Rfalconcam Forum

Private Residential Falcons

Aug 13, 2009 - At least one juvie

Yesterday Fred reporting seeing both the adult female and at least one juvenile. Today a juvenile was again spotted in the morning near the nest ledge.[/b]

Sue McCreadie Reports:

Barry Cherriere was asked to do a write-up for the Hamilton Naturalist’s Club news letter, The Wood Duck, of how the nesting at the Lift Bridge went this year.   With Barry’s approval, I am attaching herewith his report. 

Barry stated in his covering e-mail ” the general consensus was that the year didn’t go as well as expected, in fact it sucked.  I am sharing with you the story that I submitted to them along with some images that went along with the story to illustrate some of the events that occured.  I hope that you enjoy it.”

All photos attached are by Barry Cherriere.

The Burlington Lift Bridge Peregrine Nesting 2009

Barry Cherriere & the Lift Bridge team
  We started the new nesting season with high hopes and enthusiasm after the great first nesting at the Lift Bridge last year. To start with I soon discovered that the adults were not the same ones as last year. In March the female from last year, who still remains a mystery as to who she was, was found dead on one of the ledges of the Burlington tower. The male from last year is in rehab, as he received head trauma in the fall of 2008 and was picked up by the Animal Control Services near the canal area and cannot be released into the wild.
 The new female, sitting on three eggs in late March, was banded as a chick, in 2006 at a nest site in Dayton Ohio and was named Cirrus. The adult male was banded as a chick in the same year at a nest site in Toronto and was named Sir Adam Beck. That made the two adults three year olds and this would possibly be their first nesting. We were about to witness what new parents they were and it left a lot of room for improvements.
 The male, Sir Adam Beck, seemed to have a fancy for and was very efficient at catching Blue Jays and orioles, while the larger female Cirrus stayed with catching Rock Pigeons as the main course. Cirrus did not seem to have the speed or accuracy that the male had. There were a couple of times where we felt that we had to lend our assistance to Cirrus in order for her to be successful in finishing the hunt. We were thinking of the juveniles as the meals seemed to be far and few between. I would constantly be informing the people who would come up to us and ask what we were watching for, that the Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on earth, well maybe not these peregrines exactly.

 While the three chicks were getting bigger in the nest, Cirrus would maintain and defend a NO FLY ZONE near and around the nesting area. She would chase off gulls, cormorants and Night Herons if they strayed too close and any birds of prey were really big on her list of trespassers and they were not even allowed to be in sight. How would they know this forbidden area even existed until they wandered into it and by then it was too late. They were just cruising over, fat dumb and happy when all hell broke loose. Cirrus would leap off of the hydro tower screaming out her alarm calls. It would certainly get my attention.
 On June 9th one of these occasions happened when an adult Bald Eagle was approaching from the south of us (Stoney Creek area). Cirrus came off of the hydro tower in a full red alert mode. I quickly grabbed for my camera knowing that this does not sound good and I don’t want to miss it. I looked ahead of Cirrus to see what her incredible eyesight had spotted approaching her area. It was an Adult Bald Eagle and she confronted it with no fear at all. The size difference was immense and she did not let that stand in the way of her mission to make sure that it was moving on. She stayed above the eagle and the eagle was forced to roll inverted to show Cirrus its’ feet and talons but she was not deterred. Cirrus positioned herself just off of one of the eagle’s wingtips and they were staring each other down. Wow if looks could kill! Cirrus escorted this eagle all the way to Burlington, screaming and diving at it the whole time. I will give her that, she backs down from nothing. That is probably how she was able to secure this nest location from the previous owners.

 

 On June 3rd the chicks were scheduled to be banded by the MNR Ann Yagi, assisted by Mark Nash of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. The banding went well, although the parents never think so. A coloured tape would be placed over the aluminum (US Fish & Wildlife) band in order for us on the ground to be able to distinguish the individuals from each other. We had three female chicks named Berl at 31 days old, 941 grams, 34/x (red tape), Truss at 30 days old, 935 grams, 36/x (green tape) and Maple at 26 days old, 890 grams, 35/x (yellow tape).
  Mark Nash of the CPF returned to the lift bridge nest site to erect the tent for the official Peregrine Watch before any chicks take their first flight and was there from June 13 to 22. All the previous watchers from last year, Bill & Sue McCreadie, Mourad Jabra, Reiner Beyersdorff and Marilyn Dartnall, Rick and Teresa Boyd, as well as Linda and myself,  returned to lend their assistance if needed
 On June 17 Truss was the first juvenile to take flight and leave the nest box. It was a good strong flight to the tower on the opposite side of the canal. It was later that same evening around 8:00 that Truss was discovered standing on the wall of the Burlington side of the canal but inside the fenced off compound that is under the lift bridge. She would not be able to fly up and out of this location. A rescue was to be performed to get her out of there. We contacted the bridge personnel and they assisted us in unlocking the gate to the compound so that Mark Nash could approach her and a towel be tossed over her in order to capture her. The capture was flawless. She did not come to any harm when she got into there considering that the top of the fence has barbed wire all around the compound.
 The next day Truss was put onto the Burlington tower roof in order for her to start over. With all this happening we noticed that there was only one other juvenile in the nest box where there should have been two, Berl and Maple.
 We were in panic mode and set out in all directions to look in all the possible locations that were close to the nest tower. The weather on the previous night was wet with a wind coming off of the lake. Looking for a downed peregrine is not an easy task. They will instinctively stay quiet and not draw attention to their location so that animals and us humans will not easily locate them. We were not able to locate Berl after days of searching. The other possibility was that Berl dropped into the water from the nest box, my greatest fear for the juveniles at this lift bridge nesting location. I was told that they will die in just three minutes of hitting the water. We would have no hope in hell of saving them if that happened
 We now are down to two juveniles, Truss on the Burlington tower roof and Maple still in the nest box.
 Maple, the smallest of the three, will take her first flight from the nest on June 20 at 5:04 p.m. I was ready with my camera and anticipating this event and it paid off. I did capture her nervous takeoff. It is quite a thrill to witness this event.
 The two remaining sisters were very close, trying to out do each other, flying together talon touching and being the first to the food that mom was offering. Exploring this new open-space world was new to them as they made new discoveries together. Mom was not as successful at catching food as we were hoping and dad for the most part was a self-serving individual. Occasionally Cirrus would see him eating his catch and not intending on sharing, so she would move in and rob him of his catch in order to get what was left to the juveniles. There was an incident where we helped the seemingly overwhelmed Cirrus out, by scaring a pigeon out from its hiding place under a boat trailer at the marina, after Cirrus had hit it twice and knocked it to the ground. We saw where it was hiding and Cirrus was up on one of the skyway bridge support pillars and she was looking down for it and had lost sight of where it was hiding. Voila, we made it magically appear so that Cirrus could have a second attempt at it. It was a success, Cirrus saw it come from out of no where and she swooped down from the support pillar above us, to secure it this time right in front of us. Cirrus was eager to get it to the hungry juveniles.
 On July 2 we observed dad arrive and land up on the cables that run across the canal between the two green towers, with something that he had just caught. I always look to see if I can identify what dad is catching and eating. This bird was medium size and bright green and yellow. An odd colour for an oriole and too big for a goldfinch. I zoomed my scope in closer to find out that it was in fact a Budgie. He did not share this with the others.
 On July 8 our attention was drawn to Maple because she was not calling out for food, not flying much and sitting in locations that she had never been seen before. We were getting concerned about her. Her crop seemed really full, which was surprising for how little she was seen receiving food according to my records for the previous three days.  We discussed the possible reason may be a blockage in the crop and not allowing the food to work its way down into her stomach. I stayed till after 9:00 that night to keep a watch on her. We were concerned and would keep a very close watch on her.
 The next morning June 9, I arrive before 8:00 a.m., earlier than I ever have before. People who know me know that I usually arrive around the crack of noon. This was serious for me to start so early. I had intensions of possibly capturing Maple as soon as the opportunity arises, so I got the carrying cage and towels ready at the start of the day like we were trained to do, just if the moment presents itself, we would be ready and not be looking for any of the necessary equipment.
On this morning Maple was located on the corner of the control house roof, again not a normal location for her to be if she was doing well. I made a cell phone call to the Canadian Peregrine Foundation’s Mark Nash, and described Maple’s condition to him. Mark informed me that the bridge people had already been in contact with him as well. Mark described to me that Maple had one of two possible things going wrong with her. If the crop was blocked, that was treatable and not too serious. The other was very serious, a parasite contracted from the pigeons, results in a condition called “FROUNCE”. This was deadly serious and highly contagious to the other juvenile but not to the adults, as they have built up the antibodies to it. You might remember in 2007 at the Sheraton nest site, two of the chicks died in the nest from something, well this is what they died from and one of the other chicks showed signs of contracting it and was sent to Guelph for treatment and recovered and was returned to the nest. Could we be able to catch Maple early enough to be treated, or is it already too far advanced for Maple to recover from?
 We have been watching her for days trying to push the stuff from her swollen crop, down into her stomach, Maple not knowing that it wasn’t food but polyps growing inside of her air passages. She had lost her ability to call out to mom in just the last two days and was now gasping for air. Maple managed to gather some strength and fly a short distance from the top of the bridge to the Burlington tower and noticing Cirrus at the skyway support pillar opposite her, flew over to her. Cirrus noticed that Maple had not been doing well the last few days and had not eaten recently, immediately took off to secure a meal for Maple. Cirrus got a pigeon instantly but took it to a support pillar across the canal from Maple. Maple hurried over to get to the long overdue dinner but was in a weakened state and was unable to stay at the height of the awaiting meal and hit the pillar about two feet too low. Maple struggled to stay airborne and flew low across the marina parking lot and landed on the roof of a car of young fishermen that were standing around their car at this time. Boy were they surprised!
When I saw Maple fail at that landing attempt, I saw this as the opportunity that we were hoping for. We immediately grabbed the towels, the cage and ran like hell to get to her.   The men saw us all running in their direction and pointed to Maple standing on the roof and asked if this was our bird that we had lost ?  I was too cautious and was not able to capture Maple from this car’s roof. As Maple was watching me approach and walking away from me, the wind came up Maple had her wings half out and the wind picked her up and off of the roof. Maple took off low to the ground and headed towards the canal and I felt that she would not have the strength to make it across to the other side. John and I were in hot pursuit of her. I lost sight of her as she veered behind one of the support pillars for the skyway bridge and landed on the back of the roof of another vehicle which was parked at the edge of the canal. This vehicle was occupied by two RCMP officers, while still running towards Maple, I shouted to them not to move or get out of their vehicle. I could see driver put his hands up to me through the window to acknowledge my request. He had watched Maple bearing down on them and us chasing her, in his rear view mirror and heard her land on their roof. We chuckled over that later. John was able to keep Maple’s attention trained on him while I approached her very close from a different angle and was able to gently toss a towel over her and secure her capture at last. Maple was placed into the carrying cage for her journey to the awaiting animal clinic.

 We were all hoping that we had been able to capture Maple in time to save her, but we had seen how advanced this condition had gotten, but still we held out hopes. The next day we received the sad news that Maple had not survived through the night and would not be returning. We were shattered by the news. We had done all that we could at this point but it just didn’t seem to be enough.

  We were now left with just one juvenile and we kept a close eye on Truss because of how contagious this is and how close the two siblings were, emotionally and physically. I had witnessed Truss’ interaction with Maple the day before the capture. Truss was walking slowly up to Maple with wings drooped, like she wanted to give her sister a hug. Then Truss would do these crazy quick changing head positions, like she was trying to get a response from Maple by amusing her and trying to cheer her up. I do believe that they notice when one of their family members is not doing well. You just have to pay close attention to their interactions. On the days following the capture Cirrus seemed to be bewildered about the disappearance of Maple.

 The days go by and we don’t observe a lot of feeding to the remaining Truss. She tries to attempt some hunting on her own but is far from any success at this time. As far as we can tell Truss seems to be receiving meals in the a.m. and not much after that.

July 24 and Truss is not being seen in the area on a regular basis. We feel that we should get Truss’s picture on milk cartons and contact the falcon aid and report these parents.

We were spoiled with the great success that we feel that we had last year compared to this one. We all still hold out hopes for a better outcome next year, providing that the scheduled winter bridge repairs and painting do not disrupt the whole picture for the peregrines.         
         
Posted on August 19, 2009 3:42 pm
Observation for Burlington - Lift Bridge
The Sisters Before Leaving The Nest Cirrus Defending the Area Cirrus Not Backing Down Cirrus With Food for the Juvies Sir Adam Beck Catches a Budgie Maple Takes Her First Flight Maple Contracts a Deadly Disease

Introducing the newest member of The Canadian Peregrine Foundation's Educational team. Named either Nova or Chevy..we arent sure of its sex yet.

It's Nova and what a pretty girl. :baby:

She is a pretty little girl.  Why does she have the little toys with her?  Is she hurt?

No Janet, she's not hurt....just her first day in training.... :birdhum: :sparrow: She's suppose to be an educational Falcon when she grows up, so I read. Not sure of the whole story with her.

Donna

Glad she isn't hurt.  She looks like she wants to be cuddled (not a word one associates with PeFas)  :eyecat: (I really like the eyecat).

The toys are to play with  :kittykiss:  Nova is also now Chevy-Nova as it turns out 'she' is really a 'he'. 

Funny how HE went from a HE to a She and back to a HE again.  :o :surprise:"HE" is adorable no matter the gender. Thanks Carly. Chevy Nova is a cool name, we all probably had one at one time growing up.  :police:

Donna

Chevy Nova is a GREAT name!  Rich would pick a name like that  :thumbsup:  It beats 1957 Chevy Belair (a fabulous car with those fins), which brings to mind things like the Warwick Drive-In. :eyecat:

!!! Update on Pittsburgh Pete
August 25, 2009 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Kathy Reports:

I found this article on a great site run by Kate St. John down in Pittsburgh.  The site is called ‘Outside My Window’ and not only does she report on the falcons there but on various other species and wonders of nature!  I thought longtime time fans of Pete would like to know how he is faring.

Here in Kate’s own words is the update and I’ve included the link so you can all see a current photo of him and keep track of his progress!

Pittsburgh Pete, as he was nicknamed in Canada, has been through a lot in his three years.  He was born at Pittsburgh’s Gulf Tower in 2006 and flew to Burlington, Ontario where he nested successfully at the Lift Bridge in 2008.  At the end of that nesting season he was gravely injured by a rival peregrine.  He recovered from that injury but was attacked again, lost his nest site and nearly lost his life.  He ended up in rehab last November at the aviary of Judy Bailey, an Animal Control Officer for the City of Hamilton, Ontario.

Though he’s received the best of medical care Pete has never fully recovered from his injuries.  He has no detectable head or wing injury but he has seizures so he can’t be released into the wild.

As soon as his health improved Judy tried to find Pete a permanent home but it was hard to place him because of his seizures.  His luck turned recently when Mountsberg Conservation in Flamborough, Ontario said they would take him for their Bird of Prey education program if he will sit quietly on the glove.  All Pete has to do is learn a new skill and get clearance from Canada’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

 :falcon:To be an educational bird Pete needs to accept human contact from his trainers and tolerate humans nearby, so Judy is teaching him how.  She writes, “He took to being tethered remarkably well!  The day after I jessed him, he walked about a foot to my glove, latched on with one foot and ate the quail. By the 3rd or 4th day he hopped onto the glove and ate. Within a few days I was able to pet his feet, legs and belly. He’s not thrilled but he tolerates it. He will still get a bit antsy, at times, when I get close to the perch/booth, however, he quickly settles and eyes the glove. He’ll get very vocal with me at times!!  …Incidentally, I have not witnessed a seizure since he has been tethered!!”

This is great news because Pete’s future hangs on his ability learn these lessons.  I think he can do it.  Pete’s a very resilient bird.  :falcon:

http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2009/08/14/pittsburgh-pete-learns-a-new-skill/ (http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2009/08/14/pittsburgh-pete-learns-a-new-skill/)

!!! August Update
August 28, 2009 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Jack (the resident male) has not been seen at all since the violent storm and tornado’s we had.   Although sightings of him had been infrequent prior to the storm, he was usually around after bad weather and would spend a few days at this nest site. 

In another interesting turn of events, Elena - our female juvenile can now be seen almost daily since the storm perching on Jack’s usual spot.  Early mornings usually finds her and Angel having breakfast together or sitting quietly together.  Both male juveniles have been gone for a few weeks now, out exploring the world no doubt and I had assumed that Elena had gone with them but she turned up the morning after the storm and has been seen daily since then.

Angel has been out hunting and defending the territory on her own lately.   The other day I witnessed her attacking a very large bird - they were both too far up for me to identify the possible predator without binoculars - but the other bird didn’t even flinch when she started diving at it.  She did succeed in driving it out however it was more like he just leisurely flew out as she kacked and attacked.  The other bird was much larger than she was.

I have also observed that she has been having some difficulty maintaining her balance lately - I’m not sure if she has injured one of her talons but even when she lands on the cam, she has trouble securing herself and yesterday spent several minutes trying to get herself into place.

This morning Angel is nowhere to be seen as of yet, out getting breakfast no doubt and Elena is on Jack’s usual perch.

Poor Jack, hope he's OK,

Donna

I haven't kept up on all the events over the past year.  What is the update on Linn?        ???

There hasn't been any since last year Bonnie when she was spotted at the hack Box.

