“Bandit, Downtown Akron’s legendary Peregrine Falcon is dead”. As quoted by Akron Beacon journalist Bob Downing on Wednesday February 29th, 2012, and it saddened me!
Though I have never personally met Bandit, I have been following all of his press updates since he had decided to call Downtown Akron home. He was, and still is, a star in our community. He and his mates have created a legacy in Akron that will live on for many, many decades to come.
I am humbled that one of Bandits fledglings has found a place, beyond the limits of Downtown Akron, to nest amongst my community. Bandit’s son, Smokey as we will call him, frequents my back yard wildlife habitat, mostly in the fall and winter months to catch a meal and rest on the grapevine. When his significant other arrives we watch gleefully as they impress us with their aeronautical displays, usually instigated by a meal one is carrying and the other would like to covet.
Years ago when I first noticed this activity in my yard I was very concerned for all of the small feathered and furry souls being tormented by his presence. The first meal, a small house sparrow, that I had watched him tenaciously pursue and catch, caused my heart to sink and I had to consider survival.
When the nation’s forefathers first arrived to this continent I am sure survival was on everyone’s mind. In today’s society many of us do not give thought or worry to where the next meal will be coming from, this is not so for our wildlife. Wildlife habitats are being destroyed on a daily basis and I find the creation and preservation of wildlife habitats to be the topic of much interest and conversation this year.
Many, Many people ask me how they can create a wildlife habitat on their property. How can they invite diverse bird varieties and butterfly varieties into their yards, to frequent their plants and possibly make a home? Once in a while one of these folks will ask me, how do I attract a bird of prey?
Bandit, Smokey and the likes are considered birds of prey. They will hunt and eat any small creature they can deem edible. Sometimes with some of the larger birds of prey, such as the red tail hawk, this can mean small dogs, cats, etc. so be aware.
In order to attract a bird of prey to your property you must first learn to attract the food this bird seeks. Smokey frequents my yard as I have many things to attract many varieties of birds as well as chipmunks, squirrels etc. There is much activity in my yard and Smokey finds it a plentiful spot to catch an easy meal. On any given day, he is out there surveying the feeders, shrubs and trees. I have included a short list to help you start attracting the smaller wildlife to your garden. I caution you though, when the little ones frequent, the big guys will come, make sure you have a stomach for it.
Alas, it is very sad to see Bandit go, though he has left a legacy in which we can watch his spirit soar.
Plants to attract wildlife:
Beauty Berry Shrub, Winterberry Holly, Gaultheria procumbens groundcover, Blue Angel Hosta and other Hosta varieties, Hollyhock, Cone Flowers, Black Eye Susan, Service Berry Tree, Kousa Dogwoods,
For more information about creating your own wildlife habitat please contact me I will be happy to help.
