by July they leave the nest. Outside the nesting season, the camera continues to operate — adult birds may visit the box to rest or survey the territory, although activity decreases significantly.
Night Mode Camera Features
The peregrine falcon nest camera is equipped with infrared illumination, allowing for round-the-clock observation. After dark, the image switches to black-and-white mode — this is standard practice for webcams monitoring wildlife. The IR illumination does not disturb the birds, as it falls outside their visible spectrum. At night, you can observe peregrine falcons resting in the nest, the female incubating eggs, or chicks sleeping under her wing. This operating mode makes the broadcast truly round-the-clock — the live webcam is available 24/7 without interruption.
Significance of the Peregrine Falcon Recovery Program
The releases of peregrine falcons in Indianapolis marked the beginning of regional efforts to restore the species. The program started with releasing young birds in urban environments, where they adapted to life among tall buildings and industrial facilities. The success at Harding Street inspired the creation of additional nesting sites throughout the state. Today, Indiana boasts one of the most successful peregrine falcon recovery programs in the United States. The webcam at the power plant not only entertains viewers but also serves as an educational tool, reminding us of the importance of preserving biodiversity even in industrial zones.
What You Can See on the Camera
On this live webcam in real time, you see the peregrine falcon nesting box installed at the Harding Street power plant in Indianapolis. The wooden structure with an open entrance is equipped with a platform for adult birds. Inside — a bedding of gravel, pebbles, feathers, and twigs. During the nesting season (March–July), you can observe the female with a clutch of eggs, chicks of various ages, or young peregrine falcons preparing for their first flight. The camera operates in infrared mode at night, providing a black-and-white image. The live stream is available free and without registration — simply open the page to join the observation of these majestic predators in the heart of Indianapolis.
