Scs100 Member Username: Scs100
Post Number: 1095 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 8:50 pm: | |
I have been asked to ask this question regarding some very large birds that now--or more likely up until now, I can't imagine them staying with the construction--reside at the Pick Fort Shelby. The only description I have received is that they are large and black from a distance. My guess is that they are Peregrine Falcons, owing to the pigeon parts that have been found around downtown (specifically the Federal Building) by this same person. Can anyone identify the birds? Sorry, I don't have pics. |
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup
Post Number: 2284 Registered: 06-2004
| Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 10:19 pm: | |
There was a thread last summer about the birds downtown. Wasn't it decided they were buzzards or something? I'm pretty sure it wasn't falcons. |
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100
Post Number: 1099 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 10:20 pm: | |
I can check. Thanks for the help. |
Ramcharger Member Username: Ramcharger
Post Number: 296 Registered: 05-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 10:25 pm: | |
There are (or were) Peregrine Falcons downtown, but I couldn't say what buildings they call home. Maybe the DNR would know. |
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main
Post Number: 1225 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 10:35 pm: | |
The falcons are still around. They fly over my condo(St Annes) daily. There must be something they are hunting for in the urban prairie off of Fort and 18th. As far as where they are nesting, they do head toward downtown after they are done. |
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100
Post Number: 1100 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 10:36 pm: | |
That makes sense, since it would be logical for a falcon to dive bomb a pigeon and leave body parts of the now dead pigeon all over the place. Thanks for all of your help. |
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit
Post Number: 310 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 11:30 pm: | |
there have been birds of prey for the last several years flying between their homes on the fisher and book buildings. they're cool! |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 4479 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 1:26 am: | |
Many years ago I remember reading about the introduction of Peregrine Falcons onto the top of the Guardian Building. Whether they've increased in numbers to other downtown rooftops, I don't know. But the introduction was onto the top of the Guardian Building. With all of its' nooks and crannies, it probably was ideal for that. (Message edited by Gistok on June 06, 2007) |
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette
Post Number: 1917 Registered: 02-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 1:41 am: | |
The birds at the Shelby are peregrine falcons. Many of the regulars in that neighborhood are very worried about them. We are all so excited about the renovations and hope they don't get hurt or displaced during the work. You could ask Vaughan at the Anchor (the father, not the son). So beautiful. |
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100
Post Number: 1102 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 8:40 am: | |
I would hope they don't get hurt. They will probably move to another building and carry on. Or they just go where the construction isn't on the building. |
Bumble Member Username: Bumble
Post Number: 120 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 8:41 am: | |
Falcons are federally protected and, if I'm not mistaken, still on Michigan's list of endangered animals. It is likely illegal to disturb them or their eggs or nests. If anyone is concerned about their welfare, she should call the DNR. |
Hockey_player Member Username: Hockey_player
Post Number: 338 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 9:14 am: | |
There were turkey vultures nesting on top of the Fort Shelby last year. I would assume it's still them. |
Birdwoman Member Username: Birdwoman
Post Number: 12 Registered: 06-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 8:48 pm: | |
There are Peregrines nesting in Detroit, but so far as I know they are only at the following buildings (they are monitored by the state): U of D Mercy bell tower, Whittier apts, and the Fisher building. Big black birds would indeed be Turkey Vultures ("buzzards"). I'm an ornithologist working on the last year of a breeding bird project. My focus is Wayne County (last year I asked about pheasants on this forum). I'd be very interested in hearing about other locations where vultures are known to be nesting -- they like the floors or roofs of old buildings, so long as there isn't much human disturbance. My project home page is here. http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/ rouge_river/bba.html |