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Kansas City Takes Action to Protect Peregrine Falcons

Volunteers building aluminum nesting boxes for peregrine falcons.

News Summary

Kansas City is celebrating a significant step towards wildlife conservation as Evergy donates four aluminum nesting boxes to the Missouri Department of Conservation. This upgrade from wooden boxes aims to provide safer nesting environments for peregrine falcons, which have seen their populations decline due to habitat loss and environmental factors. The collaboration between Evergy and conservationists promises to improve the success rates of these majestic birds, contributing to their recovery and stabilizing their presence in urban areas.

Exciting News from Kansas City: Efforts to Protect Peregrine Falcons Take Flight!

In a wonderful show of community action, Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as Evergy, a local energy company, has decided to lend a helping hand to the majestic peregrine falcons. These remarkable birds of prey are receiving a much-needed boost in their habitats, thanks to the donation of four aluminum nesting boxes to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Why the Change to Aluminum?

Evergy’s generous donation aims to provide peregrine falcons with safer places to kick back and raise their young. The nifty aluminum boxes are a significant upgrade from the older wooden ones that have been used in the Kansas City area. Why aluminum, you ask? Well, those wooden boxes were becoming susceptible to the weather, facing problems like rotting and deterioration over time. By switching to aluminum, falcons can enjoy a more secure nesting experience, allowing them to focus on what matters most: raising their chicks!

Crafted with Care

The new nesting boxes were built by Evergy’s talented welding team, with dedicated welders pouring their skills into the project. Matt Bellach and Daniel Hash have constructed these boxes with the falcons’ needs in mind, ensuring they are robust enough to withstand the elements and provide a stable place for falcons to settle down.

A Proven Success Strategy

It’s not just a shot in the dark, either! These aluminum boxes have already shown their worth in other parts of Missouri, significantly improving the nesting success rate for peregrine falcons over the last seven years. It’s a win-win situation for the birds and the conservationists working diligently to protect them!

Working Together for the Falcons

The collaboration between Evergy and the MDC is truly a shining example of how partnerships can lead to positive outcomes in wildlife conservation. Joe DeBold, a Damage Biologist with the MDC, highlighted how this partnership is crucial for restoring peregrine falcon populations in Missouri. Once a common sight in the skies, these birds experienced a drastic decline in the 1940s due to habitat loss, the impact of human activities, and the harmful effects of pesticide use.

The Road to Recovery

Over the years, biologists have worked hard to bring these beautiful birds back into urban spaces. The tall buildings found in cities mimic the natural cliffs and ledges where peregrine falcons used to nest, providing them with the necessary environment to thrive. This innovative approach has breathed new life into delicate populations and has turned urban areas into unexpected sanctuaries for these majestic birds.

A Call for Participation

As conservation efforts continue, the MDC encourages everyone in the community to get involved! If anyone spots nesting falcons in surprising locations, the MDC wants to hear about it. Reporting these sightings helps conservationists track these magnificent birds and gather essential data about their habits and habitats.

Learn More About These Amazing Birds!

For the curious minds looking to dive deeper into the world of peregrine falcons in Missouri, the MDC has a dedicated webpage filled with resources and information. Knowledge is power, and understanding these birds can help everyone contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.

The donation of aluminum nesting boxes by Evergy not only showcases their commitment to the community but also highlights the essential role that partnerships play in wildlife conservation. Together, we can ensure that these stunning falcons continue to soar through the skies of Kansas City for generations to come!