Follow the journey of the young chicks from nest to first flight
ST. LOUIS (May 6, 2025) – Ameren Missouri is announcing the arrival of this year’s Peregrine falcon chicks. Viewers can witness the early lives of these majestic birds in real time as their parents bring them up and prepare them for life in the wild.
“The arrival of the new chicks is always so exciting,” said Jeff Meshach, deputy director at World Bird Sanctuary. “We confirmed that the female falcon is the same one as last year, and I believe the male is the same as well. It’s not uncommon for adult Peregrines to spend all their adult lives, which would be 15-20 years, having chicks in the same nest.”
The falcons laid their eggs in early April. The parents typically incubate for about 30 days until the eggs start to hatch, with the female doing most of the incubation. This particular male spends more time incubating the eggs than most male Peregrines. Once the newly hatched falcons start to regulate their own body temperature, at about nine days old, both parents will hunt to feed their quickly growing chicks. At around six weeks old, the chicks will begin their first flights and gradually learn to hunt on their own.
“Through our collaboration with World Bird Sanctuary and the Missouri Department of Conservation, we’re able to support the growth of the Peregrine population and raise awareness to the community about the importance of conservation,” said Julianne Randazzo, career environmental scientist at Ameren Missouri. “These ongoing efforts are critical to the species’ survival, and together we are making a difference.”
Although Peregrine falcons were removed from the Federal Endangered Species list in 1998, they remain a vulnerable species in Missouri. With only around eight known breeding pairs in the St. Louis area, Ameren Missouri’s Falcon Cam plays a key role in tracking and supporting the local and North American population.
The public is invited to watch the baby chicks’ growth via Falcon Cam until the chicks leave the nest, likely sometime in June. Until then, tune in live from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. CDT, seven days a week at AmerenMissouri.com/FalconWatch.
About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers approximately 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.
About World Bird Sanctuary
In 1977, WBS was founded by the late Walt Crawford, and is currently directed by Roger Holloway. WBS is dedicated to the preservation of all birds and their habitats, and accomplishes this through rehabilitation, education, propagation, field studies, advocacy and services. WBS has been banding Peregrine Falcons since 1985. Through its captive breeding and release efforts in the mid to late ‘80s, WBS is responsible for bringing the Peregrine back to Missouri as a breeding species.
About Missouri Department of Conservation
MDC protects and manages Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife resources. They also provide opportunities for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about nature.