05-27-2018 What to do if you find a falcon on the ground!

Our young endangered Peregrine Falcons that reside on the Fifth Third Bank building will soon be learning to fly.  It will not be unusual to find one that has made it to the ground but now needs our help because it does not yet have the skill to fly back up.  Young falcons are crow-sized, have brown stripes on the chest, and have bands on both legs.  See www.KalamazooFalcons.com  for photos and info.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has provided instructions on what to do if you find a falcon on the ground.   

 1.   Call or text Mark Mills (DNR Biologist) at 269-967-5367 (cell)

2.   Call or text Gail Walter at 269-598-8784 (cell) or the home land line at 269-345-9211.  Gail will try to be on site during fledging

The falcon should be placed in a cardboard box or pet carrier with sufficient air for breathing.  Placing a towel over the bird will usually calm it enough to be able to pick it up.  The security folks at Fifth Third Bank (269-567-7947) have a box that is available.   We will be sending grounded youngsters to Braveheart Raptor Rehabilitation Center (BRRC) near Muskegon.  Either Mark or Gail will transport the bird to the rehabilitation center.  If you have not reached Mark or Gail and need instructions on handling the bird, you can call BRRC at 231-821-9125