![]() These birds will only mate with one individual during the mating season, but they will often find a new mate each year. These falcons can be found across a large part of North America and are mostly seen in open grasslands. Instead the opt to use abandoned nests that other birds have made, such as crows. Unlike many other falcons, Merlins do not make their nests themselves. Merlins are only small falcons, covered with dark, streaky feathers. In Michigan they have been spotted mostly in June and July which are both in the centre of this bird’s mating season so they are likely to be more active and more territorial. It is difficult to see Crested Caracaras year-round in Michigan, if you are planning to go bird watching the summer months are better for your to do so. A repeated siting of a Crested Caracara has also been noted in the town of Munising. Their nests will be built in the tallest tree surrounding this area, this is where you have the best chance to try and spot one of these gorgeous birds. The best place to try and see these falcons is in open wooded areas, such as grasslands, farmlands and even some golf courses. ![]() Nesting in the same tree if it is possible.Ĭrested Caracaras hunt by swooping and they use the ground to get a short run up before taking flight, this means they like to avoid densely wooded areas. That being said, these birds do usually mate and stay together for several years and will always nest in the same territory. These birds are solitary and only interact with others from their species during the mating season. The Crested Caracara is identifiable by its heavy bill and white neck, whilst the rest of its body is covered in dark feathers. They also hunt during the middle of the day so that is the best time for you to settle down with your bird-watching equipment. Their mating season ranges from March to August, they are much more active during these months and searching during the mating season will greatly increase your chances of encountering a breeding pair of American Kestrels. If you are wanting to see these birds off of farmland you will have the best chance of spotting one in wide open fields. One such place with lots of kestrel boxes and a good chance for spotting these birds is Leelanau County in Michigan. They can also be seen making swooping dives to advertise to other kestrels that that area has been claimed.Īmerican Kestrels are actually very helpful to Michigan’s economy, lots of farmers have started added kestrel boxes around their lands so these small falcons can help rid them of pests. These are territorial birds and in recent years have been moving their territories closer to urban areas.ĭuring the mating season these birds will fight off others of their species and have even been seen grouping up to fight off larger hawks that invade their territory. They are covered in rusty brown feathers and they have white bellies and slate blue heads. This bird is the smallest of all the falcons found across North America.
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