Donna

Actually there was an update earlier this Spring.  Linn was seen mating with Reuben - who has a nest site adjacent to the area she has taken as hers.  He has a long time mate Lawrie and watchers were surprised to see him wooing Linn and trying to incubate eggs with Lawrie at the same time.  Needless to say his main nest site failed - probably due to inclement weather as that site is not a nest box site, it's on an roof I think.   We haven't had an update as to whether or not Linn actually laid any eggs but from what I understand there were no successful hatches in Scarborough this year. 

So we need a current update to find out what happened to Linn, did she lay eggs and they failed or did she decide to leave her two timing mate!  My understanding is that there were no successful hatches in Scarborough at all this year. 

That's right, I remember that soap opera...poor Linn.  :thanx: Carly

We need more tiercels in the city but we don't seem to attract them so much as the females.  The ones born here don't do very well either.  Too many glass buildings, too much traffic and then the evil airport where all 3 male juvies died last year from one site alone.

I do not believe that Linn laid any eggs this year.  We (Kathy O, Lisa McK, Linda W and I) actually stopped to look for her on our way home after RM&T's banding day.  Linn was nowhere to be found.  Haven't heard about any Linn sightings all Summer.   :falcon2:

Falcon earns wings and freedom after helping to control gulls at Alta. landfill

EDMONTON — A nine-year-old peregrine falcon who has spent the last few months harassing and even killing nuisance gulls as part of a unique program at a city landfill site, was released back into the wild in a ceremony Sunday.

The bird's handler, Steve Schwartze, who owns Falcon Ecosystem Solutions, based in Lethbridge, Alta., said he realized the time had come for the bird to really spread her wings when she began leaving the landfill site and flying to areas east and south of Edmonton.

He thought the falcon, named Val, was perhaps ripe to establish her own territory and eventually even find a mate to help replenish the endangered species.

Schwartze, 25, a native of the Toronto area, hoped that Val would adapt easily to life back in the wild, now that she's experienced at hunting and killing gulls.

"The only difference when she kills a gull or a pigeon, is that there won't be a guy in a hard hat to pick her up and take her home at the end of the day," he said.

The falcon first came into captivity about eight years ago when she struck a power line in southern Saskatchewan and broke her wing.

Jim Kroshus, a hobbyist falconer in Moose Jaw, Sask., worked with the rehabilitated falcon for several years, setting her on prey such as partridge and other game birds.

But he felt she wasn't living up to her full potential because of strict provincial regulations that prevented her from hunting the quicker and stronger gulls.

Last December, in a chat with Schwartze who is licensed to perform nuisance bird control at the Edmonton Waste Management Ltd., site, Kroshus made the decision to put her to work in Alberta.

It was a steep learning curve for a bird who had spent most of her life in school classrooms educating children about peregrine falcons, or diving over quiet fields in rural Saskatchewan, said Schwartze.

"A bird that's gone eight years flying around the stubble fields of southern Saskatchewan hunting partridges, you take them into a landfill where there's heavy machinery and buildings and new elements, they immediately want to fly away," he said.

Val and Schwartze's stable of over a dozen falcons and hawks ply their services at landfill sites, golf courses, airports and private property around Alberta - one of only a handful of such companies in Canada.

Similar methods are used by firms in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, Schwartze said.

Schwartze is already training Val's replacement, four-month-old Jenna, who is among the first to be raised at an Alberta landfill site, which will hopefully get her used to the noise and flying near buildings.

He said she's already "dog fighting" gulls in mid-air, honing her hunting skills.

"While I'd love to kill no gulls, it's important that they're constantly re-educated on what a falcon's presence may mean to them," he said.

The Edmonton landfill site, owned by the Houston-based company, uses devices similar to firecrackers to scare the gulls. But two years ago, realizing they couldn't bury the garbage fast enough to deter an increasing number of gulls, company spokesman Cam Hantiuk said they decided to reintroduce a falcon program.

"We felt simply, as a good neighbour with the rest of our neighbours in the area, that we would start to more aggressively manage the gulls again," he said.

It's not a new approach to such problems, Hantiuk said, and has been used at other landfill sites in Canada.

"We've been very, very pleased with the results," Hantiuk said.

Peregrine falcon populations began declining in the 1950s, mainly due to the widespread use of DDT used to kill mosquitoes and other pests.

By the 1970s, when several countries had banned the pesticide, the Canadian Wildlife Service in Wainwright, Alta., began repopulating the species in Canada.

The Canadian Peregrine Foundation said that effort has paid off with nesting pairs now in several communities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary and Edmonton.

   :sparrow:   
Falconers Jim Kroshus, left, and Steve Schwartze stand by seconds before Val, the peregrine falcon, is released back into wild Sunday after nine years in captivity.Falconers Jim Kroshus, left, and Steve Schwartze stand by seconds before Val, the peregrine falcon, is released


After nearly a decade in captivity, a peregrine falcon was released into the wild Sunday in a small ceremony at a landfill site in Edmonton.

Val, as the peregrine falcon was named, broke its wing nine years ago after it flew into a power line in Saskatchewan. But now its handlers believe it has recovered enough to make it out into the wild.

"By releasing Val, we're giving her an opportunity to become one of those breeders who will contribute their genes and their offspring to the population," said Steve Schwartze, owner of Falcon Ecosystems Solutions.

Sunday marked the end of a long rehabilitation program for Val.

After the falcon was injured, it was taken in by Jim Kroshus, a falconer based in Moose Jaw, Sask. Kroshus worked with the bird for several years, so it could be strong enough to hunt partridges and other birds.

However, laws in Saskatchewan prevented Val from hunting quicker birds like gulls, which would be the next step in the falcon's rehabilitation.

So Kroshus decided to send the bird to Edmonton where it could work with Schwartze's licensed gull-abatement program at the West Edmonton Landfill. The program uses falcons to scare and sometimes kill gulls that feed off the garbage.

Now, Val's handlers feel the bird is ready to spend the rest of its life in the wild and help build Alberta's peregrine falcon population.

"We're crossing our fingers for her that everything goes well, and that's ultimately the best thing for a peregrine that was originally in the wild is to be back out there," Schwartze said.

While there is a chance the falcon might still hang around the landfill, Schwartze predicts it'll find new territory to live and hunt in.

Peregrine falcons are classified as a threatened species in Canada. There are about 55 to 70 nesting pairs of falcons in Alberta, Schwartze said.

I found a link with pictures of Val!

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/08/30/10680866.html

 :thanx: jeanne, great find, hope she does well out there.

Donna

 Peregrine At The Water Tower
September 03, 2009 - Scarborough - Bell
Frank Butson Reports:

For the past 2 weeks,there have been several sightings of a Peregrine Falcon,which I believe is a male adult,at the water tower near Warden and Eglinton. My friend Murray Shields saw it twice,one week apart,perched under the tank. This location is nearish both our former hacksite of Pharmacy and Eglinton and a nesting site which is abit further north at the Yellow Pages building,at Markham and Milner. On one of his visits,Murray spoke to someone who worked nearby and the person told him the bird had been there for a month or so.  Thanks to Murray for the photos.
Posted on September 3, 2009 4:58 am
Observation for Scarborough - Bell
Peregrine on Water Tower

 10 Peregrines Sighted in August
September 03, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:

When  fledge watches end for another season and fall migration begins,I run a raptor watch. That is friends and I gather to count migrating birds of prey,including Peregrine Falcons going past Rosetta McClain Gardens in Scarborough,Ontario Canada. This August,which is the start of migration season for birds of prey,we enjoyed 10 sightings of Peregrine Falcons. This is the highest August total in 6 years of counting at this site. We record each sighting,though we cant be sure all are different individuals. I am sure at least 7 of these sightings were different birds.  I will be sure to update our total sightings at the end of September or if we have an exceptional day. One day last fall,we saw 18 Peregrines,all of which were different individuals.  Canadian Peregrine Foundation staff and volunteers,including Mark and Marion Nash,Bruce,Linda and Kathy will all join me at some stage during the fall season and we hope to have a banner day to report.
Posted on September 3, 2009 5:17 am
Observation for International, National and Local News
Migrating Peregrine In Flight

 :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow: :sparrow:  10 falcons wow!!!

Probably 9 of them were from here.  They love canada  :happy:

Yes they do jeanne!! :falcon:

 :pfalcon:
September 03, 2009 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

What a sight this morning, Angel on the corner of the East Tower and Elena on the corner of the West Tower.  I could see them from two blocks away - these two large females both in exactly the same positions facing each other across the towers!

Yesterday morning both of them were on the sign perched together eating breakfast and then Angel flew off to her cam eventually and Elena flew to a ledge on the back of the nest site building to get some shade.

From my point of view, it’s been an absolute delight to watch both Angel and Elena still interacting at this late date.  It’s like they are sisters hanging out together.  Last year the juvies were dispered by this time with occassional sightings every few weeks but this is the first time I’ve seen one stay so close to home.   More interesting is that Angel is not only tolerating her presence but seems to be enjoying it.  Perhaps because Jack has not been around, she appreciates having an extra pair of talons to protect her site or perhaps this type of behaviour goes on more than we think in urban settings.  I know at certain nest sites in Europe, juveniles returning the next Spring were not only tolerated but in one case in the UK - the previous years female offspring was actually allowed to help in the feeding of mom’s current offspring which previously had been unheard of!   I expect Elena will leave soon though in order to migrate..we’ll have to see and if she does, she will certainly benefit from this additional time spent with Angel learning to hone her skills.

I had a report late last night that someone has spotted Jack, our resident male over the past 4-5 days near the residential site.  Perhaps given that it’s migration season he’s positioned himself between his two territories so he can ensure that no other falcon wandering through the area gets any ideas about trying for one of his sites!  As I mentioned before he has apparently bonded with the female at a private site this summer after her mate was seriously injured during nesting season.

I have done some research on ‘bigamous’ male falcons and have found a few interesting papers written by US biologists and it seems it has to do with ‘territory’ and nothing to do with wanting two mates!  In all cases reported - a male at an adjoining site had been injured and/or disappeared and the male at the adjoining nest site saw it as an opportunity to either expand his territory or reclaim what had originally been part of his existing territory.  Unfortunately the rate of success for maintaining two nest sites and successfully raising two sets of eyases is not very good and those that have succeeded had only done so with the assistance of humans.

It will be interesting to see whether or not he can keep both sites and if he does - what will happen next Spring if the residential male is recovered and released.  Never a dull moment in the Falcon World! :pfalcon:

Hmm, maybe this is what Archer was doing when he was flying to Mariah and then Beauty? 

!!! Snowbirds bring Jack home?
September 03, 2009 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

The snowbirds are practicing for their weekend air show it seems.  They usually dont’ practice their flying so close to our complex but for the past few hours they have been delighting people and scaring birds of all species.  At one point they flew so low on top of our building we were deafened by the sound and if you were outside you could read the letters on their jets - that’s how low they got.

As soon as the rumbling started and I saw birds panicking and flying in all directions outside the windows I went out to check on our guys.  Elena was on the ADP sign apparently not in the least intimidated…kids =p  And then I went around the back of the building and saw 2 peregrine falcons on the same ledge about a wing span apart.  My first thought was wow..Elena flies fast but quickly realized that one of those falcons was alot bigger than the other and both were black and white and not brown!  Both heads were swiveling back and forth and both were facing inwards towards the wall.  Interestingly there are workmen on the condo next door and normally Angel would at least be kacking to let them know she’s not impressed however no one is even moving from the ledge right now.  I watched them for a good 15 minutes and I’m pretty sure one was our resident male unless mom has something she’d like to share with me :)

The noise is still ongoing and expected to last until 4:30 pm both today and tomorrow.  I just went out to do another check and only Angel is out back now, no sign of Elena or Jack at all.  Mom flew around in a circle for me but the planes start coming back and she immediately landed on the ledge again.  I will check on them when I leave the office.

At least I know what to do the next time I’m worried Jack is missing, I’ll just call out the army (sorry Mel)!

I LOVE the narratives from the Canadian watchers!  Glad Jack is back.  I remember when the Blue Angels were here in Rochester when we had juvies.  As though the smokestacks weren't enough of a nerve wracking experience! :o

 :falcon:

!!! Lots of Kacking today!
September 08, 2009 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Took me 30 minutes to get anID on Jack today in the blazing, hot sun but I’m pretty sure it’s him.  Very white upper breast and the sideburns are the same shape as his - couldn’t see his feet though.  I had to go into a back lane behind the retail area to get a look at the side of his head to verify as he was standing right on top of the building in the hot sun - very unusual especially as it’s 30c today - both parents were alarm calling and defending several times today that I heard about and a few times I witnessed. :sparrow:

11:55 today and by that point I had only seen Angel early in the morning. Suddenly she started alarm calling and flew off the ledge over the condo rooftops and Jack, who was on the roof not visible to me, came flying to join her and both took off after something.  I didn’t see what the ’something’ was but pigeons were scattering everywhere.

1:00 approximately and alarm calling again, only saw 2 adult falcons in the air but no sign of intruder that I saw.

2:55 again alarm calling and male takes off northwest over the park, mom gets on top of the building and starts kacking.  Once again - blinded by sunlight - and no sign of who was upsetting them.

3:30 and both Angel and Jack on the roof ledge looking around.  They were both on alert for something and then finally by 4:06 pm  Angel relaxed enough to go back to the nest ledge while Jack stayed up top on guard in all his glory.

No sign of Elena today  I haven’t spotted her since Thursday when the  jets were around and they flew all weekend so maybe she decided it was time to go, especially with both parents now back and defending the territory together!

isn't this where Quest has been visiting?  :confused:

Yes,she's in Canada, but she's not on a web cam

According to the map she was only there for one day on 8/29 then went back to Port Hope.

I just wondered if they could be kacking at her flying around

Finally some some news about something!!!   :clap:


 Sir and Cirrus are Hanging In
October 18, 2009 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I stopped by the Lift Bridge this afternoon to see what we could see.  After searching the Hamilton Hydro Tower and under the Skyway, with no luck, we decided to check out the other favourite spot, the face of the Hamilton Tower.  Low and behold, there sat Mom and Dad just a few feet apart.  (We are assuming it’s Mom and Dad as we didn’t get a look at any bands.)   Mom appeared to be standing guard and Dad was enjoying himself preening.  The pigeons were everywhere, so I guess neither were hungry as there was no hunting taking place.  Looks like the adults are going to stay for the winter.

Oh, so that was Sir and Cirrus.  Beautiful pair.  They remind me a lot of Mariah and Kaver.   :yes:

Oh, so that was Sir and Cirrus.  Beautiful pair.  They remind me a lot of Mariah and Kaver.   yes

 :devil:

They didn't have to much luck with their offspring this year did they? or am I thinking of a different pair on a bridge?

If you’ve been watching this blog for a while, you know that one of Pittsburgh’s peregrine falcon “sons” has spent the past 11 months in rehab.  Now, at last, Pittsburgh Pete has a permanent home.  This is quite a victory for Pete, and for Judy Bailey who rescued him.

Pete (black/green 3/K) was born at the Gulf Tower in 2006 and nested successfully at the Burlington Lift Bridge in 2008 but he was seriously injured in a battle with a rival that June.  Pete seemed to recover on his own but was found grounded and unable to fly in November 2008.

Since then Pete has been in the care of Judy Bailey, pictured with him here.  Judy is an Animal Control Officer in Hamilton so she could nurse him back to health but is not licensed to keep him.  When it was determined last May that Pete’s seizures prevented him from being released into the wild, Judy had to find him a permanent home.  Otherwise he would die.

Over the summer Mountsberg Raptor Centre in Campbellville, Ontario offered to take Pete as an educational bird if he could sit quietly on the glove and tolerate people near him in an educational setting.  Pete didn’t know these skills so Judy trained him.  Thanks to her hard work and Pete’s ability to learn, he went to his permanent home at the Raptor Centre in late October.  Mountsberg is excited to have him.

Hooray for Pete and a big thank you to Judy Bailey!  She really is Pete’s guardian angel.  :clap:

Does anyone know...once a bird becomes an educatinal bird, do they remove the bands?  I saw they were still on Pete in the photo.

Joyce

I don't think they remove the bands.  There is too much risk of injury to the leg.  At least that is the philosophy in the parrot world.  Unless the band slips off, it stays.

 Pittsburgh Pete at Mountsberg Raptor Centre
November 17, 2009 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I visited Mountsberg Raptor Centre today to photograph Pittsburgh Pete.  We are happy to report that as he cannot be released into the wild we felt he is in a good place.  He is being well cared for and was sunning himself on a perch in the enclosed ring.  Amy from Mountsberg reports that he is settling in quite nicely, but still has a little way to go to be totally comfortable around people.   As far as she can tell, he has not had a seizure since September.  Below are a couple of photos from our visit.  Amy told us today that he has a distinct scar from his injury and that his crop fills to the side not to the front as normal.

Poor Pete but happy he has a new home and good care.

 A Meal On A Picnic Table
November 18, 2009 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I dropped by the Lift Bridge this afternoon around 3:00.  After a quick look around, we spotted Sir on the cable arm of the Hamilton Tower and Cirrus on a picnic table.  It wasn’t long before Sir flew to the picnic table and we realized that Cirrus was plucking a recent catch.  A few chirps from Sir would indicate that he was begging for a meal. 

Thanks Donna for posting!  Carol, Kathy O and I know exactly where that picnic table is.  Burlington is a day trip we are hoping the watchers would like to take on a nice calm weekend day this winter.

