Peregrine Falcon parents – father Jamie and mother Moxie – watched protectively with loud and angry squawking this afternoon as their two chicks were briefly removed from the nest atop Indiana Michigan Power Center (IMPC) this afternoon to receive their identification bands and names: Nova and Kiri.
During a banding ceremony hosted at IMPC, the Indiana Audubon Society, Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation (based in Fort Wayne) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked together to band the two female chicks. This brings to 66 the number of chicks hatched and banded atop IMPC since 1996.
“When falcons mature, they can settle up to 200 miles away from the nest they were born and raised in,” said Brad Bumgardner, Indiana Audubon Society executive director, who banded the chicks. “The numbered band we secured will help observers track the movement of the peregrine falcons once they leave the nest.”
For the first time since 2019, I&M was able to invite a youth group to watch the banding, hear an educational presentation from Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation and help name the chicks. The Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne decided upon four female names and four male names. Then, I&M posted those names on our social media channels for I&M customers and employees to select their favorites. After more than 1,500 votes on I&M’s social media channels, Nova and Kiri are the official names.
“Indiana Michigan Power really missed having a live audience here to see the falcon chicks and spark education for local children,” said Kelly Rentschler, Community Affairs manager. “I&M is dedicated to enriching the lives of our customers and communities. What better way to get everyone involved than to have them name these falcon chicks. We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”
Moxie and Jamie have been nesting atop the Indiana Michigan Power Center since 2012. In fact, one of Moxie’s and Jamie’s offspring, Flash, is believed to be the father of new chicks in a nest in downtown South Bend. This would make Moxie and Jamie grandparents.
You can watch Moxie, Jamie, Nova and Kiri in their nest on the FalconCam 24/7 at www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/FalconCam