Partners

Breiss Malt and Ingredients Co

Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. is a family-owned, Wisconsin-based craft maltster that’s been supplying brewers with specialty malts since 1876 and pairing that heritage with a deep commitment to sustainability and community. From their Seed-to-Specialty™ program to ongoing environmental initiatives, Briess strives to be a good neighbor while crafting industry-leading malts. Their Manitowoc grain elevator is also home to the long-running Briess Peregrine Falcon nest box, part of Wisconsin’s Falcon Recovery Program; each spring the company shares the story of the returning adults, hatching eyasses, and banding efforts with the public—now live on HDOnTap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What birds am I watching here?

Peregrine Falcons using a dedicated nest box atop an industrial structure in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

When is the best time to see activity?

Early mornings and evenings are busiest; in spring you’ll see courtship, incubation, and frequent feedings.

What can I watch for during the breeding season?

Egg laying in early spring, attentive incubation, hatchlings (eyasses) being brooded and fed, then wing-stretching, branching, and first flights.

How do I tell the adults apart?

Females are larger with a broader chest; both adults show dark “helmet” caps and bold facial mustaches typical of peregrines.

What’s the easiest way to spot feeding behavior?

Look for adults delivering small birds, quick plucking at the nest ledge, and excited chirps from the eyasses.

Why do peregrines nest on buildings and grain elevators?

Tall structures mimic cliff ledges, offering height, shelter, and great hunting vantage points over open areas.

Do these falcons migrate or stay local?

Many Midwestern peregrines are year-round or short-distance movers; some disperse after fledging but adults may remain near reliable nest sites.

What sounds should I listen for?

Adults give sharp “kek-kek-kek” alarm calls near the box; hungry chicks peep and trill, especially at feeding times.

How fast are peregrine falcons really?

They’re famous for high-speed “stoop” dives, among the fastest in the animal kingdom when hunting other birds mid-air.

What’s typical clutch size and timing here?

A clutch of 3–4 eggs is common, laid in early spring, with hatching a few weeks later and fledging in late spring to early summer.

What do the chicks eat and who feeds them?

Mostly small to medium birds; both parents hunt, but feeding at the nest is often done by the adult present with the young.

Why are some chicks banded?

Licensed biologists band eyasses to track survival, movements, and long-term recovery of the species.

How old are chicks when they fledge?

Typically around 6–7 weeks old, after days of vigorous wing exercises and short hops along the ledge.

What weather patterns affect viewing?

Windy, clear days can prompt more aerial displays; spring cold snaps may keep adults tighter to the nest.

Are peregrines still recovering as a species?

They rebounded in many regions thanks to DDT bans, nest boxes, and coordinated recovery programs.

Why is height important for peregrines?

Altitude provides safe nesting ledges and the vertical space to build speed during hunting dives.

What signs show the parents are incubating?

Adults settle low over the eggs, rotate them gently with the bill, and switch duties with brief change-overs.

How can I recognize pre-fledge behavior?

Watch for flapping marathons, “helicoptering” in place, and bold peeks over the ledge before short glides.

What’s respectful etiquette when watching wildlife online and in person?

Enjoy quietly, avoid sharing exact nest locations for harassment risk, and give space if viewing from the ground.

What’s special about the Manitowoc location?

Industrial waterfront and open airspace provide abundant perches and prey corridors along Wisconsin’s lakes region.

Does Briess play a role in this nest?

Yes—Briess provides the nest box site and supports regional peregrine recovery and public education.

How do peregrines handle rain or snow?

Adults shield eggs or chicks with their bodies; downy nestlings are brooded longer in cold or wet spells.

Why do adults sometimes cache prey?

They may stash leftovers on nearby ledges to feed chicks later or during bad weather.

Can I follow this camera as a favorite?

HDOnTap accounts allow saving favorites and supporting creators, but the wildlife viewing content is the focus here.

Is there a way to catch notable moments if I miss them live?

Highlights are often shared as seasonal notes; watch for recap information on the page or partner updates.