History

In 1989, a plant employee spotted a peregrine falcon at our Allen S. King Plant in Oak Park Heights, Minn. 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.

We designed and installed 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 from RRP Director Bob Anderson allows us to continuously raise conservation awareness and strive to create the best nesting homes for these riveting raptors. Bob Anderson and the 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 Read More ...