Father of Nesting Peregrine Falcons Found Shot Near Weston 3 Power Plant
Posted: 3:26 PM Jun 12, 2007Last Updated: 10:52 AM Jun 13, 2007
Reporter: WSAW Staff
The father of a Peregrine Falcon family nested on top of the Weston 3 Power Plant is being treated for a gunshot wound to the wing, according to Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.
WPSC says it was found weak near the cooling tower and had been shot in the wing.
The bird is being cared for by the Antigo Raptor Education Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for injured or orphaned wildlife.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Natural Resources are investigating the matter.
Violators face a maximum of $100,000 in fines and a year in prison.
Only two dozen peregrine falcons exist in Wisconsin.
WPSC is offering a $1000 reward to anyone with information leading to the prosecution and conviction of the shooter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Did you get that number? There is thought to be only 24 Peregrines in the entire state of Wisconsin and somebody just shot one of them. To add to the injury, it is the male of a currently nesting bonded pair with young. The nesting site was created and waited for Peregrines to take up residence for five years. This is only their second year with a successful nest.
Also take into account that the other pair that resides in the other successful site supported by the power company has had 36 young. Do the math. As of now there are still only 24 birds in the state. The attrition rate for Peregrines is still very high. D.B.
And on a lighter note....THE DRAWING OF THE DAY
Young Joe McAdams dropped by the scope the other day and after checking out the view, assured me that, yes, there were still three eyasses on the nest. Here is his drawing of one of them on the St. John's nest. I thought that the feathers were particularly good.
Donegal Browne
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