PEREGRINE FALCONS OF MACOMB
In mid-March, resident birder and wildlife photographer Barb Baldinger set herself near the banks of the Clinton River in the city of Mount Clemens and patiently observed the “Old” County Building. Her mission? To observe the city’s nesting pair of peregrine falcons and confirm the numbers found on their leg bands.
The result? We can confirm that for the second year in a row, another new female has set up nest keeping. According to her leg band (black/blue, 52/K) the new female is Brookie Cookie, hatched in 2019 at the North Quad Tower at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She was named after the site contact’s daughter, Brooke.
Barb was unable to clearly see the male’s band from her vantage point but it is believed to be Nick (black/green, 30/C) who has resided in the city for the past 13 years.) He replaced the previous male Horus in 2008.
Best of all, we can confirm that as of early April, the pair are carefully keeping at least three eggs.
Now the public can watch the drama unfold through EarthCam, a global network of live streaming webcams for tourism and entertainment. This year, the camera has been installed indoors to minimize disturbances.
The saga of the Mount Clemens peregrines has captivated residents, visitors and Macomb County employees since a pair first arrived in the city in 2008.
Once an endangered species in Michigan, Peregrine Falcons have been making a comeback since.
Found!!!! - Eggs on a different ledge.
For nearly 15 years, one of Macomb County’s favorite peregrine pairs, Nick and Hathor, have nested on the roof of the Old Macomb County Building in Mount Clemens. Together they’ve successfully hatched 25 offspring – an incredible feat for the once-endangered species.
From 2005 to 2016, the couple produced 53 eggs and 26 chicks. In the years with successful hatchlings, Macomb County held ceremonies to celebrate the peregrines. During the events, the baby birds were banded by representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Detroit Zoo and then named by the Macomb County Executive. This was important, because in Michigan, peregrines are listed as an endangered species under state law and remain protected federally under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
For reasons that remain unclear, Hathor and Nick did not produce any offspring in 2017 or 2018. Adjustments have been made to their nesting area to encourage to offspring in 2019 and beyond.
To document Nick and Hathor’s journey moving forward, an EarthCam has been installed atop the Old Macomb County Building so fans worldwide can watch the their efforts to further contribute to the beloved species.
Hathor and Nick’s history in Macomb County:
- 2018: Nest failure
- 2017: Nest failure
- 2016: Grace (f) (d)
- 2015: Peace (m), Aggie (m) and COMTEC II (m)
- 2014: Hero (f), COMTEC (f) (d), Jo (f) and Max (m)
- 2013: Oakland (m) and Wayne (m) (and additional before banding day)
- 2012: Webber (m) and Otis (m)
- 2011: Diana (f), Edna (f) and Rosie (f)
- 2010: Harwell (m), Martha (f) and Packard (m)
- 2009: Cass (f), Tucker (f) and Wetzel (m)
- 2008: Clair (f), Clementine (f) and Lenny (m)
Revised February 2019