Raptor Center of Southeast Michigan

By Alysha Albrecht

Spring, and now Summer, have sprung in Southeast Michigan. Each year I thank the Turkey Vultures for letting me know. On a sunny, but chilly day in March, I drove down 1-94 and counted at least eight pairs of Turkey Vultures flying high above the trees. Since they are migratory birds, I always enjoy seeing them high in the sky. It reminded me of the longer days to come. I even spotted an American Bald Eagle on March 17, which must mean extra St. Patrick’s Day luck. As we continue to watch spring bloom and summer fade, we also start to see baby birds, mammals, and amphibians begin to emerge.

When it comes to baby raptors, the rehabilitation philosophy highly promotes re-nesting the babies back into the wild with their families, when possible. This process takes a little bit of leg work on our part and/or the finders, and often a substitute basket nest needs to be constructed. The end result is a healthy bird and proud finders who have significantly helped the rehabilitation process!

One, very young brancher, Great Horned owl was found on the ground in a finder’s yard. Just as human toddlers do, birds also explore and this little owl found himself in an unsafe situation. Thankfully the finders found him before it was too late and reached out to us. We walked them through how to create a basket nest with proper drainage, and then secure it as high as they safely could to the tree where the original nest was.

Thankfully the family was able to watch from a window and soon enough they saw the parents come to drop off food. The nest they created allowed the owl to grow up safely, while still learning from his parents! And in just a few weeks, the little owl soon fledged the new nest!

This is what keeps Dody and me going. We love connecting with you to “chat” raptors and we are so happy you take the time out of your busy days to help us reunite, keep us updated on each situation and learn more.