Marquette mascot namesake peregrine falcon from We Energies spotted in the wild

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Iggy, a peregrine falcon chick named after Marquette University's mascot, has made a rare appearance in the wild, according to a Wednesday, Dec. 27 press release from We Energies.

The young falcon was seen at the Highlands Heron Rookery in Highland, Ind., a lengthy journey from her birthplace.

Iggy hatched this spring at the Valley Power Plant, part of We Energies' peregrine falcon program. Peregrine falcons, once they leave the nest, are seldom seen. The odds of spotting these majestic birds in the wild post-fledging are low.

Born during the 2023 nesting season, Iggy was one of 11 chicks.

We Energies' annual peregrine falcon initiative, operational since 1992, aims to contribute to the species' conservation in Wisconsin. The program has seen 444 peregrine falcons hatched at its facilities, representing a significant percentage of the state's peregrine population.

More information can be found in the 2023 Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season Report.