Peregrine falcon nests are monitored in Iowa. A peregrine falcon rests on its eggs in a nest on the Dubuque County Courthouse in 2017, which can be seen on livestream. (Photo courtesy of Dubuque County falcon camera)
Peregrine falcons, once nonexistent in Iowa, hatched and raised at least 36 young falcons in 2024 out of the 17 nests monitored in the state.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources relies on Iowa volunteers, and some power plant employees, to monitor the nests to ensure the species, which was reintroduced in 1989, continues to take refuge in the Hawkeye State.
The 2024 nesting report for the birds of prey show the highest number of young falcons fledged, or survived long enough to fly, since 2016. Although only 17 nests were observed in 2024, down from 19 nests in 2023, an average of 2.77 young falcons were observed per nest, which is up from 1.9 last year.
The department considers a nest successful if it is able to raise its young to the fledgling age. This year 73% of observed nests, or 11 out of the 17, were successful with two observed nests having no peregrine falcon activity, two failing and two with an unknown outcome. This makes 2024 “an above average year for peregrine reproduction” according to the report.
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Peregrine falcons in Iowa have nested in a number of unique places, including on the golden dome of the Iowa Capitol and on the fifth floor ledge of the Dubuque County Courthouse, which can be seen via livestream.
Several nests are on Iowa power plants, and according to the report, are observed and stewarded by some of the employees on site. The majority of nests are on the eastern edge of the state, close to the Mississippi River, but some are in Polk County and Wapello County.
Peregrine falcons are crow-sized birds with salmon and black speckled chests, a dark colored cap and slate blue backs. The birds can fly up to 60 mph and reach 260 mph when diving, according to DNR.
While the birds are known to migrate great distances, they will often return to the same nesting sites, even as new pairs of birds.
Peregrine falcon populations, like many birds of prey including osprey and bald eagles, were affected by DDT and other biocides in the 1950s and remained an endangered species in Iowa until 2010.
The state Peregrine Falcon Restoration project started in 1989, but it wasn’t until 2002 that Iowa reached its goal of five nesting peregrines. In 2010, the state had 20 successful nests for the first time.
Populations have fluctuated since then. The highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has notably affected commercial and backyard poultry flocks around the country, has also impacted peregrine falcons. DNR reported one peregrine falcon in 2022 and another in 2023 that died from the bird flu.
DNR said the population in Iowa “appears to be stable” but that the “recovering population continues to warrant annual monitoring.”
DNR has a number of volunteer monitoring programs including peregrine falcons, osprey, bald eagles, frogs, toads and bats. More information on the programs and volunteer registration links are available online.
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