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| Cass molted her white fuzz and now has adult Peregrine falcon feathers. |
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According to the National Park Service (NPS) Web site, www.nps.gov, Peregrine falcons are fast fliers. In level flight, they can reach 60 mph. They have been clocked diving, or stooping, at speeds of more than 200 mph. |
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| Cass was named by Macomb County Commissioner Frank Accavitti of Roseville in honor of Lewis Cass, Michigan’s second governor. |
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According to the NPS, Peregrines prefer high cliffs overlooking rivers and lakes where they build their nests. The nest is called a "scrape" which is often nothing more that a small depression in dirt or gravel. They also have been known to set up house on tall bridges, on tall building ledges, and other high places. |
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| The NPS states that Peregrine falcons usually begin breeding around two years of age. The male mating ritual includes aerial acrobatics to attract the attention of females. Often the male will kill a bird and present it to the female. Sometimes the male, while flying above the female, will drop his prey which is caught by the female. |
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Peregrine falcon eggs are smaller than chicken eggs and can range in color from a light pink to a reddish-brown, according to the NPS. |
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| Adult peregrines are about the size of a crow with wings that can span more than three feet. |
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Tim Payne, DNR supervisor for southeast Michigan, holds up Cass, who was named by County Commissioner Frank Accavitti of Roseville. |
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| Candance Bando, licensed veterinarian technician from the Detroit Zoo, Tim Payne, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Michigan supervisor and Kariann Anderson, DNR Peregrine falcon specialist perform medical tests, weigh and band Tucker, one of the three new Peregrine falcons hatched in Mount Clemens. |
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Tim Payne, DNR supervisor for southeast Michigan, said it is great to see Peregrine falcons, an endangered species, thrive on the County Building. County Commissioner Frank Accavitti said the Peregrine falcons are finding out what residents already know, that Macomb County is a great place to raise a family. |
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| Cass is a female named by County Commissioner Frank Accavitti of Roseville. Cass was named after the second governor of Michigan, Lewis Cass. |
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Macomb County Web Site
