What to do if I Find a Young Peregrine on the Ground
As you might know, there is a family of endangered Peregrine Falcons in downtown Kalamazoo that reside on the Fifth Third Bank building. There are four chicks and they are staring to learn to fly. It will not be unusual to find one that has made it to the ground but now needs some assistance 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. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has provided instructions on what to do if you find a falcon on the ground.
- Call Mark Mills (DNR Biologist) at 269-967-5367 (cell)
- Call Gail Walter at 269-345-9211 or 269-598-8784 (cell). 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) and the police substation (Dispatch 269-337-8120) on Farmer’s Alley will have a box that will be 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 instruction on handling the bird, you can call BRRC at 231-821-9125
