In Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, a new peregrine falcon chick has been named ‘Matt Tweet’ in honor of local radio host Matt Z from WTAQ. This naming is part of the ‘Newsworthy Names’ contest organized by Wisconsin Public Service. The chick is one of four at the Weston power plant to receive names and identification bands.

Innovative Tracking Technology

The Wisconsin Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project, led by founder Greg Septon, has introduced new tracking technology for these falcons. The program now uses small solar-powered transmitters, known as BluMorpho tags, which can be detected by multiple wildlife tracking networks, including the Terrasense and Motus systems, as well as the cellular network. This innovation allows for more comprehensive tracking of the falcons’ movements.

Septon explained that these tags are being used experimentally, with maps updated every five minutes. Currently, access to these maps is restricted, but there are plans to make the map portion public, allowing the community to observe the falcons’ travels.

Conservation Efforts

Peregrine falcons faced endangerment in the 1960s due to the use of DDT pesticides. However, they have adapted to human-made structures, which serve as new habitats. Since the inception of the falcon program in the early 1990s, over 465 peregrine falcons have been named and banded at company facilities, accounting for 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.