Many people around Muskegon are aware by now that we have had a pair of Peregrine Falcons for several years. Although this writer is unaware whether the current pair of parents are the ‘original’ pair that formerly nested at the power plant, it seems that they possibly are, and by all accounts, Muskegon’s current pair have been mated for several years in this area. They seem to go back and forth between the Shoreline Inn and the former Huntington Bank building in downtown at First and Webster. Last year, the couple had several chicks up on that inside ledge of the bank building that fell and were rescued and rehabbed. Those chicks were released again and may have found another area in which to launch into their own new adult lives.
Here we are at season 2024 of the Muskegon Peregrine Falcons. The mated pair nested once again this Spring on the upper/inner ledge of the tall building that has been undergoing update/remodel for a number of months. The couples’ four chicks fledged at the beginning of June. One of the chicks, a female and seemingly, the youngest, had an accident that caused it to be found on the ground, stunned and apparently unable to fly just a day after taking it’s first flight. That little ‘gal’, like the chicks that fell from the ledge the year before, were taken to Wildside Rehab in Eaton Rapids for care. For this year’s little female fledgling, there was nothing broken or seriously injured. The young falcon was fed well and given opportunities to strengthen her wings and was returned to be released a week later at the former bank site.
If you’re interested, take a walk around downtown Muskegon in the early morning or just before dusk. It’s very possible that you’ll be in for a treat of seeing the fastest flying species of bird …or perhaps even several of them! Some of their preferred places to perch happen to be various sides of the Shoreline Inn…look at the ledges on all of the sides. Watch the top of the building. Peregrine Falcons are not huge birds, but if you have binoculars or happen to have at least a 400 telephoto lens on a camera, you’ll be able to determine its identity.
They can randomly be seen still showing up on that ledge of the bank, the Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ that is across from the nesting ledge, In particular, the chimney of that church is attractive to the them. Perhaps it offers a good look-out for them, while at the same time, they can be hidden from view unless the viewer looks all the way around. The falcon family also love the United Methodist Church. They enjoy blending in with the gargoyles and sitting at the very top of the steeple. The tops of telephone poles are another place that they can blend in right there in plain sight.
Muskegon is fortunate to have a mated pair of these beautiful, powerful, stealthy birds. They help maintain the ecosystem as they target birds like pigeons, gulls, blue jays, and various black birds whose numbers are high and don’t have many other predators. For the next few months at least, the four young fledglings of the Muskegon pair will likely stick around as the parents continue to teach them how to hunt and survive. Over time though, they will find their own way and begin to seek their own mates, etc.
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to watch them, learn about them and report/photograph them if seen and share that with others?! Peregrines are in other areas of Michigan…other areas of the Country and the communities embrace them and have ‘named’ them. The leader of Muskegon’s Nature Club, Beth Miller, who is an avid ‘birder’ and nature lover, has suggested that Muskegon’s falcons should be named. Interested people from the community could make name suggestions. Efforts are hoped to continue that will educate all viewers more about Muskegon’s Peregrine pair. It is hoped that before nesting occurs next season that a falcon nesting box can be constructed and placed in that ledge area where the falcons have nested for the last couple years. Also, the Mt. Zion Church that is directly across from the ledge is considering allowing a video cam being placed at a point from where the falcons and their potential offspring may be viewed right from the beginning next year.
What are people in Muskegon thinking/feeling about this?? Are you interested in these birds and learning more about them?
One more note: The female chick that required time at Wildside Rehab in Eaton Rapids was banded prior to her release back to freedom in Muskegon early in June. It will be clear who she is around Muskegon as she is the only one of her siblings or her family who is banded.
- Ruth Achterhoff Aust