Joyce

I won't be surprised if when Spring comes and Quest's hormones start raging that if she can't find a mate in Port Hope - she just may come back here and try for a site with an existing mate like Beauty did.  No doubt she's seen the possibilities here on her little tour and I wonder if her day trips are her way of scoping out future nest sites. 

Carly - you might be right.  I wonder if Quest is done with Port Hope.  Now that she is in Bath, Ontario with a nestbox on the Lennox Power Plant, maybe she is taking her little trips to scope out a mate.

 

That would be so perfect!!!  Do we know if the transmitter- uh- interferes with anything?

They said it wouldn't.  :-[

(http://s17.rimg.info/fb433e9d1ad474b95e2af6b413333f52.gif) (http://smiles.int-world.com/smile.145734.html)

 Another great Steel City Safari
November 20, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:

We had a great turnout for the Steel City Safari, at Mohawk College in Hamilton, this past Sunday.  Our 4th year attending, the CPF one of many attendees who brought interesting animals for children and adults alike to see up close. The event was an amazing success!
Nova

Joining Marion, Tracy and Bruce at the booth were a few of our educators - Alex, a female western Great Horned Owl, Falon, a female Peregrine Falcon, and our newest and youngest educator, Nova, a male Peregrine Falcon less than a year old.

It was great to meet everyone who dropped by the booth. If you missed us at the Steel City Safari, we will be attending the Toronto Motorcycle Show, December 11 to 13. Come by the booth and meet the educators.


CPF is visiting schools all around southern Ontario with educators like Alex, Falon and Nova. Contact us if you want Project School Visit to stop at your school.


The fluff in the pic is Nova as a baby.

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/programs/education/edbirds/nova.html (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/programs/education/edbirds/nova.html)

Some baby pics of Nova

He is so cute.  I loved his "baby" pictures and was so taken by how he looks now!

does anyone know how Nova ended up and educational bird? The link said story coming soon.

 Perched Adult Peregrine Humber Bay Park
November 21, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:

On Nov 21, Walter and I were down at Humber Bay Park East in Torontos westend. It is right at the lakeshore. The adult Peregrine flew past me as I was searching for other birds. It flew out of my lines of sight,so I thought that was pretty cool and continued my search. As I continued on some time later,I spotted the silhouette of a raptor perched in a tree. Looking into the sun,I was fairly certain it was the Peregrine,but wasnt sure. I ventured abit closer and confirmed it was a Peregrine. Walter and I began a slow approach,not wanting to spook the bird. After 2 ladies walked right under the tree oblivious to the birds presence,I moved as close as I dared. I could not see a band on the birds left leg at all,and it was well seen on at least 2 or 3 occassions.  The Peregrine was likely digesting a meal,as it had a full crop. It sat for at least 10-15minutes while we watched. It watched various small ducks intently,despite appearing full.It was a great find and really made my day. Please enjoy the video I put together.

http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=dsi11&s=6 (http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=dsi11&s=6)

Posted on November 22, 2009 9:21 am
Observation for International, National and Local News
Beautiful Bird

What a Beauty!  (no pun intended)

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/programs/education/hallfame.html (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/programs/education/hallfame.html)

These are amazing  :clap:

Hi Donna,
the falcon in the tree was sure a great experience for you.  :falcon:

The falcon paintings are amazing!


Greetings
Annette

http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2mo9sav&s=6 (http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2mo9sav&s=6)

 Another Closer Video From Humber Bay Park
November 21, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:

Walter Fisher sent this great close-up video of the Peregrine Falcon he and I saw on Nov 21 at Humber Bay Park East in Westend Toronto.

 King And Bay Female Peregrine Spotted
November 25, 2009 - Toronto - King Street
Frank Butson Reports:

Glenn Steplock Reports: Was thinking of you guys when I finally saw my friend outside the window this morning. It has been a very long time since I last saw the Peregrines.  This one was large (female) and was perched on the north side of King Street on an RBC sign, it took off towards 25 King St with prey in the Talons. All around 9:30am.

 November Updates
December 01, 2009 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Bruce Massey Reports:

FYI , Over the last month or so I had the occasion to briefly go by Osler Hospital.  There was  at least 1 PeFa in attendance, couldn’t tell if Male or Female (Driving) and it was on the North Sign.

Have been by Yellow Pages twice ( Mid November - Female In attendance and end of November- Male in attendance).

As with the North York pair I hadn’t seen the Female in a month or so, until the end of the Month were I saw a Female just North of Finch. and the Male since the middle of November.

Finally I was at Bell Building area and had a male sitting on the Corner of the Building by the Nest Box. (Where's Linn)???


Thanx

B.E. Massey

!!! One Mystery Solved, and another mystery surfaces??
May 20, 2009 - Scarborough - Bell
Mark Nash Reports:

After leaving the Yellow Pages nest site, we headed off to the Bell site to check in on Linn to get an update on her status.  After more than an hour at street level scanning both the communications tower and every nook and cranny of the building, (and with absolutely no birds in sight), we decided to check in at the hack box to utilize the peep holes to see if she was home.  Not only was no one at home, there was no evidence of any activity in the hack box.  No scrape, no eggs, and no peregrines. Seconds later as we were exiting the roof, we heard vocalizing coming from the direction of the communications tower to the east of the building and before we had a chance to react, we were aggressively stooped and pursued from above as Linn seems to come from no where.  Very aggressive & protective behavior indeed! Very territorial!  No male was observed during this visit.  After arriving back at street level, we both concluded that Linn may have produced / laid eggs somewhere else on the facility, (and suspected that her mate was currently incubating).  This would explain both her protective behavior and the lack of her mate’s presence. We stayed and watched from the street level for the next hour and never saw the presence of a male, nor did Linn return to any part of the building, preferring to roost on the communication tower to the east of the building.  After returning to the CPF office, we received news about the band number of the male that Marion and Bruce had watched and recorded several days earlier when they observed this male involved in a three hour plus long courtship and 8 copulations with Linn during this time frame.  The males band number was observed and recorded by both Marin and Bruce as being a Black 43 over Green M belongs and belongs to non-other than Rueben!!  Rueben was Lawrie’s mate here at the Scarborough Bell site in 2005 & 2006.  Now the more interesting part: Rueben is currently the territorial male at the Scarborough Yellow Pages nest site with Lawrie!!   So it  appears that Rueben has two homes and is servicing two different female mates!!
Stay tuned……


!!! PM Observation. Confusing indeed! Could the same adult male be servicing two different nest sites?
May 20, 2009 - Scarborough - Bell
Mark Nash Reports:

Yet another site visit this evening to the Scarborough Bell site produced yet more confusing information.   Marion and I spent several hours this evening watching Linn hanging tight around the Bell building with no particular interest in any part of the building.  She was observed having just finished her diner and with a huge buldging crop.  No male was observed or present during this period.  Bruce called during this same time frame from the Scarborough Yellow pages nest site and did have both adults in his view at the same time.  He reports that the adult territorial male at Yellow pages may in fact be Ruben as the USFW band colour is pinkish in colour and not silver as earlier suspected.  This would confirm that Rueben is still Lawrie’s mate and the territorial male at this nest site,, AND is the same male that was observed several days ago by Marion, Bruce and Kathy at the Scarborough Bell site copulating with Linn!  It was obvious that Linn is not incubating any eggs as yet, as during this observation period she was observed roosting on a ledge well into the darkness and was not down incubating…. It might appear that we have yet another male “servicing” two diferent females at two different nest sites as with Whindwhistler from the 18 King Street nest site and the Toronto Sheraton nest site.  Remembering that he was servicing both these nest site for several years and responsible for fertilizing both sets of eggs at these two nest sites for several years in a row.  Talk about double duty!

Stay tuned, as this could get very interesting indeed!!

We stayed until it was too dark to see clearly and watched Linn settle in for the night on the upper east ledges of the building.

I think we'll find out in the spring that she's fine.  I suspect her "nest" turned out like Archer & Beauty's-not quite enough experience to successfully deal with an unestablished site and Linn had a 2 timing mate to boot!

She sure did Ei..

But was he 2-timing in the true sense of the word?  Perhaps he knew she was young and was simply "showing her the ropes"?

BigBirderFrank left a message at KFalconCam (#104361) on Nov. 27, 2009 saying he posted an album of recent peregrine shots.

Sharing here...are the photos in Big Frank's "Peregrine Pics" album on Kfalconcam
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kfalconcam/photos/album/1164505336/pic/list

~Joyce

Newest Feathered Educator Nova
Abit Older Nova
Nova Now
Beauty
In Flight
Close Up
Head Turned
Perched Peregrine
Young Peregrine

Thanks for posting these here, Joyce!

I just  :wub:  the first photo of Nova with the toys!  Sooooo cute!

 :clap:

 Urban Peregrines Braving the Canadian Winter
December 04, 2009 - Toronto - King Street
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Last week, Ranka noted that the peregrines in the King St location are still active, and visible on our King Street webcam feed.  With this information, Mark Nash informed us that this pair are still territorial and will be staying all winter this year, again.

toronto king st peregrines - winter

Mark explains…

Unlike the “non-urban” peregrine population in other parts of northern Ontario, the southern Ontario urban pairs have historically stayed on territory and on site throughout the winter.  This has been consistent with many of our urban pairs since 1995, both at the King Street nest site as well as the 12 other urban nest sites that we are monitoring.  These urban guys are a hardy bunch indeed!

While it is unfortunate that we are having camera problems with the MEC and Etobicoke nest sites, my recent visits of the two buildings over the last week has confirmed that the resident adults are also again staying for the winter.  Recent reports of the Burlington Lift Bridge pair have confirmed that they are also holding firm on territory and are being seen in the nest box on a daily basis.

All in all although, this is very good news for our southern Ontario peregrine population, as they still have an abundance of food and protection.  The migration south is usually a “hi-risk” dispersal for many of the non-urban population and constitutes high mortality, especially for the first and second year aged juveniles.  By having adults stay the winter, they too avoid the dangers of this long dangerous roundtrip flight down south.  The peregrine wintering grounds in Central and South America are still very dangerous, many birds continue to be poisoned and shot.  This makes ups a large part of their mortality.

Sadly, when our peregrines are out of the country, especially in the far south, there is no protection for them as many of these countries have no laws to protect many of our species at risk, including the peregrine falcon.

!!! We’re Still Here!
December 16, 2009 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Angel and Jack are still on-site braving the cold weather and enjoying the sunshine when it comes.  I have not seen any juveniles since I last saw Elena on September 18th.  I suspect her departure coincided with Jack’s arrival back on the scene to renew his bond with Angel.

He was sighted daily for approximately 2 weeks at that time and I observed alot of bowing in the nest box together and heard them vocalizing to each other.   The last 2 moths I’ve seen Jack visiting the nest ledge at least 2 or 3 times a week for short periods and I’ve observed them hunting the local pigeons together some mornings.

Since Fall migration has ended it has been relatively quiet on the home front and other than humans, no one is alarming the falcons much at this time of year.  They are quite tolerant of the window washers and maintenance crews - although Angel does like to supervise the workers, which usually means hovering over them in the air and making them nervous enough so they know who’s territory they are in :)

I”m lucky to still see Angel on a daily basis but I suspect as the temperature drops, sightings will be less frequent based on the past two winters observations.

 Squirrel Tempting Fate?
December 21, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:

Jerry Rogers, of Okaloosa County, Flordia, sent us a few pictures of what we can only describe as the bravest squirrel or smartest squirrel we have ever seen.

We concluded that this is the smartest squirrel, because he was able to identify the difference between a Coopers Hawk which will occasionally eat squirrels, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk who generally hunts birds, or much smaller mammals.

This time of year, we get many reports of raptors hunting in backyards. Unfortunately, Peregrine Falcons are not a raptor that you will find in your backyard. Peregrines hunt from perches, or in flight, high above their prey and will mostly hunt other birds. This means you will generally not see them hunting in your backyard.

If you want to see a Peregrine, come out during the fledge season to one of our accessible Peregrine nesting locations, or read about it, or watch our live peregrine cameras to see lots of Peregrine activity up close!

Thanks for the photos Jerry!

Cute pics, but I think Mr. Squirrel was living way on the edge!

That squirrel was NUTS!  Get it?  Nuts?   :hysterical:

 :clap:    He's a little nutty too!       :2funny:     :rofl:

Got it!   :rofl: :2funny:

GOOD!  :devil:

This will probably affect Cirrus and Sir at the Burlington Bridge nest site.  No mention of them in the article.    :confused:

http://www.burlingtonpost.com/news/article/242579

All is well in Port Colborne
December 29, 2009 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

We still have two crazy active falcons here !!!!!!!!!! They seem to like the snow.

Toronto Peregrine creates a family at Durat Hotel in downtown Flint Michigan
December 30, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:

It looks as if a 7 year old Toronto Peregrine Falcon named Majestic, has created a family with an 8 year old Peregrine named Barry from Ohio.  The pair had a chick earlier this year, named Maize, who has become a bit of a mascot for Flint, and the local Michigan University according to this Flint Journal article which includes great photos and video.

It is great to hear about Canadian Peregrines moving on to create new families beyond our borders.

I have yet to find details about Majestic’s birthplace or parents in Toronto, but will followup with more details if we find them.  Until then, here is a bit more information from the Michigan Times about the banding of Majestic’s chick Maize in the summer of 2009, including a great photo of a Peregrine atop the North Bank Centre.

A Great Show by Cirrus
December 30, 2009 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Hello everyone and Happy New Year.

Yesterday Bill and I visited the Lift Bridge.  We arrived around 12:30 pm to meet Carol and Kathy from Rochester.   We found that the Parking Lot was closed, the area was fenced off and the bridge was reduced down to 2 lanes of traffic .  Looks like renovations have started on the Bridge.  Let’s hope that the construction will not have an effect on the Peregrines and that all the work is finished prior to mating season.

Carol and Kathy must have some magical powers because we were treated to a great show by Cirrus.  Unfortunately, we had not taken the camera out of the car so were unable to capture the action.  By the time Bill got back with the camera, all the action was over.  Carol did have her camera and hopefully, she will be able to share some of her shots.  When we arrived, Cirrus was enjoying a meal on the front face of the Hamilton Tower while Sir begged for scraps from the cables.  He eventually left the cables and perched on the very top corner of the Tower.  As far as we could tell, Cirrus did not share.  While we were watching, we noticed a Gull feeding on the Lake side of the peer.  Upon closer examination, it was a headless Pigeon, so we speculated that one of the Peregrines had dropped it.  After some preening, Cirrus left the face of the tower and flew directly over our heads and began to harass the Gull.  We then realized that it must have been a meal that Cirrus had dropped and was not happy that the Gull was enjoying her catch.  Cirrus flew around us and over us and every time she dive bombed the Gull.  After many attempts, she drove off the Gull and eventually gave up on trying to retrieve the Pigeon.  When we left, both birds we visible on the Hamilton Tower and the beheaded Pigeon was floating out to sea.

Great visit with Carol and Kathy who had to travel all the way from Rochester to get their Peregrine fix.

So this is where Carol is hiding....in Canada!   :thumbsup: :falcon:

 Flint Peregrine Majesty of Royal Descent
December 31, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:

While not of royalty, Majesty, incorrectly identified as Majestic in yesterdays post, the Flint Journal and Michigan Times, has a very special family tree for us at the CPF.

As noted in a post earlier this year by Frank, Majesty was born in 2002 at the 18 King St nest site to the first recorded Toronto nesting Peregrine pair in over 100 years.  The parents, Victoria and Pounce-Kingsley, were first monitored more than 12 years ago and were one of the inspirations for the creation of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation.  They produced 29 offspring over 8 nesting seasons in downtown Toronto at the King St nest site, one of which was Majesty.

July 2002 -- Majesty and Viking settling down together for the night on the roof of the Richmond Hill Town Hall.

Majesty is the last known living relative of this inspirational Peregrine pair in Toronto.  While born in the King St nest site in 2002, Majesty and her siblings were relocated just outside the city in Richmond Hill as a result of the tragic loss of Victoria and Pounce-Kingsley that year.

Now, in 2009, Majesty has moved on to Flint Michigan to continue the cycle with Maize.  The family seems strong, having dealt with construction and a nest relocation earlier this year by MDNR.

Special thanks to Barb Baldinger, a Peregrine Falcon volunteer, of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for correctly identifying Majesty from our previous post.

Well, yeah.   :secret2:

Cirrus and Sir are very active Peregrines and they're wintering at the bridge.  I really hope that the work being done on the birdge will not affect them.  That would be a shame.

We first saw a Ring-billed Gull chewing on a headless Pigeon floating on Lake Ontario near the pier.  Cirrus was finishing a Pigeon up on top of the tower, and like Sue reported, Sir was whining and kakking and stirring up the local Pigeons.

After Cirrus finished her meal, crop bulging, she decided to go after the floating Pigeon.  She flew over us and dove over and over on the gull that had been eating the Pigeon.  I was surprised to see that the Ring-billed Gull had been replaced by a Great Black Backed Gull!  When did that happen!   :scaredblue:

Cirrus eventually chased off the gulls, but didn't attempt to get the Pigeon, which was now floating out further on the lake.

It was a great visit with some really nice folks.

Carol P.

