The peregrine falcon is a magnificent bird of prey that is found across Michigan. As a species, the peregrine falcon has made an incredible recovery after nearing extinction just a few decades ago. Now, peregrine falcons can be found nesting and breeding in both urban and wilderness habitats across the state.
Quick Facts on Peregrine Falcons in Michigan
Here are some key facts about the peregrine falcon population in Michigan:
- There are an estimated 200-250 breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in Michigan as of 2022.
- The majority of peregrine falcons in Michigan nest in urban areas like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.
- Some peregrine falcons nest on cliffs in wilderness areas like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
- The number of breeding pairs in Michigan has increased dramatically since the 1990s and 2000s.
- Peregrine falcons were completely extirpated from Michigan by the 1960s.
With around 200-250 breeding pairs, and estimating around 2-3 falcons per breeding pair, there are likely 400-750 peregrine falcons living in Michigan as of 2022.
History of Peregrine Falcons in Michigan
Historically, peregrine falcons were widespread nesters on cliff habitats across Michigan. However, the widespread use of pesticides like DDT during the mid-20th century caused this species to rapidly decline.
DDT accumulated in the bodies of peregrine falcons and interfered with their ability to produce strong eggshells. By the 1960s, peregrine falcons were completely extirpated as a breeding species in Michigan.
After DDT was banned in the 1970s, recovery programs were initiated to reintroduce peregrine falcons to parts of their historical range. These programs involved releasing captive-raised peregrines at sites like cliffs and tall buildings. The first successful nesting of reintroduced peregrines occurred in Michigan in 1992.
Since then, the Michigan peregrine falcon population has continued to expand. There are now around 200-250 breeding pairs distributed across both urban and wilderness habitats in Michigan.
Key Milestones in Peregrine Falcon Recovery in Michigan
- 1960s: Peregrines extirpated from Michigan due to DDT, last known nesting attempt in 1957.
- 1970s: DDT banned, allowing eggshells to strengthen.
- 1982-1988: Nearly 150 young peregrines released in Michigan as part of reintroduction program.
- 1992: First successful nesting of reintroduced peregrines in Michigan.
- Early 2000s: Around 30 breeding pairs in Michigan.
- 2022: Estimated 200-250 breeding pairs in Michigan.
Where Do Peregrine Falcons Nest in Michigan?
Peregrine falcons nest on tall cliffs and increasingly on tall buildings and bridges in urban areas. Here is an overview of where peregrine falcons nest across Michigan:
Urban Sites
The majority of peregrine falcons in Michigan nest at urban sites, especially in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other cities. Tall buildings, smokestacks, and bridges provide cliff-like nesting habitat. Some examples include:
- Book Tower in Detroit
- Ambassador Bridge in Detroit
- Channel 6 TV Tower in Lansing
- Grand Valley State University in Allendale
- Mackinac Bridge
Cliff Sites
Some peregrine falcons nest on natural cliff habitats in northern Michigan, including:
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Tahquamenon Falls
- Various cliffs along Lake Superior
Other Sites
A small number of peregrine falcon pairs may nest in other habitats like quarries, dams, and mines. However, urban sites and cliff nests comprise the majority of breeding peregrines in Michigan.
Why Do Peregrines Nest in Cities?
Peregrine falcons have shown an incredible ability to adapt to nesting on tall human structures in urban settings. There are several advantages urban areas provide for peregrine falcons:
- Abundant nesting sites – Tall buildings and bridges offer endless cliff-like nesting opportunities
- Reduced competition – Fewer predators and competitors for urban falcons compared to wilderness areas
- Plenty of prey – Cities harbor large populations of pigeons and other bird prey
While some peregrine falcons have returned to natural cliff sites, urban nesting allows this species to continue expanding across Michigan using man-made structures.
Population and Breeding
As a recovered population, peregrine falcons are now thriving again in Michigan. Here is an overview of the peregrine falcon breeding population and reproductive success in Michigan:
Breeding Population Size
According to data from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the estimated breeding population of peregrine falcons in recent years is:
Year | Estimated Breeding Pairs |
---|---|
2010 | 97 |
2015 | 166 |
2020 | 210 |
2022 | 200-250 |
The data shows a robust increasing trend in the number of breeding pairs, indicating a growing peregrine falcon population across Michigan.
Nesting Success
Peregrine falcons in Michigan have relatively high nesting success rates. On average, 70-80% of occupied nests successfully fledge one or more young each year. The number of young fledged per successful nest ranges from 1 to 4.
In recent decades, nests in Michigan have produced around 200-300 fledglings annually. With high nesting success, the peregrine falcon population continues to grow and expand across urban and natural areas.
Threats and Conservation
While peregrine falcons have rebounded significantly, some threats and conservation considerations remain for the species in Michigan.
Ongoing Threats
Some ongoing threats include:
- Collision hazards – Glass windows, wind turbines, vehicles, and other structures
- Human disturbance – Especially at sensitive cliff nest sites
- Climate change – Potential impacts on migration and prey
- Environmental toxins – Lower levels still present in the environment
Conservation Actions
Some conservation measures that can benefit peregrine falcons include:
- Monitoring and protecting nest sites
- Installing collision deterrents on windows and turbines
- Habitat management for prey species
- Public education and outreach
- Maintaining bans on harmful pesticides
With conservation efforts, the peregrine falcon recovery story can continue to be a success in Michigan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, peregrine falcons have rebounded impressively in Michigan after being wiped out as breeders in the 1960s. An estimated 200-250 breeding pairs now nest across urban and wilderness habitats in Michigan, with around 400-750 total individuals.
The majority of peregrines nest on city buildings and bridges, showing an incredible ability to adapt. Peregrines continue to expand with high nesting success annually. While some threats remain, ongoing conservation efforts can help ensure the continued success of peregrine falcons in Michigan.