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Falconshire Raptors Team
Dr. Brian Parkhurst Founder & President
Peregrine Falcon - Rescued from downtown City of Kalamazoo
Dr. Brian Parkhurst - Founder & President with a Peregrine Falcon he rescued from downtown Kalamazoo
Dr Brian Parkhurst started his falconry career in 1995 while living in lowa. He holds many Federal and State permits. In 2002 he began providing falconry demonstrations as part of the Outdoor Discovery Centers (ODC) bird of prey program which he founded. He also served two terms on the ODC Board of Directors as he oversaw the design, development, and acquisition of all ODC birds of prey. One of his favorite memories working with the ODC was bringing in the first bald eagle from Missouri in 2005, which he personally rescued from a corn crib. By 2006 the program was completely developed and in 2007, the first golden eagle was acquired. Dr. Brian is very proud of the Bird of Prey program, which is now known as the DeWitt Bird of Prey Program, and it is truly world class. Because of his passion and continuing commitment to raptors, he funded the amphitheater to complement the new DeWitt Bird of Prey Center. To complete his vision of providing raptor rescue, installing cameras on nests, live-flighted bird of prey programs and falconry experiences he created the nonprofit: Falconshire Raptors of West Michigan, Inc. in 2023.
Trent Dekker - Raptor Rescue Coordinator/ Apprentice Falconer in 2024 with "Mischief" a wild caught red tail hawk
Trent is an apprentice falconer of Dr. Brian and has been involved with the nonprofit since its inception in 2023. Since joining Falconshire Raptors he has been busy rescuing raptors, climbing trees, rebuilding nest sites, managing building facilities along with aiding and helping to shape the direction of the nonprofit. He has been an asset to Falconshire Raptors and holds subpermitee status on both the Federal and State of Michigan permits for the nonprofit.
Ryan Garvelink - Falconer with "Roja" our Red Shouldered Hawk
Ryan became an apprentice of Dr. Brian many years ago. He recently returned to aid in training Falconshire Raptors birds of prey and participate in falconry experiences. He currently holds a General Class Falconry Permit.
Dragon & Maisie
These two German Short-Haired Pointers, littermates, were born in 2024 and have become fast friends of all who meet them. Dragon is the liver and tickle puppy & Maisie is white with a black head and spots. You will see them partnering with Dr. Brian & Trent as they train our falconry birds for demonstrations. Look for more pictures on our website and in our blogs as these puppies continue to grow. They are an integral part of the Falconshire Raptors team.
Roja
This Red Shouldered Hawk was rescued as a chick right here in West Michigan after being blown from its nest. Since she was rescued at such a young age and likely imprinted after the care she received in rehab, she now serves as an ambassador for Falconshire Raptors.
Mischief
Mischief, our Red-tailed Hawk, is one of our falconry birds that also serves as an ambassador by helping educate our community about raptors