SUMMER 1999 - ISSUE NUMBER 48
SUMMER 1999 - ISSUE NUMBER 48
Raptor Rap
As many of you know I have been working with birds of prey (raptors) now for 9 years. I do rehabilitation work with injured, orphaned, and sick raptors as well as present educational programs to the community, accompanied by 4 permanently disabled hawks and owls. For the past 3 years I have focused more and more of my time and energy towards the educational aspect; attempting to decrease the amount of rehabilitation, thus freeing up my time to present programs and work towards raptor conservation and preservation. Through my educational programs I am able to reach hundreds of people of all ages. My dream is that once folks learn more about raptors and experience an up-close encounter with a live hawk or owl they will work harder towards protecting these special creatures. Hopefully, once people learn how important raptors are, how they eat millions of rodents and insects each year, there will be a conscious shift towards protecting crucial habitats and discontinuing the use of chemical sprays and powders that poison many birds annually.
At the beginning of this year I formed a partnership with Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. I am presenting 2 birds of prey programs at the Resort each week which are open and free to the community. I have also implemented a nesting box program based at Crystal Mountain where cedar nest box kits and finished boxes are available. These boxes will provide a nest for small owls such as the screech owl and saw-whet owl, as well as the American Kestrel, our smallest falcon here in Michigan. A finished box may also be sponsored and will be put up on the grounds of the Resort. The sponsor has their name engraved on the box and will receive a newsletter once a year up-dating them on the status of their nest box. My goal is to eventually have many nest boxes put up; at Crystal Mountain, the surrounding community, and extending out to neighboring counties. I will maintain a survey of these boxes annually and keep track of who and what have taken up housekeeping. The screech owl, saw-whet owl and American kestrel are all cavity nesters and are having difficulty finding suitable nest sites each year. By providing nest boxes for them, and placing these in prime locations, we will encourage these raptors to stay and raise a family here in our neighborhoods. If you are interested in participating in this nest box program please call me at 616-275-6227.
Return to the Index of Summer 48, Summer 1999