Peregrine Falcons at Weston Power Plant in Rothschild — Live Webcam
Watching peregrine falcons in their natural habitat is a rare treat, as these predators prefer inaccessible cliffs. But thanks to the live webcam at Weston Power Plant in Rothschild, you can peek into the nest box of these amazing birds without leaving your home. Rothschild has become a true lifeline for Wisconsin's peregrine falcon population, turning an industrial facility into a thriving colony of raptors.
Peregrine Falcons: Speed and Altitude Record Holders
The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird on the planet, capable of reaching speeds over 300 km/h in a diving stoop. These predators have always preferred high cliffs and crags from which they could spot their prey. However, with the development of civilization, natural habitats began to shrink, and the birds had to seek new territories. Today, urban skyscrapers and industrial facilities have become their new habitat, and the peregrine falcons at Weston Power Plant are a striking example of such adaptation.
Why Peregrine Falcons Chose Weston Power Plant
Power plants serve as an ideal habitat for peregrine falcons because they are tall and usually located near bodies of water, making them «manmade cliffs» that mimic the species' natural habitat. This is why the peregrine falcons at Weston Power Plant feel right at home. The tall smokestacks and structures provide a perfect vantage point for hunting, while the proximity to water attracts other prey. The industrial area of Rothschild provides the birds with safety and an abundance of food.
The History of Raptors' Return to Wisconsin
The program to restore the peregrine falcon population in the region began in 1986, when Greg Septon founded the Wisconsin Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project. In the early 1990s, special nest boxes began to be installed at power plants. WPS and We Energies began installing nest boxes for peregrine falcons at power plants in the early 1990s to support the species' recovery in Wisconsin. The first successful nest at We Energies facilities appeared in 1997, and in 2022 the 30th anniversary of the peregrine falcon recovery program in Wisconsin was celebrated.
The Life of Sheldon and Rosalee
This stream follows a pair that ornithologists know by name. In 2024, peregrine falcons Sheldon and Rosalee returned to Weston Power Plant in Rothschild for the 6th year in a row. They are monitored using HD cameras installed directly in the nest boxes. Since 1997, 273 peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at We Energies facilities.
Wisconsin's Artificial Cliffs
The adaptation of peregrine falcons to the urban environment is remarkable. About 22% of all peregrine falcons born in the wild in Wisconsin hatch at power plants. And annual reproduction at such facilities accounts for about 50% of the total population growth in the state. Peregrine falcons have adapted to the urban environment by using industrial buildings (power plants, grain elevators) as replacements for natural rocky cliffs for nesting.
What You Can See on the Camera
The live camera is installed directly inside the nest box, so the viewer sees the opening of the structure facing the industrial area of the power plant. In the foreground is a window sill covered with moss, with large stones along the edges. In the distance are power lines, transmission towers, industrial buildings, and warehouses. The development is surrounded by greenery and trees, and on the horizon, a panoramic view of the area with open space and clear sky is visible. This real-time webcam allows you to see how peregrine falcons incubate their eggs and care for their offspring, demonstrating the remarkable coexistence of wildlife and industrial infrastructure.