Look what I found over on the CPF site!

http://tinyurl.com/ybpluld

 A Whole Lot of Work Going On
January 06, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I took a quick trip to Buffalo this afternoon and while driving over the Skyway, we noticed a couple of large cranes in use.  I was sure that Sir and Cirrus would not be happy about this.  On the way home, around 3:00 pm, we stopped by the Lift Bridge.  To our surprise, the cranes had nothing to do with the work going on at the bridge but it was the Hydro, doing some work on the towers.  We found one bird on the nest ledge, but we were not successful in seeing the other one.

Here’s hoping that all this work does not have an effect on the 2010 season.  We will keep out eyes peeled.

Nov 25, 2009 - AWESOME NEWS!!! - Master Casper!

 "I haven't been able to access this page in a while but just checked and it worked"


It's very exciting to post today's report!!! I'd first like to give a HUGE thanks to Doug Round and Lisa Cavello who spotted one of our juveniles, and using the band ID and some detective work found me and passed their findings along.

Master Casper (35Y) was spotted north of the 401 near Winston Churchill in an industrial area. He was observed on the ground feasting on a feathery pigeon. Doug had the good fortune of snapping quite a few great shots from indoors, and even had a chance to get closer to Casper outside.

After spending a few minutes stripping feathers from his prey, Casper struggled to fly away with his catch, flying as low as 5 feet from the ground! Fortunately there were no trucks passing when Casper was making his getaway.

Again, thanks so much to Doug and Lisa for contacting me!! This is a great example of how helpful the ID bands are in tracking the whereabouts of our feathered friends.

It's awesome to see one of our juveniles thriving out in the wild urban world, way to go Master Casper!

This was in November...who knows now.

Dec 24, 2009 - Merry Christmas!!

Mom was spotted today, and other than that I just wanted to wish all our falcon followers a Merry Christmas, and a happy new year!

It should be interesting to see what transpires in 2010, hopefully our male makes it back to the area upon his release in the spring. Any details will be shared as they emerge.

Cheers!
Mathew

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/01/sightings/overcast-windy-and-perhaps-a-few-degrees-below-zero-warning-peregrine-feeding-2/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/01/sightings/overcast-windy-and-perhaps-a-few-degrees-below-zero-warning-peregrine-feeding-2/)

Cirrus and Sir are quite the active pair.  A lot of fun to watch.

Carol P.

!!! Diana is still on territory despite the bitter cold temps.
January 12, 2010 - Ottawa - Crowne Plaza
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Yesterday afternoon, around 4pm, I saw Diana on the south face of the Coats Building. She was pretty fluffed up but was looking around, not for hunting. I have no idea where Connor was, as I then passed around the Crowne but he wasn’t there.

Eve Ticknor


!!! Overlooking her domain
December 04, 2009 - Scarborough - Yellow Pages  (Posted today)
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With much thanks to Lev for his quick action, he was able to snap these two photos of the resident adult female roosting on the Telus building the first week of December. The photos clearly show that at least the resident adult female is still on territory and did not migrate south for the winter, and that food is still abundant given the size of her filled crop. Thanks Lev and Kyle for bringing these photos to our attention.
Posted on January 14, 2010 1:24 pm
Observation for Scarborough - Yellow Pages

!!! Hanging Around
January 26, 2010 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
Linda Woods Reports:

Tuesday of this week, I was in the University Ave. and College St area and notice that the peregrines are sitting tight on the east side ledges of Mt.Sinai Hospital. One bird was there for most of the day.

Feb 4, 2010 - Two adults - a regular day...

Every morning so far this week, two adult falcons are being seen at the south end of the property. They seem to prefer the south end for some reason, not sure how much time they're spending at the regular nest ledge area but I'm personally not seeing them there much.

 $2,500 Fine And Hunting Ban For Shooting Bald Eagle
February 11, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:

Did you know that most (if not all) raptors are protected by law?  In Ontario, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act protects hunting, trapping, or disturbing nests of most raptors including Peregrine Falcons.  Most Canadian provinces and US states have a similar law.  Breaking this law in Ontario can result in a fine up to $25,000 or a year in prison.  A similar law, the Canadian National Parks Act, covers National Parks and can issue fines of up to $150,000 for disturbing birds including Peregrine Falcons, Gyrfalcons, Piping Plovers or Whooping Cranes.

If you stick to common sense, you will never be the subject of a Ministry of Natural Resources news story, as Shawn Bowes was earlier this year -

A Thunder Bay man has been fined $2,500 and prohibited from hunting for three years for shooting and killing a bald eagle.  Shawn A. Bowes pleaded guilty to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.  The eagle carcass was forfeited to the Crown.  Bowes’ firearm was seized by conservation officers and will be returned once his fine is paid.

Court heard that on June 1, 2009, conservation officers investigated a report of gunfire at Bowes’ property and discovered a decaying bald eagle carcass in his yard.  Bowes admitted to shooting the eagle in the summer of 2008. The bald eagle is a specially protected raptor under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and is protected from being hunted or trapped throughout Ontario.  Bald eagles are also considered a species of special concern under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Justice of the Peace Ray Zuliani heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on August 5, 2009.

To report a natural resources violation, you can call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667) toll-free anytime or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

News story courtesty of MNR on August 27, 2009.

ETOBICOKE NEWS

!!! Angel doing well!
February 13, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

With reports of a possible skirmish between two raptors in the vicinity last evening, I decided to take a trip out to the site today to check on Angel.  I found her dozing peacefuly on her usual perch.  She has been visible at the site on a daily basis the past few weeks, in spite of the cold temperatures.

Her errant mate did pay a visit on Monday and there was some vocalization between them however no signs of any courtship rituals at all compared to last year at this time.  He seems to be spending the bulk of his time at his other site the past few weeks and with news that the former resident male there will be extending his stay in rehab past mating season - I expect he will definitely be nesting there this year.

The question is will he attempt to nest here as well or can we expect a new mate for Angel.  It is still early days and I expect in the next few weeks we should know the answer to that question as Angel is usually the first to lay her eggs in the city.

Stay tuned…

!!! Jack Makes an Entrance!
February 16, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Lunch time today and suddenly pigeons were flying in all directions, including right into each other and as I looked up there was Jack scaring them up.  Angel was awaiting him at the nest box so that is both adults accounted for.  I guess this is his weekly check-in, at least he’s smart enough to bring take out!

!!! Interesting Behaviour
February 19, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Jack our resident male falcon has been here several times this week.  He is currently outside doing some impressive flying and chupping alot to Angel.  Wish I could speak Peregrine and understand what he is saying … has courtship begun or is he just complaining about the weather?!

!!! Spring in the air again?
March 01, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Robert Williams Reports:

It’s that time of year again, the nesting cycle is starting up!  I’ve had a report that the pair of peregrines were copulating on the overhead wires in the middle of the bridge.  With all the work and fuss down at the bridge, it’s good to see this, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that they will stick around and nest successfully at this site again this year.

r 1, 2010 - Olympic Glory & More Mating

First of all, WOW, I couldn't be more proud as a Canadian, what an Olympic show beautiful British Columbia and our athletes gave the world! I'd like to especially thank Sidney Crosby for putting the cherry on top with his winning goal in a crazy nail-biting barn-burner gold medal hockey game. I wasn't nervous at all! ;) Thanks to Luongo too, the man came through under pressure in his home town!

No doubt we'll continue reeling from the Olympic excitement for years to come, what great memories!

Back in falcon-land, either the falcons just wait until I come out and look at them, or they're gettin' busy way more than I care to know. Either way, I headed out for a quick dog walk at 1PM and witnessed another mating episode.

Mom was inside the ledge (south end) and Jack was on the edge. I couldn't see Mom but was hypothesizing that perhaps she was on eggs already. A few minutes later, Mom flew out, made a nice graceful circle and landed on the peak of the building. Jack followed suit and hopped on his mate for a quick ride, then took off as usual.

At this point, clearly they're in gear. It's difficult to see what's happening within the ledge, so I'll be keeping an eye out for one/two falcons and watching for hints that they may be incubating. We're debating a new camera at this second ledge but given the current activity it may not be safe to install anything at this point.

More news as it happens...

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/03/sightings/still-hanging-in/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/03/sightings/still-hanging-in/)  go here to see pics

!!! First Observed Mating
March 05, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

First observed mating approximately half an hour ago.   Lots of flying and chupping going on.

I had not seen Jack for the past  week or so and was wondering when he would drop by.   Apparently he’s been a busy bird!

We  are aware that Jack has mated with the female at the TR site - looks like it’s going to be an interesting season!

!!! What is going on?!
March 16, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Well I”m not sure!  The past few weeks have seen our male on site sporadically and many times our female has been standing around in the rain waiting for him.  I have observed mating and food transfers which are all good signs.

Today was different.  When I arrived at the site, I first saw a falcon on the corner of the building rustling up the pigeons and on first glance thought it was Angel.  However as I approached I distinctly heard the sounds of 2 falcons communicating with each other.  Angel was in the nestbox which I can’t see into from the ground and unfortunately we have no way of viewing inside until the web cam goes live.

I can tell you that she spent most of the day in there and the male brought her food and came to check on her periodically.  This would normally be the around time that she would lay her first egg as she is usually first in the city.  However given our male is doing double duty I am not sure if that will be the case this year but I remain cautiously optomistic.

Peregrine Hunting
March 16, 2010 - Toronto - Canadian Tire
Linda Woods Reports:

Tuesday noon hour I found myself at Yonge and Eglinton. I observed one peregrine attempting breakfast over the intersection of Yonge and Eglinton. It broke off the half hearted attempt to chase down the pigeon and flew to the north east  side of 22oo Yonge st., over looking the old TTC bus bay on the south east corner of Yonge and Eglinton.

!!! London nest site has activity with a new male on territory!
March 16, 2010 - London - TD Tower
CPF Postmaster Reports:

We have received some good news from Lara that the downtown London nest site has a new male on territory and he appears to be courting the resident female! After several years of inactivity, things are looking good as it appears that the territorial female has finally attracted an available male.

Both birds were observed circling the tower and one landing at the nest ledge with what could have been a pigeon and feathers raining down shortly after. Clouds of feathers were also observed drifting off the Libro building on York St. the previous week, but the peregrine could not be seen at this time.

Lara

!!! Niagara Falls Peregrines are on territory and appear to be nesting on the Canadian side again this year!
March 20, 2010 -
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a huge thank you from Connie from the New York State Department of Conservation and one of her dedicated observers (John), we have received some great news about the Niagara peregrines. Connie has just received news from her watchers that there is definitely peregrine nesting activity at the old Ontario Hydro generation plant on the Canadian side of the gorge. The observation reports sent into Connie and later forwarded to the CPF reads:

“I just wanted to drop you an e-mail about today’s sighting. I saw the female peregrine in the old scrap site at the old Canadian power plant. She sat at the edge of the box for quite some time and later went inside and seemed to lay down or something and then flew off. The male was also seen on top of the power plant. Both birds were seen flying high above the buildings together getting real close at times. I’m getting a new camera body this week so ill be looking for these birds a bit more this year, I always manage something interesting with these birds”.
John

Fingers crossed that the pair will be successful in producing a new clutch of hatchlings again this year. Stay tuned………

Great News!  Too bad they were there last year...

 :clap:

 Incubation Has Begun
March 24, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

We spent a little time at the Lift Bridge today.  One adult was enjoying a meal on the face of the Hamilton Tower and the other was nowhere to be seen.  We went down the road by the washrooms and with the scope were able to see that one adult was in the nest box.  After a while “she” got up and moved around and appeared to be re-arranging the eggs.  “She” stood with her back to the outside and was mantling what I assume are eggs.  We were hoping to see a shift change, but “she” settled down again and all you could see were the tips of her wing feathers above the edge of the box.

 ”She” assuming it was the female.  We were not able to identify either bird.

Archer Returns to Rochester, NY
March 21, 2010 - New York - Rochester
Carol Phillips Reports:

After an unsuccessful nesting year in 2009, I’m happy to report that  Archer has returned from his migration.  Beauty, the new resident female remained in Rochester through the Winter.

Watchers witnessed the return of Archer on Sunday morning.  Since then, they have been seen inside the new nest box on the Times Square Bldg, bowing and renewing their bonds.

We are hopeful that there will be young fledglings in Rochester in 2010.

!!! Spring Has Arrived!!
March 19, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler


Spring is a busy time for all of us at the Canadian Peregrine Foundation as the birds are returning from the south and look to set up shop.  I stopped by the William Osler site today just after 5:00pm and was greeted with the sounds of peregrines in love.  The female flew to the northeast corner of the building and sat calling while the male displayed his flight prowess for her.  Within seconds of his display ending, he landed beside her and copulated with her.  It is unclear whether this pair is the same male and female from last year as the light was poor and bands were not apparent.  One thing is sure though, we have a pair looking to raise a family here.

After leaving the corner of the building, the female flew out front the east side of the hospital and dipped straight into the nest tray where she talked up a storm.  The male was not far behind.  Initially he landed on the “H” on the east side, all the while responding to her calls with e-chups of his own, until he could no longer contain himself and left his perch to join her at the edge of the tray.  We look forward to seeing more of this pair and patiently await the arrival of eggs!!

!!! King St must be on eggs
March 25, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

King St nest must have eggs by now, although we cannot see them at this point in time. One adult has been observed in and around the nest area, but the second adult is not seen. Today I saw one adult on the King Edward Hotel vocalizing ( echupping) It appeared it had prey in it’s talons. I guess calling for the female.

I have seen on the web cam, an adult come into camera view and disappear. Good indication that there are eggs. We just have to wait till they start turning the eggs into the view of the camera to find out how many.

!!! First Egg confirmed!
December 31, 1969 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Mark Nash Reports:

We have received great news today confirming that there is one egg in the nest box and both adults are attending. The adult female spent much of her time today sitting tight on the single egg, likely due to the high winds and colder wind chill temps. Observations also reported that the adults were also involved in further courtship activities and copulation on the nest box ledge.
Stay tuned…hopefully more to come.

!!! Niagara Fall Pefa’s did in fact winter over here. No migration!
January 19, 2010 - Niagara Falls
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a big thank you to Verinica from Lowbanks Ontario, we have received her observation and photo of the Niagara Peregrines on territory. Photos taken Jan. 2010

I was staying at the Fallsview Casino last Tuesday, January 19th when I woke up in the morning and opened the curtains this is what I saw out the window. Sitting on the ledge of the Hotel on the 28th Floor was this Peregrine Falcon. I understand that your organization is interested in hearing about/receiving pictures of the sightings. I have forwarded them to you.

Veronica - Lowbanks, ON

!!! 1st Egg at the Hamilton Sheraton Hotel Nest site!
March 26, 2010 - Hamilton - Sheraton Hotel
CPF Volunteer Reports:

The news keeps on getting better as the arrival of spring moves in. It has been reported that the Madam X has her first egg of the season. With the cold temps and wind chills throughout the past evening, she stayed tight to her incubation duties to keep the egg from freezing.
Stay tuned, as there is likely more good news to come………..

 :hatch1: :chick3: :hatch1: :chick3: :hatch1: :chick3: :hatch1: :chick3: :heartspin: :hatch1: :chick3:

wow that egg has been there for a LONG TIME  :rofl:

I'm glad someone noticed besides me!!!! :hysterical: :2funny: :stupid: :silly: I was waiting for the comments! 1969?? Yeah, that be one fermented egg.

BC, that was good!!!

!!! Female still on site
March 26, 2010 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
CPF Volunteer Reports:

This report comes from a local resident. An adult female peregrine has been seen on the south side louvered ledges of Mt.Sinai hospital on several occasions, including this morning. Last week it was reported that an adult peregrine was sitting on  one of the east facing ledges of the hospital.

No report at this time of a second peregrine in the same area.

!!! No Sign of Eggs Yet!
March 26, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

While early last week it looked like our resident pair were about to take the next step in their courtship..things abruptly came to a halt suddenly mid week.  Suddenly here was barely any sign of either falcon and if they were sighted, it was only the female usually on her own waiting for her mate.  It was eerily quiet and having had reports in the area of another male and multiple falcon sightings we were a bit concerned.

On Wednesday of this week Frank and I ascended to a nearby building in order to try and get a look in the nest box as given the prior behaviour we thought surely there might be one egg.   It was a beautiful day and although we couldnt’ see directly into the nestbox due to the high edges - it was obvious there weren’t any eggs as no one arrived for at least an hour.  We would have expected someone to be in the vicinity in case of an intruder but we were met with silence.  After awhile Jack did show up and he did call for his mate and then proceeded to stare at us staring at him and then decided we weren’t that interesting so off he went.  From photos and coordinating with the TR site we were able to determine it was indeed Jack we were staring at that day so that was a relief.

The female showed up once we had descended to the ground so at least we knew both were still in the area.  It’s quite possible that the recent northward migration brought new falcons into the area and perhaps they were occupied with giving them directions elsewhere for a few days.

The past two days both male and female have been onsite and today courtship seems to have resumed as if the past several days never happened.  I witnessed some mating, flying together, the male brought food in for the female and both were in the nestbox several times chupping up a storm.  And Jack even found time to visit his ‘other’ wife. 

It is impossible to determine when or if we will see eggs given he is the male at both sites, sometimes tiercels can do this successfully and other times not so we will continue to monitor both locations and hope for the best.

Mar 26, 2010 - Confirmed (again) - Jack is [still] a dirty dog! + Zero Eggs

The past few days, I've been talking with some folks that monitor the Bloor/Islington nest, and we've been trying to sort out some confusion. Both here and there we've had reports in the past week+ of what may be additional tiercels (males) in the area. Yesterday we were performing forensic audits on photos, concluding that at least one bird seen at Bloor/Islington appears to be Jack.

