Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel, in collaboration with officials from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, proudly announced the rehoming of two baby Peregrine Falcons whose previous nest was located in a dangerous location at the Detroit Metro Airport.
Over the holiday weekend, officials successfully added one male falcon and one female falcon to the existing nest of Brookie Cookie, the mother, and her offspring, Gabe. The nest is located on the 11th floor of the Old Macomb County Building at 10 N. Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens. The new babies are approximately five days older than Gabe.
“By taking on these new chicks, the County can continue our work protecting Peregrine Falcons and promoting their wellbeing,” said Hackel. “We had a successful transfer over the weekend, and have been able to monitor the nest. Currently, all signs point to the chicks getting a healthy and happy new start here in Mount Clemens. I’m thrilled we could help them make Macomb their home.”
Hackel named the chicks Dorothy and Bonner, in honor of Dorothy and Bonner Upshaw.
Dorothy Upshaw was an employee at TACOM for 41 years. She was a community leader and attended many community meetings. Her memberships include the NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), Macomb County Library Board, Macomb County Services Board, OYAA (Old and Young Alumni Association) and Turner CME Church, where she served as Trustee Emeritus. She died February 18, 2017.
Bonner C. Upshaw Jr. was born July 1, 1932 in Mount Clemens. He graduated from Mount Clemens High School in 1951 and attended Wayne State University and Macomb Community College. Bonner was the first African American Mount Clemens police officer, retiring as a detective after 25 years. He was also a past president of the NAACP. He died November 29, 2000.
“It is very rare that we have to rehome Peregrine Falcons,” said Danielle Durham, Peregrine Falcon nest coordinator at the Michigan DNR. “We are proud of Brookie Cookie for accepting these chicks as the newest members of her family, and we’re appreciative of Macomb County for its assistance ensuring these birds have a chance at life.”
The Peregrine Falcon remains federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and in Michigan, it retains its endangered species status under state law. For further insights into Macomb County’s Peregrine Falcons, visit https://www.macombgov.org/peregrine-falcons-macomb-county.
Other successful nests in Macomb County include:
Over the holiday weekend, officials successfully added one male falcon and one female falcon to the existing nest of Brookie Cookie, the mother, and her offspring, Gabe. The nest is located on the 11th floor of the Old Macomb County Building at 10 N. Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens. The new babies are approximately five days older than Gabe.
“By taking on these new chicks, the County can continue our work protecting Peregrine Falcons and promoting their wellbeing,” said Hackel. “We had a successful transfer over the weekend, and have been able to monitor the nest. Currently, all signs point to the chicks getting a healthy and happy new start here in Mount Clemens. I’m thrilled we could help them make Macomb their home.”
Hackel named the chicks Dorothy and Bonner, in honor of Dorothy and Bonner Upshaw.
Dorothy Upshaw was an employee at TACOM for 41 years. She was a community leader and attended many community meetings. Her memberships include the NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), Macomb County Library Board, Macomb County Services Board, OYAA (Old and Young Alumni Association) and Turner CME Church, where she served as Trustee Emeritus. She died February 18, 2017.
Bonner C. Upshaw Jr. was born July 1, 1932 in Mount Clemens. He graduated from Mount Clemens High School in 1951 and attended Wayne State University and Macomb Community College. Bonner was the first African American Mount Clemens police officer, retiring as a detective after 25 years. He was also a past president of the NAACP. He died November 29, 2000.
“It is very rare that we have to rehome Peregrine Falcons,” said Danielle Durham, Peregrine Falcon nest coordinator at the Michigan DNR. “We are proud of Brookie Cookie for accepting these chicks as the newest members of her family, and we’re appreciative of Macomb County for its assistance ensuring these birds have a chance at life.”
The Peregrine Falcon remains federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and in Michigan, it retains its endangered species status under state law. For further insights into Macomb County’s Peregrine Falcons, visit https://www.macombgov.org/peregrine-falcons-macomb-county.
Other successful nests in Macomb County include:
- 2024: Gabe
- 2016-2023 we had several successful nests but were not able to band.
- 2016: Grace
- 2015: Peace, Aggie, COMTEC II
- 2014: Hero, COMTEC, Jo, Max
- 2013: Oakland and Wayne
- 2012: Webber and Otis
- 2011: Diana, Edna, and Rosie
- 2010: Harwell, Martha, and Packard
- 2009: Cass, Tucker, and Wetzel
- 2008: Clair, Clementine, and Lenny
- 2005: Alexa
Tom Lehrer
586-808-3452
Lehrer@macombgov.org
