But if he lives long enough to sow a few wild oats, he will probably be back next year in earnest. Peregrine falcons are crow-size birds of prey that dive at speeds approaching 200 mph. A peregrine hits prey with its large, powerful feet, stunning or killing it, then swoops back around to catch the victim in mid air. Peregrines in urban areas eat large numbers of pigeons and starlings. Peregrines will eat a variety of species, however, depending on what is available, including ducks.
Peregrines like to nest on ledges and cliffs in the natural world.
This preference for height helps explain why they have adapted to tall buildings and power plant stacks. The box at Weston was constructed four years ago with materials bought by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. The box was built by employee Dave Polster. Members of the plant maintenance crew helped install it. The nest box had been suggested by Greg Septon, founder of the Wisconsin Peregrine Society and also director of the Milwaukee Public Museum's Natural History Outreach Section.