This morning at 1145AM, I decided to check and see what mischief might be happening here at the ledge. Upon stepping out I immediately heard a lot of vocalization and grabbed the camera even though I couldn't see anything.

Sure enough, a falcon flew out of a ledge (Mom), and headed for some trees off in the distance. I had a feeling I knew what was next and sure enough another falcon left the ledge a few minutes later.

Upon review of the photos, it was Mom that headed to the tree first, followed by Jack. A mating took place "au-naturale" in a tree which is cool. Jack flew back to the ledge following the mating episode which took longer than I've seen in the past.

So, Jack is here, Jack is there, clearly he's busy everywhere! The question remains as to whether or not we've got additional males in the area, which is possible given the timing is right for falcons to be migrating back northwards for the summer.

130PM update - leveraging the presense of window-washers and absense of birds this aft, I can confirm that there are zero eggs on any of the south ledges. In fact, there's hardly any evidence of a scrape. Just logging it for the record.

!!! Lots of nest box activity, but no eggs as yet.
March 29, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:

While the adult peregrines have been very active in the nest box this past week, it might appear that the territorial squabbling going on between two adult females on site has delayed pair bonding and courtship activities with the male. We’re not quite sure who is on territory at this momment, but it appears that the territorial dispute has finally yeilded a victor, as evident by yesterdays observations. There are only two adults on site now, (one adult male and one adult female). Hopefully, the pair (who ever they are), can now get down to some pair bonding and serious courtship activities.

!!! We are cookin’
March 29, 2010 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

Although we have had problems with our monitor, by chance I tried it on Saturday & it came on for a brief moment. I can confirm that there 4 eggs in the scrape here. As far as we know, the tiercel is an unnamed bird from Buffalo (we call him Buffalo Bill) & the female is Treasure from Cleveland.

we call him Buffalo Bill

Oh-I like that name!  :clap:

Amazing how these peregrines rotate nest sites and the "youth" take over.  "Treasure" is a 2007 fledgling M/82 from Cleveland Terminal Tower, Cuyahoga County, OH.  Parents: male *R/K, female S/*W

!!! Nesting Activity has Resumed!
March 30, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Well after all the mysterious going-ons of last week, our pair seem to be back to trying to produce some eggs if they havent’ already!  I just witnessed another mating session after mom flew out of the nestbox to her usual spot and Jack, who has been patrolling the perimeter, flew over to join her!

Since yesterday morning they have both been seen frequently in and out of the nestbox and/or mating on the condos.  Food is being brought in to feed mom and she’s spending alot of time near or in the nestbox.

I’ll keep my eyes to the skies!

 The Cycle Begins Again!
-
Sarah Washington Reports:

Well it looks like the Hamilton Nest is right on track
for this year. So much so that Madame X has decided to lay her first egg exactly 1 year from last years first egg.

We do hope to see a few more eggs in the next coming days.

!!! 4 EGGS At The Sheraton Toronto!
March 30, 2010 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:

Tiago and Rhea Mae now have 4 Eggs. The image is difficult to see for most of the day, except for those early birds that are up before the crack of dawn.  But, just by chance I clicked on the Toronto Sheraton Camera and finally , Luck, 4 eggs sitting in the tray. Now that’s enough Rhea Mae, start incubating!

!!! King St., incubating, I think
March 30, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

This latest image, captured this evening shows the female just a the bottome of the camera image. Every year they put they eggs down , just out of camera view. I think with this image with can believe that they are in incubation. Just have to wait for the egg count.

!! Things are Looking Up!
April 01, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Mom has been sitting the nestbox or in the nestbox the past 4 mornings so things are looking positive here!  This morning she is practically velcroed to the side of the box looking quite lethargic.  I haven’t seen her do much flying the past 4 days other than to the condo tower or an alternate ledge when Jack comes in with food for her.  Most telling is she hasn’t been on the web cam perching like she normally does.  Jack was also here when I arrived.

Edit to add: 10:00 am - Mom is laying down the nestbox now.  Jack has been by to drop off food and she did get up and eat but then returned immediately to the nestbox.

Edit to add: 1:50 pm - After an hour of observation on lunch - I witnessed an actual shift change.  Jack had been dozing on the building ledge and mom was flat in the nestbox with only her tail or her head bobbing up once in awhile.  Suddenly some vocalization on both parts and Jack flew to the nestbox, mom got out and flew over to another ledge to partake in some lunch.  Jack replaced her in the nestbox and he was also laying down after a bit of shuffling!  This a sign of incubation and usually means at least 3 eggs are in the nest - however as we have no camera access at this point, it’s only an assumption.  Given the balmy temperatures today, there is no reason to have to keep the eggs warm should there only be one or two but I will keep observing over the next few days to firm up these observations given last weeks false alarm!

!!! EXCITING NEWS AT MOUNT SINAI
March 31, 2010 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
Jan Chudy Reports:

I have been frequently observing two adults at Mount Sinai over the past few weeks.  Sometimes they were on the south ledges and somtimes on the east ledges.  Earlier today, Linda Woods advised that she was observing one of the birds from a vantage point to the east of the hospital and that it appeared to be exhibiting incubation behaviour.  Through the course of the morning, I watched the bird through my telescope in First Canadian Place.  At approximately 12:15 the bird was on the edge of the ledge and I am 99% certain I could see an egg towards the back of the ledge - this is the maximumn distance for my scope.  I checked the view several times and still believe we have an egg.  As I submit this report at 3:10, an adult is back down on the egg and the second adult is sitting on the edge of the  ledge two slots to the south.


!!! 1st Egg,?
Mississauga
April 01, 2010 -
Linda Woods Reports:

I’ve been watching the webcam for the past few days, and today there’s a change. Looks like MEC has their first egg of the 2010 nesting season. I haven’t seen a peregrine in the nest tray, but sure looks like an egg.

Hamilton Peregrine Falcon In Ohio
April 02, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:

Chad and Chris in Ohio,have seen and photographed a young female Peregrine Falcon at their  I-80 Ohio Turnpike Bridge Over The Cuyahoga River location.

The resident female,Lara and the male Rocky have been defending their territory.

For two days in a row (Sunday and Monday) Rocky drove out two different first-year female peregrines while Lara was less active. On Sunday, this first-year female perched in the bridge while Lara was in the nest site out of view. Rocky stooped through the bridge past her repeatedly, forcing her to fly out, and then he proceeded to dive on her and grapple with her high up in the air. Lara joined in a little after Rocky was in action for awhile, but she didn’t do much and then she perched in a tree and vocalized as Rocky continued to chase out the intruder. It was a rainy, dark day, but we were able to get one shot that revealed a silver right leg band and a black/black band on the left, so she’s a Canadian bird.
Chad and Chris eventually identified the band number as 32/X.

A CPF volunteer saw this posting by Chad and Chris,and forwarded it to us. Here is what we discovered.

Black 32 over Black X bandedwas produced at the Hamilton Sheraton hotel nest site last year in 2009, banded on June 2nd as a female at approx. 26 days old, weighing 1014 grams (empty crop) and was named Durand.

Photos can be seen at http://www.falconcam-cmnh.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?48559.last  as taken by Chad and Chris. I can't see this page either!

 

Her parents were Madam X and Surge - (Surge was hatched and produced at the Etobicoke -  Bloor and Islington (Sun Life Centre) nest site in 2002.

!!! Egg # 2
April 03, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Linda Woods Reports:

Second Egg appeared this morning. Third Egg expected Monday.

 Tooo Hot and Humid.
April 04, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With the unseasonably hot and humid temperatures we’ve been experiencing this long Easter weekend, we have observed many of the adults standing over top of the eggs, but not laying down tight on them at the nest sites that are not sheltered from the direct sun light. Attached to this update is a serious of shots taken over a half hour period where the adult female has stood up in an effort to not over heat her clutch of eggs. AT the Toronto King Street nest site, the nest site is exposed to the early morning sun throughout the day until the afternoon time when the sun is then blocked by the building as the it settles to the west.
Unfortunately she has again this year laid her clutch directly under the camera and slightly off the camera’s view.

Private Residential Falcon news

Apr 3, 2010 - Saturday guesstimate

If you've followed this blog for a few years, you know wherever possible I aim to log actual confirmed facts rather than speculating on anything.

This year, things are difficult to monitor and as a result it's starting to look like guessing may be needed, at least until facts present themselves.

At the current time, we've seen mating for over a month and as recently as this past week. Under normal circumstances, I'd wait for the disappearance of one falcon at a time. This missing falcon would indicate that one was incubating eggs.

Under the current situation, Jack is rarely around. Over the past week and moreso during the past 2 days, I'm noticing that Mom is not being seen as much. Jack appears and disappears, but there's no predictability to his schedule.

As a result, at the current time, I'm leaning towards guessing that there may be eggs, and that incubation may have started.

We don't currently have a camera or view of the nest ledge to confirm this. Hopefully that changes, but in the near term it's unfortunately looking like guessing is required. At the current time I'm 75% sure there are eggs and that incubation has begun. I'm also 75% sure that the ledge they've selected is the 3rd ledge down rather than the usual, higher, second ledge.

Today, Mom was seen during the day sunning herself, but did not leave the ledge. She was looking around constantly, not at ease or preening as we might normally see.

Anyways, apologies for the ambiguity, this may be how it goes until more facts become apparent. If you happen to be, or know people on either of the top 2 floors at the southmost end of the building, please contact me, I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.... ;)

By definition, you can't view the nest ledge of Private Residential Falcons. 

Paul

I wish I lived where the Falcons are nesting. I'd love to have a cam on my Balcony. Too bad they didn't nest on the same one as last year..that had a cam. Falcons...go figure.

!!! King St. Ely Nesting In Ohio
April 05, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Kathy Reports:

Seems our Ontario Falcons have taken a liking to Ohio!  Thanks to Chad and Chris of the CMNH Forum for sharing more wonderful news and photos with us!

Ely, Black Band 85/X, born at the King St. site in downtown Toronto in 2008 is the new resident female at the Cleveland Clinic.  As of last night she had already laid her first egg!

Photos can be seen here of both Ely, her first egg and her mate Dipper!

http://www.falconcam-cmnh.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?48561.70#post_50872

Oh well, I still can't access the CMNH website, I tried everything!

I'll be sending an email to Mark Nash, but if anyone here has a list from last year, the sub-adult who got into a tussle with Seneca & Cheyenne in Ohio appears to have been banded in Canada.

From Chad & Chris on the CMNH forum (http://www.falconcam-cmnh.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?49383.60):

"And STILL catching up from yesterday-- here are some flight shots of the subadult intruder who came in. We were able to read the bands through some pics and they are 15/X (black/black) with a red federal band. The red federal band threw us off-- Carly, do you know if Canada used red last year at any nest sites, because we know that black over black is typically a Canadian bird? We both thought that by the flight and size that it appeared to be a female, although we weren't 100% sure."

 

It looks to me like red tape over the silver USFWS band...

Mark Nash and company now puts colored tape over the USFW band on the Canadian birds to make it easier for the Watchers to ID them.  I'm sure red was used.  I'll have to look at my pics of Rhea Mae and Tiago's eyases.

That's what I told C&C over on CMNH.  I was just about to look through the 2009 pictures from the Sheraton too  :happy:

Already checked - Rhea Mae's red taped fledging last year was Sandy.  Her band is 97/X, therefore it does not look to be her.

I have pics of the bands on the table that were set out and 15/X was there!

Well, we know it's from a nest that was banded after the Sheraton, then!  I'm sure we'll hear from Mark soon.

Turns out it's Marla from the Toronto Private Residential site!

Carly posted on CMNH: C&C: Just heard back from The Canadian Peregrine Foundation and they can confirm that you do indeed have another Toronto bird !! She hails from my neighbourhood - the Etobicoke Private Toronto Residential site!

Here is her information from their records!

I can confirm after checking our banding records that the Black 15 over Black X banded Pefa that you make reference to was named “Marla”,

Banded on June -2- 2009 at an Etobicoke nest site, identified at banding as a female, weighing 889 grams at approx. 22 days old when banded.

Thank you again guys for keeping us in the loop about our birds!

Mathew Rossi who looks after Marla's mom and dad at the TR site sent me this nice photo of her that he took when she got stuck on his balcony.

Private Residential Falcons

Apr 10, 2010 - Orders of Business and Seeking Stewards

As you know, these falcons are a labour of love for me, and often a time-consuming one at that. As a team, residents have helped in the past to manage the annual falcon process, which as always is greatly appreciated.

Heading into the current nesting season, I need to advise of a change of plan on my part, and seek stewards from our residence to help monitor and otherwise manage the process. I will continue to contribute, but I am unable to devote as much time, and may not be here for parts of the summer. So, I seek to have a 'Plan B' in place.

This week, not wanting to be so responsible for the process, I sought support from the building and was informed of a few things I'd like to share:

1. Camera

Cameras assist with monitoring, and as you know I have been trying to coordinate the logistics of installing one at the new nest location.

I was informed this week that "the board does not wish to spend any additional funds on a camera this year", which is interesting considering we had the first camera donated by an external contractor 2 years ago, and I secured funding from the MNR for all our costs last year. So, there has actually never been a cost to the building, a detail that apparently flew under the radar. My costs and loss of work time on the other hand have never been acknowledged, except by my accountant.

To address this year's camera requirement, I have obtained support from the MNR who may be able to assist with camera costs, so it's now more a matter of installation, if we bother at all. This takes time and effort, another issue.


2. Lobby Cam and Video feed

The Board decided that the lobby channel feed will not exist this year, it is considered a security issue given 2 screens alternated between 2 lobbies, leaving people unable to view a lobby for 10-second intervals.

As for the web based video, I have devoted time and resources to ensure this runs in past years, this year I doubt I will, and without a camera the point is moot.


3. Management Involvement

The board prefers that our Management team does not spend any time on the falcons. Since the falcons arrived, I have sacrificed my own time and minimized the efforts of management by keeping them apprised of any pressing issues, and only seeking assistance on items when required.

This said, anyone can correct me if I'm wrong, but when our current management was being interviewed, I was told that an awareness and ability to support the falcon process was part of the criteria being considered in hiring a new on-site manager.


4. Stewardship

This year, given my reduced availability, I figured it was a no-brainer to seek help from the building, to take at least some ownership of the process, since it is our building, not mine, and technically a building management issue, not to mention an exercise in corporate and social responsibility.

While asking for support, I was informed that the board and management feel it should be the MNR's responsibility to manage the falcons on site.

This ignores the importance of stewardship explained to us by the MNR and Minister of Natural Resources a year ago when we held a "town hall meeting". That meeting, incidentally, was held to a) help clarify our responsibilities when it comes to the Endangered Species Act, and b) to help dissuade our board from wasting our funds pursuing legal options in the hopes of removing the falcons from our building. We were advised by the MNR that this probably wasn't a cause we'd have much success with, as I had previously explained.

The position of the board is odd, considering it doesn't factor in a) the large number of residents the board represents, who gladly volunteer and contribute to this process, and b) the claim I recently read in a condo management magazine, which highlights our condo-of-the-year candidate building. The article, written by the Board of Directors, mentions that "The [our building] has teamed with the Ministry of Natural Resources and is implementing a program to support an endangered wildlife species that resides on our property.". The things people say for contests... We're a proud leader in waste diversion and recycling, but birds, well, that's apparently not our bag...

All around the world, folks work together to support at-risk species. It's the least we can do considering Man's activities are the reason why these species are at-risk in the first place.

I understand, not all people love these falcons, evident from the rude sneers I get from some residents (don't worry, I'm not a big fan of you either) when I'm standing outside trying to figure out what the birds are doing. I understand, some people hope our efforts are in vain, like last year when a resident shared her hopes that our falcons all fly to their death at the airport. I understand all that, or at least respect the right we have to our individual opinions.

All this said, I know many residents here (and folks elsewhere) DO care, and I'm asking for your help. As a group of residents, we can do what's required, or more importantly, what's right.

If you have the time and ability to contribute, please contact me and let me know what you can do. If you have any comments about this post or suggestions on how we can proceed, feel free to drop me a line, I'd like to hear from you. Contact me through this link.

In the unlikely case that apathy prevails and we can't assemble a team to work through the season, I will do my best to keep the MNR informed of things and post updates here, and I guess we'll just let nature manage the process.

Don't get me entirely wrong. I am proud of our residents, and our successes in the past, and find it rewarding to hear about something like Marla's appearance in Ohio this week. This is what it's all about, making a contribution as a team - making a difference. The rest of this is just irritating static.

Apr 15, 2010 - Legislation Update

It was brought to my attention today that some changes have been made to legislation regarding Peregrine Falcons and the definition of their protected habitat.

As a result, mapping of our nest site and area will be taking place at some point in the near future, by the MNR.

Please rely on the official documentation, but some interesting enhancements to the legislation are that it now applies to a radius of 10 meters from any nest location for a period of two years, and on a broader level, also includes 200 meters from any location that is being used, or was used by a Peregrine falcon. This would cover our entire property, and in fact, even the trees on adjacent lands beyond our property.

For more information, see the new document in the Article Library which also contains a link to the new E-Laws regulation.

Note, the below excerpt is merely that, and is only one regulation under the broader and prevailing Endangered Species act. Please refer to E-Laws for official information, this is a summary only.

