12-23-2025 Falcon update

We have recently learned some sad news about our young male fledgling from this year.  Dash died from West Nile Virus (WNV) but we don’t have any further details.  As you may recall, Dash was small, even for a male.  He fledged early and ended up on the ground without injury and then went to “flight school” at Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center. Things did not go smoothly when he returned home, and he was quickly grounded again. With concern for his safety in downtown Kalamazoo, he was placed with a falconer to hone his skills at flying and hunting. Unfortunately, he died from West Nile Virus after his release. WNV is the leading cause of disease spread by mosquitoes in the contiguous U.S. West Nile Virus can infect many species, including humans, mammals, and birds.  With the exception of horses and occasionally humans, most mammals have mild cases and recover. Over 250 species of birds can be infected, but raptors and corvids (crows, bluejays and ravens) are the most susceptible and more likely to die from the infection. In 2025, Michigan reported 92 WNV-positive birds and 60 human cases.  It is always sad to hear that one of our young birds has perished.

We have not heard anything about Dot, so hopefully she is well and thriving. Kewpee and Rebecca are often seen in the nest box. Kewpee typically perches on its edge, watching over the surrounding area.