Long-standing commitment to falcon populations

While peregrine falcons are native to Kentucky, the population severely declined in the mid-1900s. The falcon was listed on the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife until 1999. To this day, peregrine falcons remain federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Numbers have continued to recover over the years, due in part to the release of 114 falcons in urbanized areas and cliff habitats from 1993-2003. In fact, 52 young falcons were released from KU's E.W. Brown and Ghent generating stations from 1994-1998.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has placed nest boxes at many locations throughout Kentucky, including locations at LG&E and KU's Trimble County, Cane Run, Mill Creek, Ghent and E.W. Brown generating stations.

In 2006, LG&E and KDFWR installed the nest box at Mill Creek Generating Station after spotting a pair of peregrine falcons. Since 2007, many young have hatched from the Mill Creek nest box.

Peregrine falcons are making a big comeback in Kentucky, thanks in part to the dedication of employees at many of LG&E and KU's facilities for the last 20 years. Employees have ensured the nest boxes on company property provide a safe setting for the falcons to prosper.

For more information about peregrine falcons in the Midwest, visit the Midwest Peregrine Falcon Society website.

For general information on peregrine falcons, visit eNature.com.