Source: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2009/elaws_src_regs_r09436_e.htm

Peregrine falcon habitat
29.  For the purpose of clause (a) of the definition of “habitat” in subsection 2 (1) of the Act, the following areas are prescribed as the habitat of the peregrine falcon:

                  1. A natural cliff face on which a peregrine falcon is nesting or has nested at any time during the previous 15 years, excluding any part of the cliff face where the top of the cliff face is less than 15 metres above the base of the cliff face.
                  2. The area within one kilometre of an area described in paragraph 1.
                  3. An artificially created cliff face, such as a vertical or very steep rock cut in an open pit mine, on which a peregrine falcon is nesting.
                  4. A nesting site on a building or other structure that is being used by a peregrine falcon or was used by a peregrine falcon at any time during the previous two years, and the area on the outside surface of the building or structure that is within 10 metres of the nesting site.
                  5. An area that,
                              i. is on or within 200 metres of a building or structure described in paragraph 4, and
                              ii. is habitually used by peregrine falcons.


The Endangered Species Act, 2007 can be found here:

http://www.search.e-laws.gov.on.ca/en/isysquery/caba7157-cc2a-4175-8f43-e1248a8c5b5b/3/frame-body/#hit2


In case the above link ever becomes outdated, E-Laws are located at: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

Please consider, Peregrines are also covered under additional Federal laws, namely the Migratory Bird Act among others.

Apr 6, 2010 - Exciting News from Ohio!

It's very exciting to report the latest news received today from abroad! Through the underground network of falcon fans around North America, news has been received about Ms. Marla, one of our offspring from the 2009 nesting season!

Ms. Marla has made her way down to the Cleveland area of Ohio, (click for map), where she is causing some trouble for falcons nesting under a bridge.

Marla was identified thanks to the efforts of Chad and Chris, who partake in the same forensic bird photography activities I know very well. By zooming in on images of the "subadult intruder" (Marla), they were able to see she has a black 15 over X band on one leg, and she still has the red falcon-watch tape on the other! Apparently Marla isn't the only Toronto falcon down that way, 2 others are apparently being reported in the area too!

Hopefully Marla moves on to another area soon. As you can see from some of the attached photos (taken by Chad and Chris), she is causing a disturbance at the bridge nest, and territorial fights can be dangerous as we unfortunately know from the injury of our adult male here at home. From what I understand, Marla took a bit of a hit and departed, who knows what she'll get into next.

Hearing about Marla is a very rewarding experience, the payback for all the time spent monitoring and hoping these birds survive and thrive. As you can see, the ID bands are critical in tracking these falcons, but what's more important is a network of caring folks sharing information as they find it. This is the second of our 2009 juveniles we've heard about, which is great!

I'd sincerely like to thank Chad and Chris down in Cleveland, and Kathy up here who monitors Jack and the Etobicoke Bloor/Islington nest. Other unmentioned folks have also been helpful (thanks!), some not so much (that's twice now, wink wink), but all assistance is appreciated, and I will return the favour whenever the opportunity arises!

Dang!  And I thought we had some corporate bad attitude going on here a couple of years ago!   :stupid:  

Makes me all the more happy to hear Mark's reports of our new building... Pigeon guts!  COOL!  :cool-045:  
Very refreshing!

Well I don't understand that, I would be a happy camper to be able to see these wonderful birds in person. There is a person who is a waste of skin, and needs to go play in traffic. Sorry just my opinion.  :secret2:

Sorry to ask - but is the first post re Residential Falcons from Donna or Dumpsterkitty?

[/b]

Maybe some airport traffic? Sad. I would be so excited if I had a Falcon family on my balcony.

Not sure...It's probably several pages ago.  I posted about Marla being seen in Ohio...I think Donna posted the "official" news.

Yeah Ei, I just posted what was on the Canadian site. You got your info from the site I cannot access?  :crying: It's basically the same news.

Experimenting with live video at MEC
April 18, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Matt MacGillivray Reports:

We are currently experimenting with live video through Ustream.tv for the Mississauga Executive Centre nestcam.  Since this morning, both a live video feed and constantly updating snapshots are available for viewing.

This Ustream is very popular

Peregrine Nestcam live from Mississauga Executive Center

There will likely be kinks for the next little while while we work through the details.  Thanks for your patience!

Enjoy


!!! 4 Eggs Seen…thanks New Live Video Cam
April 18, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Frank Butson Reports:

Experimenting with Live cam!

At 4:13pm on Sunday,the adult moved off the eggs for about 5 minutes,giving a clear view of the 4 eggs it is incubating.


Get Out Of My Territory
April 14, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Today, Bill and I spent a little time at the Bridge.  We arrived early afternoon and started our search.  We found one adult on the face of the Hamilton Tower and the other was nowhere to be seen.  After a while, the bird from the face of the Hamilton Tower took off on a mission to Hamilton.  We lost sight of him (assuming it was Sir) at he headed across the bay.  A short time later, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a low flying Turkey Vulture approaching from under the Skyway.  In a flash, we saw and heard a peregrine screaming towards it.  In short order, the Turkey Vulture disappeared behind the trees.  Cirrus (assuming it was she) had made her presence know and even though she appeared so tiny beside the Turkey Vulture drove him out of her territory.  She immediately returned to the nest box and disappeared inside.  I think it is very safe to assume that full time incubation is ongoing.

!!! King St. 4 Eggs!
April 15, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

Great News, and with thanks from a peregrine fan  who had been watching the camera closely, captured this image from our web cam and sent it to me.

King St. nest has four eggs!

Many Thanks everyone

!!! Nebesney looking good in Michigan USA
April 23, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a huge thank you to Barb, we have a much newer photo of Nebesny that was taken April 21st and forwarded along to us from her new home territory in Michigan USA. A great shot indeed, and many thanks to Barb and all of the gang from your Canadian Friends to the north.

!!! They’re still here
April 28, 2010 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
Linda Woods Reports:

After numerous days of not seeing any peregrine activity, today was a more positive.

10:45a.m. male peregrine seen flying in the area south of the hospital. It eventually came to rest on the south facing ledges with prey in it’s talons. After making my way to a higher viewing area, I could clearly see the female in the ‘nesting ledge” The same area as previous reports.  I also discovered a food stash on a ledge of Princess Margaret Hospital.  I continued to observe for another hour with no movement from the nesting female.

So I guess they were there the entire time. Sneaky.

!!! Maybe we’re not done yet!!!!!
April 29, 2010 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

As reported, in late March there were 4 eggs here which have mysteriously gone missing. Well I think it was because a 3rd falcon showed up & caused a trauma smash or the residents here destroyed the eggs, I’m just guessing.  However, yesterday the new female laid her 1st egg. She is taking good care of it & the male is bringing in food for her. We are hoping that there will be more eggs & that they are viable. It’s late in the season but hopefully it will work out ok.

I guess the resident female is gone!  :crying:

!!! The falcons have finally been sighted!
April 28, 2010 - Ottawa - Crowne Plaza
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Good morning, all, just to let you know that the falcons have been spotted this morning (Wednesday Apr. 28/2010) at 10:15 à 10:25 a.m. Male sighted in flight and on CP hotel SE corner (last year’s nest site) TWO females in air above at the same time (both were larger than the bird that landed on CP and of about equal size some “chasing” observed but male did not participate but was watching from a distance and followed when the two females headed north over the East Memorial Block). Heard calling KEE__YAAK_YAAK_YAAK from male when he was on the CP Hotel ledge; neither female responded as far as I could tell. There is a crow’s nest in one of the trees on the Place de Ville patio area (smoking area), and is in perfect sight line from the SE corner of the CP Hotel, female crow is currently brooding her eggs; perhaps this will become a “lunch-counter” for the falcons once the baby crows begin to fledge. Keep in touch and have a great day…

Scott

!!! Getting close!
May 01, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Yesterday was approximately Day 30 by my count of heavy incubation here at the Etobicoke nest site!  As if to back up my calculations - Jack for the first time since last years chicks were here was perched in his old signage spot most of yesterday so I know something is up!  He spent quite a bit of time here yesterday for the first time in quite awhile.

This morning I arrived on-site at 8:25 am.  Jack was on his old perch and Mom was in the nestbox.  Usually you can’t see her from the ground due to the height and depth of the nestbox but this morning I observed her tail and head flipping around quite a bit which tells me she is not laying very flat like she normally does. 

Jack spent his time watching, clearing the pigeons and anything else he didn’t like the look for about a half hour which included me!!   He actually flew over to where I was across the street and down the road and circled  low above me three times which was quite intimidating.

 He went back to his perch for awhile, satisfied that I was sufficiently cowed - which I must say I was!  Then he flew out to the south, back and forth a few times as something must have caught his eye and the last time he came back with something in his talons.  He then flew to the front ledge and was in the process of preparing Mom’s brunch when a poor misguided pigeon was attempting to land on the ledge and he just grabbed it in midair and that was that!  That’s the second time I’ve seen him do that and it’s just spectacular to see!  He then took his new catch and flew by the nest ledge and then headed towards the direction of his other nest site!

At 9:36 he arrived back at our site, swung around and grabbed his previous catch and went to present it to Mom, a few chups were exchanged and she took the offering and flew out of sight to the rooftop to enjoy her meal.

She took close to a half hour to enjoy her meal and then returned to the webcam, a few more chups to dad and she settled into cleaning her talons and giving herself a good preen which is how I left her at 11:00 am and Jack was still in the nestbox so she’s had a good break this morning!

 Port colborne now has 2 eggs
May 01, 2010 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

When I left work yesterday at 3:00pm there was still only 1 egg in the scrape. Today when I arrived at work  it was 5:30am & I couldn’t se a darn thing, but when the sun came up & the female finally got off the scrape, I noticed that there were 2 eggs. I’m not sure if the 2nd egg was produced last night or early today. Mom was on & off the eggs quite a bit while I was there today so maybe she plans on having more as it does not appear that full incubation has started.
Posted on May 1, 2010 7:11 pm
Observation for Port Colborne - ADM Mill

Apr 28, 2010 - Turkey Vultures and 2010 Gameplan Update

Last night we had an interesting situation unfold. A group of 6 Turkey Vultures were gliding on thermals above the property, which caught the attention of our two Peregrines on site.

Alarm calling and territorial defense followed. Mom was the more aggressive of our two birds, but Jack also went on the offensive, hovering like a Kestrel around the vultures. Eventually, the Turkey vultures departed without much incident.

Over the past few weeks, folks from within the building and also from elsewhere have offered to help finance an observation camera, and have offered support for this year's process. This is appreciated, as volunteers are key to keeping track of activity on site.

Regardless, here are a few status updates:

1. Camera

A camera is not going to happen this year.

Sourcing of a Wi-fi camera was attempted, no vendor response was received. An electrician and cooperation from the building are key requirements to install a camera, and we don't have either.

Installing a wi-fi camera on the roof, coordinating senders and receivers, connectivity, monitoring equipment and web broadcasting all take effort. This work is not unlike an integration project I would perform for clients, and unfortunately I don't have either the time or assistance complete this task, so no camera.


2. Monitoring, Banding for 2010

Speaking with the MNR, it was explained to me that for sites where the property owner has an ongoing interest in the status of the falcons (eg. Toronto Sheraton Centre or Bloor/Islington sites), bandings take place.

Due to the fact that the MNR is stretched thin by many new nests in the GTA this year, combined with the minimal landowner commitment here, banding of any juveniles will only take place this year if they come to the ground after fledging.

Needless to say, this means that we will not have much chance of tracking our juveniles and their progress in the future, one of the rewards of stewardship efforts.

Fledge watch, assuming we have eggs hatch here, will still take place. As usual, volunteers are needed/welcome. We have a lot of time before we need to think about this but feel free to assemble teams, I would appreciate if folks can team up and plan for this.


3. New Legislation Implications

As most know by now, our site still falls under a protected status according to numerous pieces of legislation. This includes both the vacant ledge from 2008/9 as well as the ledge currently being used, plus additional perches including some beyond our property.

I have been told that the building and other nearby landowners have or will be sent information to clarify any restrictions and regulations to be aware of.


4. Original Male - Still in Rehab

Our original male is still at a rehab facility. He has recovered well and in the next few weeks he will be released. I will post more when the date is known. He is likely to be released either north or west of our site, but given the roaming nature of Peregrines he may end up back here, we'll see.


Other than these status updates, it's been fairly normal around here. I would still guess that eggs are being incubated, and monitoring continues.

Port Colborne now has 3 eggs with full incubation. After the 4 eggs disappeared in March...new eggs have been laid. Late fledge if all goes well.

!!! More Questions than Answers!
May 04, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Just when I was all confident that I was on the right track , I find now that I am more confused than ever.  Last report had Jack here constantly and a lot of activity however the only food I saw go to the ledge was taken by Angel immediately and she flew off with it…or perhaps I was mistaken ?

Sunday I was her for 2.5 hours and did catch a shift change however Angel only went to the webcam and didn’t leave the ledge due to the rain.  Yesterday and today I have seen Jack sporadically unlike Friday through Sunday when he was here for hours.  I haven’t seen him taking food to the ledge at all but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t as I am not able to monitor for long periods of time during the week so I may just be missing him.

That being said, last night and this morning when I looked up to the nestbox I saw nothing..not a tail feather sticking out nor a wing and yet both times after a few minutes he flew out of the nestbox, vocalized to who I am assuming was Angel in the nestbox and off he went.  What was he doing in the nestbox with her?  Checking to see if he had any hatches?  Visiting with hidden eyases, bringing them food?  Just how deep is that nestbox?!

I can see quite clearly her tail feathers and the tips of both wings from the ground this morning so she is sitting high up again as she has the past few days.  Perhaps given that he’s running two site, they are being more protective and secretive than normal not to attract unwanted attention.   She has a pretty solid history of hatching out her chicks 30 days from the start of incubation however everything has been so different here the past year and without the cam for backup - I am in the dark so to speak!

I will keep watching a few more days and if nothing becomes overtly obvious, we will attempt to make another trip to a nearby rooftop to confirm or deny the presence of chicks.

!!! Ottawa nesting and incubation confirmed!
May 04, 2010 - Ottawa - Crowne Plaza
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Diana is brooding in the same location as last year, at the southeast end of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Due to the delays, I think the hatching will take place in the first week of June, with the Falcon Watch starting closer to the end of June. Stay tuned for updates as we get them.

Eve Ticknor

No Hatch Yet.
May 06, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:

A quick check in at MEC caught the adult female talking a stretch and she exsposed her four unhatched eggs.

!!! Port Colborne now has 4 eggs!!!
May 06, 2010 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

Believe it or not, another egg appeared today. For a brief moment, the female was off the scrape & I clearly saw 4 eggs. The 4th egg could have been there before Monday (when full incubation started) but out of camera view. The camera covers most of the scrape but not the whole thing. Another good thing is that dad (who we call Buffalo Bill) is now pitching in with the incubation process. Hopefully he wasn’t shooting blanks & the eggs are fertilised, as they are taking very good care of them to date.

!!! Some Interesting News From North York
May 06, 2010 - North York - Nest
Bruce Massey Reports:

Over  the Winter and Spring I have been monitoring the North York Birds.   During the Winter they were seen individually but not together until around the first of April.   Since the beginning of May the Birds have been concentrating in the Yonge & Finch area, predominately on the North American Center.  As I work in the area I usually see one or the other first thing  in the Morning and again in the early PM (1230-1300 Hrs).

      Since a pair of peregrines nested 2 years ago I have been keeping watch on them, and last year they spent the summer checking out various buildings from Sheppard to Finch but to my knowledge did not have a successful Nest since 2008.  I also touched base with the Building’s Maintenance  Supervisor, last year and again this year, and got some very Interesting reports, and if confirmed, Important Information.  The Male is Banded, (This alone makes it a New Male, if you remember the two birds that nested in 2008 were not Banded) but the most Important News was that the Band was “Reddish” in colour.  This colour would suggest the Bird is a ” Canadian Hack Released Bird”. It also represents the first time one of these birds have been reported nesting here from Canada or the US.  In the following days and Weeks I will attempt to confirm the Above and also try to see and if possible the Female  is also Banded.  Of course I will also determine if there will be a nest this year or not.

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/05/sightings/first-view-of-the-2nd-chick/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/05/sightings/first-view-of-the-2nd-chick/)

Check out this video of the King St Falcons. So cute watching dad being curious and trying to get a look at the 2 newly hatches.  :clap:

LIVE stream @ King ST. http://www.justin.tv/peregrine_kingst_cpf#r=halWLyQ~ (http://www.justin.tv/peregrine_kingst_cpf#r=halWLyQ~)

!!! Important News
May 07, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

I have just learned that the male from the other site that Jack has been nesting at has been released this afternoon by the MNR.  He was released in Mount Nemo and there is a chance he may decided to head home to his former mate.  Should that happen, there is potential for  conflict between him and Jack.  Let us hope it doesn’t come to that particularly with a possible hatch occurring today here.

Mariah did it! Oh boy.

He was home by noon today just as I knew he would be, the MNR thought otherwise but I knew because of what happened to Mariah!

I was at the site this morning and Jack was with Angel at our site during the storm - gale force winds and rain we had this morning and yes I stood out in that!! -.  I left about 11:30 as the wind was too strong and I was cold and soaked.  I got home at noon and opened my email and had an email from the other site saying Milton (that's what they've named him) was positively ID'd at their site at 11:30!!!  They have a photo up of him at the site on their old nest ledge they took showing his bands.

