Oldest peregrine falcon in Midwest has died

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WANE) Kinney, the oldest and most productive peregrine falcon in the Midwest, was found dead on Friday.

Kinney was 19 years old and had been with his mate, Kathy Q, for 11 years. The falcon couple raised two chicks this year that have left the nest.

A webcam had been set up by Kinney and Kathy Q's nest in recent years to allow people to watch the two falcons raise their chicks.

Since 1995, Kinney fathered 61 young falcons with two females.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources nongame bird biologist John Castrale said Kinney appeared to have suffered injuries consistent with colliding into a building. He was identified by his leg band.

“It’s certainly unfortunate,” Castrale said. “But the average age of a breeding peregrine is 6 to 7 years, so he’s beaten the odds and lived a long, productive life.”

Castrale expects Kathy Q will pair up with another male and continue to nest in the same spot outside the 29th floor of Market Tower.

“Hopefully the legacy of Kinney and his nest site will go on,” Castrale said.