Four Siblings Fledging Soon

Our young birds are doing well and having to practice more independence.  Their parents now drop off food and they have to prepare it themselves, so the nest loks like a bunch of messy teenagers live there.  They will be taking to the air by this weekend.  It is a dangerous time and 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.  They are not banded this year.  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 Gail Walter at 269-598-8784 (cell).  Gail will try to be on site during fledging.  Leave a message if no response.  

or Call or text DNR Biologists Mark Mills at 269-967-5367 or Don Poppe at 989-965-3333

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.  We will be sending grounded youngsters to a rehabilitation center if needed.