Four young peregrine falcons born above Ascension St. Joseph Hospital have officially received their names and identification bands, marking another successful chapter in a remarkable conservation story on the hospital's rooftop.
The four chicks, three males and one female, hatched in late April in the hospital's rooftop nesting box. During a banding event on May 21, led by Greg Septon, founder of the Wisconsin Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project, the birds were carefully examined, measured and fitted with lightweight identification bands that will help researchers track their movements and monitor peregrine falcon populations throughout their lives.
The newest members of the Ascension St. Joseph falcon family received their names:
- Bernarda, the lone female, named in honor of Mother Bernarda Passmann, who helped establish St. Joseph Hospital in 1883 and launched a health ministry dedicated to serving Milwaukee's growing German immigrant population.
- Michael, named for Bishop Michael Heiss, whose vision and support helped make St. Joseph Hospital a reality more than 140 years ago.
- John, named after Archbishop John Martin Henni, who granted permission for the hospital's founding.
- William, named in honor of Dr. William Finlayson, one of the first Black physicians to practice medicine in Milwaukee hospitals and a beloved physician who delivered thousands of babies during his distinguished career. Dr. Finlayson passed away in May 2026 at the age of 101, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of care and service.
The names connect the hospital's newest rooftop residents to generations of leaders and caregivers who helped build and sustain the ministry's mission of compassionate care.
"Each successful nesting season represents another step forward in protecting and understanding these incredible birds. We couldn't make the progress we have without great partners like Ascension St. Joseph," said Greg Septon.
Since the nesting box was installed in 2011, the Ascension St. Joseph site has successfully produced 48 peregrine falcons, including this year's four chicks. The hospital's nest is one of only about 40 peregrine falcon nesting sites in Wisconsin, making it an important contributor to the continued recovery of a species that was once nearly eliminated from the state because of pesticide.
The banding process remains a critical conservation tool. The small metal bands placed on each bird's leg allow wildlife researchers to identify and study the falcons throughout their lives, providing valuable information about migration patterns, survival rates and nesting success.
Hospital staff and visitors gathered to watch the banding process and get their first peek at the adorable chicks. The event also served as a fitting celebration of new life at a hospital that was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals.
“Ascension St. Joseph has always been a place where life begins, grows and is cared for, whether inside our maternity department or high above on our rooftop,” said Shana S. Crittenden, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital president. “Watching these peregrine falcons thrive year after year is a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing the next generation and preserving a legacy that extends beyond our hospital walls.”
In June, as the young falcons grow stronger, they will take their first flights above Milwaukee, carrying with them names that honor the people who helped shape the hospital's history and a conservation success story that continues to soar.
