Port Washington Peregrine Falcons Perish, Likely Due to Bird Flu

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (Civic Media) – Two peregrine falcons important to Wisconsin’s decades-long recovery program have died, likely from avian influenza, We Energies announced.

Brinn, who nested at the Port Washington Generating Station since 2014, was found dead in her nest box this month, while her mate Beasley went missing days later and is presumed dead. The pair raised 22 chicks over eight years, contributing to the state’s rebound of a species once nearly eradicated by DDT.

Brinn had 30 chicks during her 11-year tenure at the site. Beasley, hatched at a Milwaukee County power plant in 2014, fathered 22 offspring.

Greg Septon, who manages Wisconsin’s Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project, confirmed Brinn’s death and attributed both losses to highly pathogenic bird flu.

“Their legacy lives on in the dozens of chicks they brought into the world,” said Mike Grisar, We Energies’ environmental team leader, noting public affection for the birds grew through nest box livestreams.

The deaths raise concerns for Wisconsin’s endangered peregrines, but Septon said they are resilient: “They survived DDT, West Nile virus, and we’re confident they’ll survive this.”

Since 1992, We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service have hosted nest boxes at power plants, producing 453 chicks—20% of the state’s total. The program, part of broader sustainability efforts, includes public naming contests and live cameras to engage financial supporters.