May 2014
Peregrine Falcons continue to prosper during Milton-Madison Bridge construction
The mating pair of peregrine falcons that have been residing on Milton-Madison Bridge have had another successful year. During the four mating seasons that Walsh Construction has worked on the new bridge, the pair have produced 15 offspring. One of the female falcons that hatched in 2012, is now part of a mating pair in Louisville. Her name is Chrissy and Walsh workers rescued her twice when she got into our works while learning to fly.
Peregrine falcons are native to Kentucky and experienced a widespread decline in the '40s and '50s - but have had a comeback. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources reintroduced them, and have had them nesting in Kentucky since the late '90s. Peregrine falcons are no longer on the endangered species list, but are still federally protected; it is illegal to harm or destroy a falcon or its nest.
This pair of falcons have been nesting at an artificial nest box on Pier 8 at the Milton-Madison Bridge. The bridge has been the home to the falcons, a protected species, since 2002. The Indiana Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have been committed to relocating the nesting box as part of the project’s environmental process. Due to expected disruption during construction, the nesting box was moved in January 2011 to pier 5, which would not be impacted by construction in 2011.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources have been impressed with Walsh’s effort to protect the falcons without delaying the work. In 2012, Walsh Construction and several other key entities involved in the Milton-Madison Bridge Project received the Peregrine Falcon Program Cooperator of the Year Award for their efforts and support with the Peregrine Falcon Program.
Watch the latest update about the peregrine falcons HERE.