Falcons return to nest at Topeka Evergy offices, lay eggs

Matthew Self
·2 min read

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A family of peregrine falcons has returned to their home on top a building in downtown Topeka to raise another clutch of eggs.

Evergy announced on social media Tuesday that a pair of peregrine falcons are back and have laid their first eggs for this season. The energy company has set up several cameras to watch the nest and let people follow along with the falcons as they wait for their chicks to hatch.

“At Evergy, we’re committed to minimizing the impact of electrical equipment on wildlife. Bird interactions with power lines can lead to injuries, reduced nesting success and even power outages. That’s why we focus our avian protection program on three key areas: We ensure that all new electrical construction meets bird-safe standards. When critical bird habitats are identified, we retrofit or rebuild existing equipment. We remediate negative bird interactions by modifying existing structures.”

Evergy social media statement excerpt

Where to watch the solar eclipse in Kansas

Peregrine falcons don’t build traditional nests out of twigs, sticks and other wild material, according to Evergy. Instead, they dig shallow depressions in gravel or dirt on cliffs, bridges or buildings to create their nests.

The birds generally lay their eggs in mid-March or early April with a new egg appearing every other day until the clutch is complete, according to the post. The eggs tend to hatch around 33-35 days after the incubation process starts with the parents feeding the chicks as they grow. Once they’re ready, the chicks will leave the nest site after around five weeks.

Last year, three chicks hatched in the Topeka nest. The chicks were later banded with help from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Each baby bird was named following a contest put on by Evergy.

Currently, there are two eggs in the nest atop Evergy’s Topeka General Office. To watch the live video of the nest on YouTube, click here. To learn more about Evergy’s Avian Protection Program, click here.

Interactive map launches for I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct project in Topeka

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.