Explorers Syann and Sasha witnessed history in flight. The two had the rare pleasure to experience the antics of local Peregrin falcons…one named for their organization’s Shero, Merze Tate. In collaboration with Public Media Network, the Explorers shared their experience on the news segment, Community in Focus.

During a recent visit to the top of the Kalamazoo Mall parking structure, the Explorers met with Gail Walter, a member of the Audobon Society of Kalamazoo. Walter and other members of the organization were excited to show the girls the Merze falcon and her “siblings” in action. Merze was among four baby falcons born in Kalamazoo this past spring. Two of the chicks were named for a person famous in Kalamazoo history. One for Merze, and the other for baseball legend Derek Jeter. The Jeter chick died in it early stages.

The visit provided, what Walter says, was a view at the birds at their best. The siblings chased a group of pigeons, ate from their mother’s catch, and even posed atop their home building, and seemingly watched the Explorers watch them!

The attributes of a falcon include energy,foresight, ambition, fortitude, willpower, transformation,vision, mental acuity, freedom, and control. Merze Tate lived a life beyond limits…just like a falcon.

Thanks go out to the Kalamazoo Audubon Society for naming one of their falcon chicks after Merze Tate! (www.kalamazoofalcons.com).

The Smithsonian gives 10 attributes of a falcon; most of which easily represent Merze Tate. (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/10-fun-facts-about-falcons-180962042/)