TR Mom (who has no name) was on her eggs so they dont' know if the two met up but I expect he found her as he'd be calling to her.

Mathew just emailed me a half hour ago and Jack is now over there at their site as a hatch is expected there this weekend too - once again we are guesstimating as no cam there either!.  No sign of Milton but he said Jack looks relaxed and was perched calmly on the ledge there.

Perhaps Milton being in rehab for a year won't be itching for a fight and with his old mate on eggs, he may just bide his time and lay low for awhile or we'll see some fireworks soon.  I will be out there tomorrow to see what I can see if the weather clears up!

The fighting started at Toronto Residential at 6 pm last night and continued this morning.  Jack has a slight chest wound but is still flying and in control of his territory last I heard a half hour ago although no falcons are now being sighted over there anywhere.  I checked here several times and he has not come back here to check on Angel or the nest as of yet. 

I have done a small update on the CPF site just now.  I expect this will be like it was with Mariah and be prolonged over a few days until one of them wins or gives in?  Mathew also has some updates on TR site this morning.

http://www.asic.ca/peregrinefalcons/

Another blip in today's events....I guess we all knew Milton would come back and a fight would occur. One has to go but which? The cam is down also. I just don't know.

Falcons back, with chicks
 
Peregrine young seen Saturday at bridge


Peregrine falcon couple Freddie and Voltaire are back nesting under the Ambassador Bridge and have two chicks this year.

The young appeared May 1 and the Windsor Peregrine Watch Team is already looking for volunteers to train to monitor the nest especially when the young get ready for a first flight in June.

Eighty per cent of peregrine falcon chicks don't survive and the team is hoping people will keep their distance or be trained at a May 16 workshop to help protect the fledglings when they are ready to fly.

"All we want to do is improve their odds," Windsor Peregrine Watch Team site co-ordinator Dennis Patrick said Friday.

It's the second year the peregrine falcons at the bridge have produced young. Last year one chick died and the other got injured, rescued and then disappeared. It's not clear what happened to that bird, but the adult peregrine falcons stayed in Windsor during the winter.

This year Patrick is asking people to keep their distance from the threatened species or train to be part of the watch team that is affiliated with the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. The training workshop is being held Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walker Road Superstore in the community room. Patrick said volunteers will work shifts to monitor the birds and will learn how to protect the peregrines during the mid June period when the fledglings attempt their first flights. Patrick said the team will have a protocol mandated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Peregrine Foundation and will only intervene if the young are in imminent danger.

The team hopes to train 20 to 25 volunteers for three-hour shifts during mid-June. He's asking people who aren't volunteers to respect the species at risk and the property at the bridge and the University of Windsor. Anyone whose presence is not in the best interest of the birds could be asked to leave, he said.

"If they could just understand, this is a National Geographic special right above our heads. We're seeing a bird make a comeback in an area where it was extinct," Patrick said of the importance of a successful nest.

Windsor is lucky to have a peregrine falcon nest since the cliff dwellers usually prefer a higher ledge on a skyscraper when in urban areas. And in flat Windsor, the Ambassador Bridge nest could be the first peregrine falcon nest ever in the area, said Marion Nash, vice-president of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation.

She said there are 88 nests in Ontario with most in northern Ontario. In the bird's comeback, "every single nest site is important," Nash said.

She said people interested in following peregrines can do so on the foundation's website at www.peregrine-foundation.ca. She said too many gawkers can stress out the birds and since the peregrine falcons are territorial, it could be dangerous.

"Imagine a missile coming at you at 260 km/h," she said of the peregrine falcon's speedy dive.

When trained volunteers monitor nests, the 60 to 80 per cent mortality rate is reduced to 20 per cent, she said.

Peregrine populations declined around the world after the Second World War and the pesticide DDT was blamed. There were an estimated 100 pairs of breeding peregrine falcons in Ontario before the 1950s, Nash said. Most were in northern Ontario. That dropped to zero by the 1970s and 1980s, Nash said.

Without release programs, the peregrine falcon could be extinct, she said.

To attend the training workshop and volunteer during two weeks in mid-June, email windsorperegrinewatch@yahoo.ca.

Check out the Milton's release video and also the release of a juvie named Nemo!  Nemo's is adorable-- he wasn't ready to fly at first!

http://www.asic.ca/peregrinefalcons/

I watched the videos this morning jeanne....he is so cute and a big boy. I feel sorry for Milton, has anyone heard anything today about him and Jack?

!!! Three eggs have now hatched, one left to go!
May 10, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Guylaine Drolet Reports:

Hi All,

As of today - (Monday May 10th) , 3 eggs have hatched now at MEC. We saw one of the adults feeding all 3 hatchlings late morning. Only one egg left to hatch.
They looked very alert, all little beaks wide open asking for food.
Take care,

!!! First Hatch at MEC!
May 09, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Guylaine Drolet Reports:

Hi Guys,
Had a bit of a scare today, dad was sitting on eggs and the first hatchling. The little one was being very agitated, dad pick it up from the neck and took it across the nest box, dragging it around. I thought that he was going to kill the baby, I think that dad may have gotten a bit confused and may have thought that it was prey. Anyway, after he poked at it a few times and stepped on it too, he finally dragged it back where the eggs were and after a while, things settled down. VERY SCARY to see.. Big Frank and Loriann also saw this incident.  :scaredblue:
Take care,
GfD

 1+1=2 plus 1 equals 3!
-
Sarah Washington Reports:

WOW! Hamilton now has 3 beautiful chicks at the Sheraton Hotel! We are still waiting for one more to hatch, but that should not be long.

They look so small, and fuzzy…as always though….the do not stay that way for long.

Stay tuned!

I checked the site and there were no updates.  Milton is really beautiful and Nemo is just precious!  I think Milton should find Mariah and make babies

Yes   :clap: :thumbsup: 

oh Yes totally agree  :2thumbsup:

Speaking of Madame X and Surge:

Last but not least…
-
Sarah Washington Reports:

As of yesterday the Hamilton Nest Site counted 4 fuzzy chicks! Madame X and Surge have been busy feeding and keeping the family warm during the cooler temperatures.

Lots of work ahead!

Get ready for round 2 Mr. ledge sitter! Maybe another video also!

!!! Looks like an empty nest!
April 09, 2010 - Niagara Falls Posted May 11
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Once again with a huge thank you to our friends at the New York DEC, we have received some great shots taken from the US side of the gorge of the old nest site at the decommissioned OPG generating station. It is quite obvious by the photos sent in to us that we have just received that were taken around the second week of April that the old nest site is void of any peregrine activity. Despite the various reports that been streaming in of peregrines being observed in the gorge again this year, it appears that they are not currently nesting at this nest site. With thanks to Roger and Connie for the photos and all of their hard work gathering observations. The search continues.

I love this nest, something about it.

!!! Adults still on territory, but are they nesting?
May 09, 2010 - Niagara Falls Posted May 11
CPF Postmaster Reports:

A big thank you to Rebecca for sending in these great shots of the two peregrines at the Niagara falls gorge that were taken on May 9th of this year. While the search continues to try and identify a possible nest site, (and to identify the birds themselves), it appears that the elusive pair are still very much around and have been quite active. Observation reports of the birds activity have been streaming in from both sides of the border in recent weeks, but the mystery continues with regards to any nesting activity and the birds identity. While both of the birds still remain unidentified at this point, we do have a partial band number and band colour of the female given Rebecca’s photo that indicates that the she dawns a Black over Red colour marker band having a lower alpha digit of H. The USFW band number appears to a coloured band instead of the typical silver coloured band. The photo of the male in flight that shows one of its legs, appears to be unbanded.
The mystery continues………..

!!! Etobicoke Update
May 12, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Apologies for taking so long to give an update after Monday’s post!  Everything seems to be back to normal today and all is quiet.

Monday afternoon after my last report of the TR Male attempting to regain his site on Monday morning and Jack being wounded, they did both end up at our site on Monday afternoon.  It was more like Jack chasing poor Milton out of the other territory and they spilled into ours.  At one point Mom even joined in to help them along as she was quite agitated, jumping in and out of the nestbox and alarm calling. 

Interestingly, Milton returned here as Jack went back to the territory they were fighting over and he stayed here for the evening while Jack remained over there.  Milton tried to make friends with mom at one point but she wasn’t having any of it!  She came out of the nestbox a few times and chased him off and despite the fact she could have hurt him..she didnt’.  He didn’t seem injured, a bit roughed up no doubt but was flying quite well and spent most of his time here preening and fixing his feathers :)   He spent the night on one of the buildings nearby and was gone by the next morning so I expect he’s moved on…we hope for his sake anyway at least until Jack’s hormones stop raging!

Jack seemed to be more aggressive which makes sense as he has chicks/eggs at two sites whereas Milton seemd to be more confused about the entire situation and didn’t seem to be interested in a prolonged or fatal battle though he gave Jack a nice parting shot to remember him by.  What was really curious was that Jack didn’t seem to know that he was here at our site for several hours. 

Yesterday Jack was a bit more calm but he was still on alert and was only sighted here once however today he’s back to his usual routine and mom has had two breaks..I saw food come off the ledge so all is good.

Frank went up to the condo rooftop yesterday to see if he could see what was going on in the nestbox but given the cold, windy weather..Mom was not budging.  She didn’t blink, glared at him but she would not show him what she was hiding.  You can see in the nestbox that she was certainly sitting in a posture indicating she is definitely hiding something but until we see white fluffies…we’re not going to call it.  We will make another attempt next week if Spring ever decides to revisit us.

Private Residential update

 :star:  May 13, 2010 - No idea on anything

I wish I had a more precise update but the reality is I don't know what's going on. Let me summarize all the things I don't know:

- We may, or may not have eggs on site (I believe we may)
- There may, or may not have been a hatch here (I haven't seen food deliveries so I suspect not)
- Milton has not been seen since Monday evening, and was last seen at Bloor/Islington
- The last observation of Milton involved a reference to him resembling a feather duster (ie. frazzled)
- Milton is in a molting phase which explains part of his appearance
- Jack is tending to both our nest and the Bloor/Islington nest, and on guard for intruders/Milton

A few weeks ago, based on what I knew at the time, I prepared a forecast of the nesting season. This was based on when I believed incubation had begun, and was guesswork at best.

I cannot visually confirm anything, but it does appear that my original estimate for a hatch has now passed. This may mean there are young up there, it may mean incubation started later than I thought, or, since I haven't visually confirmed the presense of any eggs, it could mean Jack and Mom are playing house with an empty nest.

This update couldn't be more ambiguous. Welcome to the world of blind nest monitoring, it's fun for the whole family! Until something changes this is all I know.

3 Eyases at Etobicoke Bloor Islington confirmed by Frank just now!!  HE was dive bombed by both Jack and Angel, more details later!!

 bguitar :mbanana: :clap:

And just when you thought you'd seen it all...TR Mom has been seen flying with her former mate while Jack babysits their chicks!  Only in Toronto I tell ya!!  :rofl:

http://www.asic.ca/peregrinefalcons/

And here is Franks video from today of his visit up to see Angel, Jack and the new kids on the block!

http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2vteasz&s=5

Boy what a story this is! Hope none get hurt.

I hope Milton doesn't get hurt.  He's a cute little guy!  And good for Mom.  Jack has two nest sites; just like Windwhistler did.  This is the first time I have heard of a female being with two males.  Mom is a trendsetter, albeit in a soap opera kind of way!

!!! Hatch Confirmed!!
May 08, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Based on the good news that we have received, we can confirm without any doubt that there has been a hatch of the first hatchling on or about May 8th.
Congratulations Burlington!

!!! THIRD CHICK IS CONFIRMED 100%
May 17, 2010 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

We’ve been 98% sure we had three chicks and have been struggling to be able to see for that last 2% to make us 100% sure that we had three chicks hatched. Well tonight Lou, Ken, you were right as we watched they all lined up along the nest ledge and waved!!!! Special thanks to Nicko who stuck with us in the rain and helped us 100%confirm the third hatch!! No doubt we have three chicks and they are growing like weeds!!!! They are getting huge. We should have some really good pictures over the next few days.

The maturity and confidence and team work of Voltaire and Freddie is light years ahead of last year!!! We are gased at the possibilities!!
Dennis and Gwenster and the whole Windsor Falcon Watch Team.

!!! 4 eggs reduced to one
May 18, 2010 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

The 4 eggs that were once here (for a second time this year) are now only 1. Not sure how the 1st one went missing but I saw the female consume the 2nd one that went missing. This is way too wierd for me to comprehend, but I’m hoping she must have known that the egg she ate was not fertilized because when she ate it, the yoke & white were clearly visible. I think if it was a viable egg that there would have been an embryo or something solid in the egg. So to this point, she has 1 egg left & is on it constantly. We are hoping that this egg will eventually hatch. Never a dull moment here in Port Colborne! Mostly frustrating ones.

What the heck is going on over there!   :scaredblue:

I don't know but 7 eggs so far have disappeared!  :o

I know they have a camera but they kind of need some sort of taping capability. 

I'm going out on a limb here but given he saw the female eating the egg...it begs the question if there isn't an environmental issue going on here.  We've had so many different male/female combinations here and almost always the same result - eggs that aren't viable/destroyed/vanished.  I am beginning to wonder if the mill isn't spewing some nasty chemicals that is affecting the viability of the eggs themselves?  

If it was the same pair or say the same male or female throughout the years - you could question the fertility of one of the pair or both but every year we see either a new male or new female or both.  We've had some hatches but year after year we keep reading about destroyed/missing eggs so for sure something un-natural is going on.

The only other alternative is that someone at the Mill itself is harassing the falcons and stressing them out so much that they are destroying their own eggs.  Either way it's time the MNR stepped in and did some real investigating - given that this is still a protected species.

Wow...ya never know. It's pretty sad and i hope someone investigates this. Thanks.

Freedom (M&K's first son) nested there for quite a few years with two different mates and didn't have any problems as far as I know.  In fact, as we all know, Archer was born/raised at that nest site.  So, whatever is going on now?  Who knows.  Very sad though.  Hope this last egg hatches successfully.

 :surprise:   Gudgreef!  Very strange situation!

Mathew has a new post and photos of mom and the new kids on the block...congratulations TR Mom and Jack (again!).  Looks like he's the father of six now!!

http://www.asic.ca/peregrinefalcons/

Whatever happened to Milton?  :o

No sign of Milton since Mathew saw him and mom flying around together behind Jack's back  :-\   He had to go away for two days right after that day and when he came back no sign of the little guy.  No reports of conflict either by the residents so perhaps he's hanging out somewhere nearby in safety or he's decided to enjoy his summer and will be back when the kids are grown.  We'll have to wait and see what happens.

I was hoping Mom would prefer Milton who is more faithful than Jack who is maintaining two females! ;)

Me too Jeanne!  From what I've read and seen at other nest sites, the female/male will usually take back a mate that has returned from rehab.  I'm encouraged by the fact she was seen hanging out with him and they actually have been together for a few years so they have a shared history.  Perhaps the fact she had babies due to hatch any minute, she chose to maintain the status quo until the chicks are raised .  Of course that may be seen as attaching human feelings to them but we'll see what happens in a few months.

Carly, keep us posted!!  She might be thinking babies first.  I do hope Milton is ok and will go back home.  Gosh, he's cute. 

Hi All

Working with the three different management groups and building owners, MNR and a host of other required services, partners and sponsors, press and media with regards to these three different dates to complete these four bandings.

As you might imagine, things are a little hectic and the likelihood is that we will miss someone with this e-mail communication.  Please don’t hesitate to pass this announcement along to other stakeholders involved as we are neck deep with the coordination and organization of these and other bandings events, also to include ongoing banding arrangements for Burlington and Windsor nest sites.

There is still the possibility of a Mt. Sinai Hospital hatch, Port Colborne hatch, William Osler hatch and one never knows what the Scarborough Yellow Pages birds will do.  All are still being closely monitored with ongoing communication with the various management groups at these nest sites.

Toronto downtown Sheraton Hotel nest site:

All has been arranged for May 28th, at 10AM banding.  Set up is a 9AM, with banding at 10AM.  Banding room has been booked and confirmed for the Pinnacle room, 43rd floor Penthouse with hotel management very excited.  (Press, TV and radio have been invited), along with special VIP guests from USA), along with MANY representatives from other CPF partners and sponsors , also including 11 representatives from five other Canadian federal government districts from across Canada – via our friends from Environmental Services / Public Works and Government Services Canada.  Should be a great day!

 

18 King Street nest site:

So far, all is going very well as we have 18 King Street management group is good for June 3rd at 10AM banding.  Window washing agency, swing stage and swing stage operators are available and have now been officially booked and confirmed for this date.   Media has also been invited.

 

Etobicoke Sun Life Centre – (Bloor & Islington) nest site:

Management group is once again very excited and planning their typical big event with invited guests and school groups and all is a “go” with them and other stakeholders for June 4th banding at 10AM in the east tower ground floor lobby.  Window washing group has NOT YET confirmed but trying to work out the logistics of providing both the swing stage and operators for this banding at 10AM at the Sunlife Centre, AND same services for the afternoon out at the Mississauga Executive Centre – (MEC nest site).

 

 Mississauga Executive Centre – (MEC nest site).

Management group also on board and agreed for a 2PM banding time once again to be conducted in the lobby of MEC building #1 (same venue as in past years).

Invited guests, and Mississauga news media have also confirmed their presence.

