Peregrine Falcons Having Babies in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo

Do you remember when Peregrine Falcons were introduced to Grand Rapids? I do.

It was in the 80s and I was doing the morning show on WCUZ 101.3 along side Dennis Sutton.

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Our good friend and co-worker, Shelia Wood Bennett joined Dennis and me at a party this past summer.

Our studios were in the McKay Tower at the time and we put a camera on on top of the tower to watch the falcons. It was fascinating and people were mesmerized by the falcons.

McKAY TOWER DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

Now, of course they continue to be a part of the city, and all of West Michigan.

In Kalamazoo, Rita the falcon has laid her first eggs in awhile so there is some great excitement going around. I couldn't get a usable picture this time, but last year, Rita was a busy mother hatching and feeding chicks.

Here is Grand Rapids, our news partner, Fox17, has a camera downtown, and a falcon came to visit. She or he, seems to be enjoying the view via this You Tube video.

Actually, I think it is looking for lunch. Better watch our other birds and ducks. You just might make a delicious meal.

The Peregrine Falcon is considered a bird of prey and is seriously the fastest animal on the planet. What, not the Chetah? Not a chance because this falcon will fly at 200 mph in its dive for prey. Amazing!

It knocks out its target and then comes back to gather it up and takes it back to the nest for a meal. It really likes pigeons and ducks!

The reason we are seeing them in downtown Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo is because they love tall buildings in urban areas where there is an abundance of critters to go after.

Don't worry, you are safe, just not Daffy Duck!