Michigan bands 3 peregrine falcon chicks from nest in Mount Clemens

Aya Fayad, The Detroit News on May 27, 2025

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MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. —Two decades after Macomb County officials first noticed a peregrine falcon nest atop the Old County Building in downtown Mount Clemens, the species continues to come back to nest and now three newly born chicks have been banded so they can be monitored.

Over the holiday weekend, Macomb County officials successfully banded the chicks named Monarch, Warthog and Cwik. The chicks are only several weeks old. The nest is located on the 11th floor of the Old Macomb County Building at 10 N. Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens.

“We’re proud to be a part of the recovery of peregrine falcons in Michigan,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel in a statement. “For many years, we’ve worked with partners to band and protect these incredible animals here in our community. While we’ve seen a recovery across the state, it’s important that we continue to do our part and ensure these chicks have a healthy and happy start here in Mount Clemens. As always, we’re proud they made Macomb their home.”

Peregrine falcons have been nesting atop the Old County Building since 2005, according to officials. These chicks join several that the county has already banded in recent years, including a chick named Gabe banded last year. Banding them allows state officials to monitor the birds continuously.

Hackel gave the chicks their names, each significant to Macomb County. Monarch represents Macomb Community College because the school recently unveiled a Monarch mascot featuring a lion wearing a crown, symbolizing sport prowess. Warthog is a reference to the A-10 Warthog, based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Those planes will be replaced by a mission of new F-15X Eagles II, officials announced several weeks ago. Cwik is an homage to Macomb County's longtime public information officer and Mount Clemens resident, John Cwikla.

The peregrine falcon population is currently on the rise, according to the county. About a year and a half ago, peregrine falcons were reclassified as threatened instead of endangered in Michigan. The bird remains federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

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