Conservation in Falconry
Raptors are a passion for the members of the MHC. The well being of these magnificent birds, today and into the future, is paramount to us. To this end the Michigan Hawking Club devotes it time and resources.
The Michigan Hawking Club helps to aid programs such as the DNR's Peregrine Project, a conservation effort that has reintroduced wild peregrine falcons into the downtown Detroit area. Yearly, club members volunteer their time and resources to watch over the nesting areas, protecting the falcons and their offspring from injury, and helping to assure the return of these fabulous raptors to the Detroit area.
The MHC has also participated in and help fund projects at various Universities for research focused on raptor populations, behavior, and health issues. We have contributed to the efforts of Dr. Pat Redig, of the West Nile Taskforce, in order to further studies of the disease, and to help in prevention and treatments, in order to delay the further spread of this virus that has devastated wild raptor populations.
The club has also helped to fund a video produced by NAFA, to educate the public on unprotected power-lines and the dangers and devastating effect they have on the population of wild raptors and to encourage gradual and consistent modifications of power installations.
Some of our members are active Raptor Rehabilitators and many are involved in various conservation projects outside of the club. Some of these programs include habitat building, migratory bird banding, and raptor breeding projects.
The MHC works together with the Michigan Audubon Society on the building and placement of nesting boxes for the American Kestrel across the state. Club members also help in the building and locating of nesting platforms for Osprey.
Anyone interested in building their own Kestrel nesting box can find downloadable plans and placement instructions here.
Falconry Added to List of the Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage added Falconry, a traditional hunting method, to its
List of the Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity. Click here to read more about this exciting development which will help in the preservation of Falconry around the world.