Peregrine Falcons at the University of Michigan 2008

Two Peregrine Falcons were first sighted at the University of Michigan Burton carillon tower on March 8, 2006. They attempted to nest but were unsuccessful. Both birds stayed until about November, and there was only one bird seen during the winter (probably the male). He didn't spend much time on the tower. What may have been a third, young bird was seen in January 2007 (see above). The adult came and harrassed him several times. The female returned in early March 2007, and the male and female were seen together, performing courtship diving and head bobbing displays. They were quite vocal, and could often be heard calling. The female left for the winter each year. They were unsuccessful in nesting both in 2006 and 2007. The female abandoned the nest after a thunderstorm each year, and it appears that where they nested was flooded when it rained. We believe the nest was on one of the SW corner ledges in 2006 and in the rain gutter just under the roof on the S side in 2007. Maybe they'll have better luck this year! The female was reported back on March 7, 2008. Watch for courtship behavior, which is quite spectacular to watch.

We placed a spotting scope in the window of our bird collection room, where we have a great view of the east side of the tower. We have been checking on them several times a day since.

They spend most of their time on the two top ledges of the tower, by the windows. If you walk around the tower, you can often see them perched on one of the upper ledges, or on the ledge just under the roof.

Please keep checking and let us know if you see anything! In 2006 we were unable to get good enough photos of the bands to determine the origin of either bird. The male's bands were clearly seen in March 2007 and he was identified as having hatched in Kentucky in 2004. It has not been determined if the female is banded or not. If anyone gets a good picture of her legs, please send it to me so that we can try and find out where she came from.

The "tooth" on the upper bill and the notch in the lower bill allow the bird to shear bones and tough tissue. Falcons have a round nostril, opening within the cere (the fleshy colored area at the base of the bill). These features are different from other hawks and are two of the defining characters of the family Falconidae.

photo of specimen from Idaho by Janet Hinshaw

Bob Payne, Curator of Birds, Janet Hinshaw, Collection Manager, and Sherri Smith, Art School, have been checking around the base of the tower for food remains. We are collecting the remains in the Bird Division. We will keep a running tally of what we find. Highlights were Yellow Rail and Least Bittern in 2006, and several Brown Thrashers and 2 Least Bitterns in 2007. These birds eat fewer Pigeons than many peregrines in more urban settings. They seem to hunt mainly along the river and marshes near town. Their favorite foods seem to be cuckoos, flickers, woodcock, doves and pigeons. One of the Peregrines was seen in 2006 near Ford Lake. If you see the birds away from central campus, please let us know when and where you have spotted them. Old remains that fell/blew down and were obviously from the previous year that have been found have been added to the previous year's list.

• 2008 food remains found:
  • 11 March- Woodcock body (note this is before any birder reported woodcock!)
  • 17 March- 2 pellets, duck scapular feathers
  • 19 March- 2 Killdeer heads
  • 31 March- Killdeer head, Woodcock head, Meadowlark head
  • 1 April- 2 pellets, Woodcock leg, Meadowlark leg, Pigeon feathers
  • 2 April- Killdeer wing, Woodcock wing, Meadowlark feathers, Bufflehead body
  • 3 April- Mourning Dove leg
  • 6 April- Woodcock wing
  • 7 April- whole Woodcock (found at Washington & Thayer, 1/2 block from the tower)

Please call us (734-764-0457) if you see something on the ground under the tower so we can pick it up. Thanks!