Peregrine falcon chicks hatch – live on Ameren Missouri’s Falcon Cam

ST. LOUIS (May 4, 2026) - Peregrine falcon chicks have hatched in Franklin County, continuing a successful conservation partnership among Ameren Missouri, World Bird Sanctuary and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The public can now follow the chicks' progress via Ameren Missouri's Falcon Cam livestream as the adult peregrines prepare them to leave the nest later this summer.

"These hatchlings are truly the main highlight of every season, and we have recently confirmed that they are siblings to our chicks from the last two seasons in Franklin County," said Jeff Meshach, deputy director at World Bird Sanctuary. "Our returning female, Thor, and her partner male have now produced a dozen chicks in the nesting box being documented by Ameren Missouri's Falcon Cam."

The eggs, laid in late March, required around 30 days of incubation. Within about nine days of hatching, the downy chicks will be able to regulate their own body temperature, allowing both parents to shift into full hunting mode to meet the demands of their hungry brood. By approximately six weeks of age, the young falcons will take their first flights, an important milestone marking the start of their independence.

"Our collaboration with World Bird Sanctuary and the Missouri Department of Conservation continues to strengthen the future of peregrines in our state," said Julianne Randazzo, career environmental scientist at Ameren Missouri. "Each successful hatch contributes to the recovery of a species that has faced significant challenges across North America."

While peregrine falcons were removed from the federal endangered species list in 1998, they remain a vulnerable species in Missouri. With only a handful of breeding pairs documented in the St. Louis region, the Falcon Cam provides valuable insights for conservation partners and gives the public a rare, intimate look at the species' development.

The public is invited to continue watching the chicks through June on the Falcon Cam livestream, available daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CDT).

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its approximately 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers approximately 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

About World Bird Sanctuary
In 1977, WBS was founded by the late Walt Crawford, and is currently directed by Roger Holloway. WBS is dedicated to the preservation of all birds and their habitats, and accomplishes this through rehabilitation, education, propagation, field studies, advocacy and services. WBS has been working with wild peregrine falcon populations since 1985. Through its captive breeding and release efforts in the mid to late '80s, WBS has been responsible for bringing the peregrine back to Missouri as a breeding species.

About Missouri Department of Conservation
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources. They also provide opportunities for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about nature.