Indiana Michigan Power Center hosted a “banding ceremony” for the two peregrine falcon chicks that live in the nest on top of the Fort Wayne building on Thursday.
Peregrine falcon chicks Kiri and Nova were formally named and given bands around their legs to help conservationists keep track of them.
Brad Bumgardner is the executive director for Indiana Audubon Society. He said the banding process is important to give the birds an identity, so they’re easily recognizable, and help to conserve them.
“These falcons specifically, this a species that was federally endangered. We were gonna lose them all because of pesticides and, today, they’re rebounding,” Bumgardner said.
He said banding allows conservationists to monitor their health, keep track of nests and see how successful the species has become.
The Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne selected eight name options, which I&M customers and employees then voted on, to choose the chicks names. Several kids from the club were also invited to watch the banding ceremony on Thursday.
Indiana Michigan Power Center partners with the Audubon Society, Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to host the nest on top of the downtown building.
