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In 1989, a plant employee spotted a rare peregrine falcon at our Allen S. King Plant in Oak Park Heights, Minn. That became the start of a nest box program and bird cam web feature that have drawn wide attention and been duplicated by utilities around the world.
Peregrine falcons began disappearing from their natural habitats during the 1950s, and by 1965, they had virtually disappeared from the eastern United States, with only a handful remaining in the Rocky Mountains. In an effort to save the peregrine falcon we became active partners with the Raptor Resource Project to design and install a nest box for peregrines at the King Plant. The nest box became the home to Mae, a peregrine famed for her longevity and parenting skills.
As the peregrine population grew, so did our power plant nest project; which included active nest boxes at nearly all of our Minnesota power plants.
In 1997, we wanted to increase conservation awareness efforts and provide the public with opportunities to watch the birds and their families grow each spring. Our very first Bird Cam cameras were installed in the King Plant falcon nest.
Twenty years after the first peregrine falcon was spotted flying around our power plant site, the company has produced 1,000 young falcons. Today the peregrine, whose name means "wanderer," soars Midwestern skies once more and is no longer listed as an endangered species.
Our partnership with the Raptor Resource Project and the countless support they provide allows us to continuously raise conservation awareness and strive to create the best nesting homes for these riveting raptors. RRP help us at Xcel Energy maintain and improve the bird cams to create optimal viewing capabilities. We believe in our environmental responsibility to respect the creatures surrounding our power plants and the help and support we receive from both the Raptor Resource Project and you as viewers are greatly appreciated.
Interested in corresponding with other Bird Cam viewers? Join the Bird Cam Forum available through the Raptor Resource Project.
Bird Cam offers great educational opportunities for the general public, birding enthusiasts and students
As open space and natural habitat gradually disappear with development, the property surrounding our plants and other facilities can continue to provide valuable habitat. We participate in a number of activities to help protect wildlife, including hosting conservation projects on our properties and working to protect birds around electrical facilities.
American bald eagles at Fort St. Vrain, Platteville, Colo., in late January through July.
Great horned owl cam at the Fort St. Vrain Station, Platteville, Colo., in late January through May.
Peregrine falcon cams at Allen S. King Plant, Oak Park Heights, Minn., and Sherburne County (Sherco) Plant, Becker, Minn., in late February through early July.
Great Blue Herons at Riverside, Minneapolis, Minn., in late March through late July. Off line until further notice.
Kestrel cams at Pawnee, Brush, Colo., in late February through late July. Off line until further notice.
