The Michigan Wildlife Conservancy’s annual spring wildlife lecture will focus on the return of the peregrine falcon. The 7:00 p.m. May 8 event at the Conservancy’s Bengel Wildlife Center in Bath near Lansing will feature a presentation by Dr. James Sikarskie, Michigan State University professor and renowned raptor rehabilitator. A live peregrine falcon will be displayed with assistance from the education staff of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to attend. The topic is timely because of recent management efforts that have brought the peregrine falcon back from the brink of extinction. Egg-shell thinning caused by DDT and other chemicals and loss of nesting habitat reduced falcon numbers nationwide. But anti-pollution laws and efforts of America’s falconers to get falcons to nest at non-traditional sites have helped the species rebound.

A peregrine falcon named Stelco is nesting at the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s Eckert Power Station. Attendees of the May 8 presentation will learn about Stelco’s nesting habits, other efforts to conserve the endangered species, and a host of interesting facts about falcons and other birds of prey.

Dr. Sikarskie’s presentation is free and open to the public. A special wine and cheese reception following the presentation will also be held in the Bengel Wildlife Center’s Anderson Great Hall during which guests will have a chance to meet and talk with Dr. Sikarskie.

Tickets for the reception are $15 per person for the general public; MWC members may purchase tickets to the reception for only $10. Space is limited for both Sikarskie’s presentation and the reception. Advance reservations for both are required and can be made by calling Beth at the MWC office—(517) 641-7677 or by emailing wildlife@miwildlife.org.