Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel, in collaboration with officials from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, proudly announced the naming and banding of a Peregrine Falcon chick, once again making Macomb their home, enriching the skyline atop the historic County Building.
This male chick hatched to proud parents (Brookie Cookie, mother from Ann Arbor and the father who is unbanded) in mid-April 2024 on the 11th floor of the Old Macomb County Building at 10 N. Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens, and exemplifies the enduring presence of these majestic birds in our community.
Executive Hackel named the chick "Gabe," in honor of Gabe Anton, a cherished figure in Mount Clemens and the surrounding community. Among his many contributions and achievements, Anton was at the forefront of the Art in Public Places artwork project, and led the campaign to expand the historic Carnegie Library, now Anton Art Center.
“This has become such an enjoyable tradition here in the county over the years and we are very excited to have the opportunity to once again band and name the falcons after a long hiatus,“ said County Executive Mark Hackel. “Being able to watch the development 24/7 with the EarthCam setup has provided the community a front row seat into nature. We are grateful for the partnership with the DNR for their commitment to our natural resources, and we look forward to watching ‘Gabe’ develop and spread his wings.”
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
Photos and video of the naming and banding can be located HERE
In the photos:
- Kaitlyn Barns - DNR Biologist (white hard hat)
- Danielle Durham - DNR Peregrine Falcon Nest Coordinator (orange hard hat)
- Mark Hackel - County Executive