Once again, we are still waiting for Window washers to confirm this date and timeframe.

 

I will be back to ASAP as soon as we have a confirmation from Window washing regarding their service for MEC and Etob. Sunlife nest sites.

Sincerely

Mark Nash

Director

The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

WINDSOR, Ont. — A third peregrine falcon chick was spotted at the Ambassador Bridge this week.

“We got confirmation on three chicks,” Windsor Peregrine Watch Team site co-ordinator Dennis Patrick said Wednesday.

The chicks are about 19 days old. Because watch team members have to use binoculars and because of the angle of looking up at the high ledge, the team couldn’t confirm there were three chicks until Monday.

“They are growing so astoundingly fast,” Patrick said. “When you see them in the evening you go ‘I can’t believe how much they grew this day.’”

In 21 days, the chicks will be adult size and ready for their first flights, he said.

Adult peregrine falcons Freddie and Voltaire are hunting for food to feed their youngsters. Freddie brings food and Voltaire feeds the chicks, Patrick said.

The Windsor Peregrine Watch Team is monitoring the nest and will be there especially for the first flights in June. About 80 per cent of peregrine falcon chicks don’t survive but teams of trained volunteers can reduce the mortality rate to about 20 per cent.

 And There Were Two
May 20, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I spent a couple of hours at the Lift Bridge yesterday and I’m very happy to confirm that we were able to see two little white heads.  Are there more?  We will keep watching.  Mom was trying to shelter the little ones from the hot noon day sun, but they still managed to escape to peer over the edge.

Today using a hardcore DIY camera rig, I peeked at the nest ledge. The camera was shaky, extended on about 20 feet of pole.

While peeking, Mom remained on the ledge quietly alarm-calling at the camera but otherwise calm and trying to mantle the young. They were in front of her, and while a head count was difficult, it appears there are 3 unless more are underneath. I would guess they're ~1 week old or less. No egg shells or fragments were visible, but a green-banded pigeon foot was.

Please read the entry directly below this for useful Species at Risk and Stewardship info and resources.


Additional posts will be made in the days to come.

What’s Going On??
May 27, 2010 - North York - Nest
Bruce Massey Reports:

     Who knows whats going on In North York.  For the second week the Birds have moved South, now down in the Old (2008) Nesting Area, centering around North York  City Center.

     In the middle of last Week, I was seeing them in the Finch/Yonge area, Male or female and occasionally Both.  This week I am only seeing one at a time again.

     As with last week, I was seeing predominately the Male

two growing balls of fluff
May 27, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Robert Williams Reports:

As I arrived this evening at the bridge, mom was already actively hunting and quickly caught a pigeon over the harbour.  She returned to the Skyway and then the overhead wires of the lift bridge to finish preparing it, then took it to the nest ledge to feed the chicks.  There were two very visible white chicks that came to the edge of the ledge to be fed.  They spent some time at the edge after feeding, looking all around and there was even some flapping going on after dinner.

The male arrived from parts unknown while the chicks were eating, and settled on the south tower.  He seemed to keep looking down towards the parking lot and south of the tower.  Later in the evening the female gave an alarm and dove across past the parking lot, around an old house south of the tower.  Unfortunately I couldn’t see what upset her, but she buzzed the area several times screaming (while dad looked on), and settled for a short while on a lampost overlooking this area.  She eventually returned to the hood beside the nest ledge where she remained when I left.

The chicks are growing so fast, they’ll be losing their downy white in no time.  It’s nice to finally get a reasonable look at them.

 Still In The Neighbourhood
May 21, 2010 - Niagara Falls
Bruce Massey Reports:

    Spent the Victoria Day weekend in Niagra Falls.  On Friday I arrived @ 0830 Hrs. and was down at Falls by Noon. That day Friday, I saw the Female briefly for about 30 Seconds near Clifton Hill area.

    On Saturday, I was able to get down first thing in the Morning, but had to get back to the Campground by 0930 Hrs due to the Rain.  I again got a brief 30 seconds of the Male flying up river towards the Horseshoe Falls, again in the Clifton Road area.  I attempted to head down in the Afternoon, but the rest of the day turned out to be a Washout.

    On Sunday, I got skunked in the Morning, but in the Afternoon when I decided to check the FallsView Area (In the area of the New Casino) I lucked out.  I found both the Male & Female on the North West side of the New Hilton Tower.

    On  Monday, I again got Skunked, and left the Campground around 1030 Hrs. to go back to Toronto.

    In conclusion, what I saw I think confirms the other Posts, suggesting that there isn’t any nesting activity at this time.

It’s Hot Mum!!
May 26, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Things are going well here - from what I can see, although there is far too much I can’t see which is namely our little triplets.   I’ve seen the back of Angel quite a bit as she is sitting wings up in the box to sheild the little ones from the sun as she has done in previous years.  I did think I saw a white head in the nestbox this morning but it quickly vanished!  Angel was on the webcam in the shaded part, no doubt it’s extremely hot up there and we are expecting highs of 32c today!

Jack seems to be keeping up with food deliveries and breaks for both his families so far.  It is strange to see so many pigeons in the area and all over the rooftops in his absence.   You can tell when he flies in as suddenly they are flying all over the place in a panic and quite relieved when he leaves I’m sure!

A banding date has been set and we are awaiting one more confirmation before we can say it’s for sure!  I’m excited to see the eyases this year, more so because we are missing all the critical milestones so it will be a big surprise when they come down to meet their public.  Let us hope they are healthy and hardy!

Thought this was the Rhea Mae & Tiago thread.........Am I in the wrong place?

Did our girls go to Toronto for the banding?? Haven't heard a thing!  :o ???

This is the everyone EXCEPT RM&T thread...they're here (http://rfalconcam.com/forum/index.php?topic=92.0)

And, yes, our gang is there...3 boys!

May 31, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

What a great day!!  I’ve had my first sighting of two of the chicks from the ground level!  I could see one set of black and white wings flapping in the corner next to the nest box.  Mom is directly seated in front of the nest and was keeping her eye on me as I watched.  And I saw one head peeking around behind her!  Hopefully we still have three chicks and the other is just napping or out of viewing range.

I’ve had word this morning that Milton, the other male is back at the TR site.  Both Jack and TR Mom are there and are aware of his presence.  The female seems to be confused and is going between them but no sign of hostility yet.

The past week has seen our female pretty much on her own, save for sporadic visits by Jack she is feeding them, hunting, guarding and defending the territory on her own.  The other day during the extreme heat I saw her at one point looking quite exhausted and she undershot the nest ledge and almost hit the glass coming in with food.  Thankfully, although still hot and sunny, there has been a nice breeze the past few days and she looks much better today.  She is doing an amazing job on her own and at least now the young are old enough that she can leave them when she has too.

Fledge will be challenging as she can’t be in three places at once if they decide to go at the same time but hopefully we can muster enough volunteers to give them a helping hand should it be required.

Pictures of Milton, with some of Jack and Mom.  I think Milton is a little cutie :heart: :heart: :heart:

http://www.asic.ca/peregrinefalcons/

I'm with you jeanne, he sure is. :wub:

A slideshow  (http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/video2/Falcons/)of the banding at the Hamilton ON Sheraton nest of Madame X & Surge

Madame X nailed the guy taking the eyases from the nest...

Neat!    :clap:

Bless her sweet heart!  what a good mama!  These falcons are fearless when it comes to their babies!

Etobicoke & TR Site Kids Update

!!! It’s Raining Men!!
June 08, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

It seems that Jack took my words about there being a shortage of males to heart as he is the proud father of 5 boys this year!  3 at our site here and 2  at his other site.

Interestingly  he wasn’t much help during either banding, staying briefly and making alot of noise and then taking off to the alternate site leaving his ‘girls’ to do all the hard work defending!

This morning he was here quite a bit…so I figured they must be banding over there and at one point he was eating lunch on the ledge while mom patrolled the skies and cleared the pigeons for him!

I saw all of the boys today, they are getting more emboldened and coming a bit closer to the edge of the ledge now.  Two of them have gotten quite dark compared to last Friday and our littlest one is black and white now.  We will be starting our annual Fledge Watch here next Monday as the boys will be around 36 days old which is the earliest they can fledge.

Wow..talk about a fierce momma! I have a feeling Beauty will be NO slacker!  :hurt:

!!! Star in pickle during one of his first flights!
June 07, 2010 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a huge thank you to Ernie for his observation report and photos of Star in a difficult situation (on one of his first flights at fledge, close to street level, surrounded by concrete, autos, buses, people and stuck under an overhang, these photos say it all!!
Hi Mark:
Here are the details:

This bird was spotted at 2:00 pm Monday June 7th. Toronto Downtown
Above the loading door at the Four Seasons centre. (NW corner Richmond and York.)
Blue band on right leg.
Stayed about 1 hr or so and then flew to a lamp post on the NW corner of the street. Then struck the post or something hard and then flew south on York street at about 8 feet off the ground.
Cheers Ernie

WE HAVE LIFTOFF
June 10, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

When everyone arrived at the Lift Bridge this morning (around 9:30 am) we were very surprised to find Brant on the cable arm of the bay side of the Burlington Tower.  Mom came in and landed on the cables with food and he proceeded to try and reach her by walking along the cables.  Mom then took the food to the cable arm and he followed her.  That’s where he spent most of the day.  Between napping and flapping and preening it was a very long day.  All of a sudden around 5:50 pm he took to the air and circled around to the other side of the Burlington Tower.  We thought he had gone to the Hydro Towers, but he was nowhere to been seen.  After a time of searching Linda Cherriere found him inside a cross beam on the lake side of the Burlington Tower.  He had gotten himself into a predicament.  He couldn’t figure out how to get out.  After a few tense moments and some VERY awkward movements, he managed to get himself from inside the cross beam and onto one of the horizontal beams.  Whew, what a relief.  When we left at 9:30 pm, he was still there.  Mom did a few fly bys and we felt confident that he would be there for the night.

What will tomorrow bring? 

 Two chicks still unflighted
June 12, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

King St. chicks are still on the ledge. The weather may have had a good deal to do with that which is a good thing. The longer they wait the better they will be at flying.

Lots of flapping going on.

!!! Weekend Update
June 13, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Just returned from out nest site and all three boys were on the ledge being fed by Jack!  He’s been present quite a bit the past three days especially in the mornings.

On Friday, both mom and Jack were doing flying displays in front of the ledge while the two older boys cheered and flapped.  Little Mercedes didn’t think much of it all and seems to have a preference for the corner right under the web cam.

Friday at about 2:30 in the afternoon and I went out to check on them and mom was doing fly bys with food in her talons right in front of the nest ledge!  Then she would circle over to the condo corner where she was hoping to entice one of the boys to.  Blackberry was definitely the most developed with barely any white left on him and he was running up and down the ledge as if it was a runway flapping his wings like crazy.

Yesterday both dotca and blackberry were standing beak to beak on the ledge flapping away.   Mercedes didn’t want to have anything to do with it and mom beak fed him in the corner before feeding the other two.

Tomorrow our official fledge watch begins so keep your eyes to the skies as I expect these boys will be going sooner than later.

Cute names:Blackberry, Dotca and Mercedes

One Big Happy Family!!!
June 15, 2010 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

It’s hard to explain the excitement I feel to see Windsor, Lancer and Bridgette flying around sometimes with Freddie and Voltaire and other times by themselves. This morning Dennis and I got there around 5:30 A.M. still a little dark but we could hear them talking back and forth. As it got light we saw Windsor and Lancer on the ledge and Bridgette sitting on the nest ledge. One parent flew in with a food package and dropped it off. The three of them basically ran over to it. About an hour later we saw them fly off with Freddie, looks like he’s teaching them talon to talon hand off feeding as they are flying around. We want to say a Special Thank You to the Bridge corporation for helping us with the two rescues that we had to do to keep the chicks safe. Special thanks to the University of Windsor Security and all the bridge staff. This comunity spirit has launched this nest site into the treasure of great magnitude and value it deserves!! Great work by the Windsor Falcon Watch Team. There is still much to be seen in the early morning and evening.
Keep looking up, you’ll be amazed by what you’ll see!
Tomorrow evening Dennis and a friend will be adding photos on our site.
Gwen

!!! Malik Takes a Flight!
June 15, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Harry Crawford Reports:

Malik took his first flight before I got to the watch at 7:40am.
Nothing was visible in the nest area but that is not unusual.  I
checked the web-cam before I left home.  Only one chick was visible.
I then started the standard ground and building search, moving in
ever wider circles.  Vocalising was heard a couple of times.
Eventually, I spotted Malik on the northwest corner of the King
Edward Hotel - the highest part.  Great job Malik!

Paul joined the watch early and we were about to start searching for
Zera and just then, she appeared on the nest ledge.  Both parents
were in the area most of the time.

 No Flyers yet…
-
Sarah Washington Reports:

Well the Hamilton Chicks are not in flight as of yet. They will more then likely sneak up and just take off and surprise us all!

Chedoke is still not on the ledge with his siblings. He is getting his darker feathers in which is good and is eating, but he is a little behind.

We hope for exciting things to come!

!!! Malik’s First Sleep Over
June 15, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

Malik, the first fledge, will have his first sleep over at the King Edward Hotel. He spent his first day on the roof of the hotel and early in the evening, he made his way over to the base of the chimney.  Zera, still unfledged had a healthy meal around 8:15p.m. and then settled down out of sight for the night. After the feed and as it turned dark, the adult female was seen on the nest ledge.

Malik, was seen lying down at the base of the chimney on the east side of the hotel at dark.

I thought this was interesting-- this is the apt house with Mom, Jack and sometimes, Milton:


Feedings continue, Jack is here a lot, and Mom is around the ledge most of the time, though she does regularly go to the old nest ledge for a break.

Mom and Jack seem to be getting a little more tense. Mom has been observed "stooping" (diving at high speed) particular dogs on the property. In 2008 Mom disliked one large black dog for some reason, and did the same thing. No contact was ever made. Mom and Jack have also become more agitated by cats grazing directly below the nest. I don't want to alarm anyone but am mentioning this so folks are aware. If you're concerned for your safety, avoid the area, though I personally see Mom stooping as a minor but admittedly intimidating issue.

A nice video in the Detroit News (http://detnews.com/article/20100615/METRO/6150319/Falcons-nest-on-bridge%E2%80%93hatch-3) featuring Mark Nash and the Ambassador bridge eyases!

What a great video....Mark knows his stuff alright. Thanks Ei!  Love the name Bridge-tte!  :2thumbsup:

Pigeons living under the Ambassador Bridge had better beware. Peregrine falcon fledglings Windsor and Lancer were spotted Friday morning feasting on the birds they are learning to hunt.

Dennis Patrick, site co-ordinator with the Windsor Peregrine Watch Team, said this was the first documented talon-to-talon handoff from one of the parents to their off-spring.

"One of the parents caught it in mid-air, then the other three kids gave chase," he said.

"The one that got there quickest, and jostled and sparred the most, got the prize.

"This is the first step in turning the switch on to them getting their first kill on their own. It's major." Patrick said the next step will involve the parents taking a kill high up in the air and dropping it so the fledglings have to catch it.

The parents get their young to fly by zipping past with food and sometimes do talon-to-talon handoffs of food in the air.

The fledglings have been learning to fly since their first jump off the nest ledge under the Ambassador Bridge earlier this month. Lancer left first on June 7 and Bridgette took her first flight to the ground on June 9.

Although Windsor was the last to leave on June 10, he was the more successful flyer at first.

Volunteers can tell the fledglings apart by coloured tape that will eventually fall off. Bridgette has a red band, Lancer has a yellow band and Windsor has a green band.

Peregrine falcons are putting on an aerial show around the Ambassador Bridge where three fledglings survived their first jump off the nest ledge and are just now attempting talon-to-talon grabs of food in the air.

"It puts the Red Bull right in the back seat," Windsor Peregrine Watch Team site co-ordinator Dennis Patrick said this week. "The flying they're doing, it's phenomenal."

Since peregrine falcon chicks usually have an 80 per cent mortality rate in their first year, getting the fledglings successfully through their first step off the nest ledge at the Ambassador Bridge and flying is a big relief.

"Day by day our odds increase of them making it," Patrick said.

Lancer left the ledge first on June 7 and was followed by Bridgette the female on the ninth and Windsor on the 10th. The trio took their first flights earlier than expected.

Although Windsor is the smallest and was the last to get off the ledge, he was the most successful in his first flight. The other two fledglings ended up still on the ground at dusk so volunteers contacted the bridge company and intervened to make sure the fledglings were on higher perches for the night. If the birds are not in imminent danger, the volunteers just watch.

There were a few times when volunteers had to try to keep cars from hitting the falcons on Huron Church Road.

Now the fledglings, which are about 48 days old, are being trained to hunt.

The adult peregrines, Freddie and Voltaire, start weaning the chicks off food to get them interested in leaving the nest. Once their young are flying, the fledglings still get some food such as pigeons dropped off but more and more the parents try to lure them off their perch.

"I'm watching Freddie come by, show them a little glimpse of food. As soon as they engage, he flies away and they have to chase him. Whoever catches him gets fed first. So they're racing each other for food."

Other birds fly and flap a lot, Patrick said. "The peregrine is like your fighter jet -- narrow wings -- and when it comes into a dive it's just unbelievably fast."

Peregrine falcons can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h when diving for prey.

  :wave:   :good post:    I like all the poop, it looks like melted wax!   Thanks Donna.    :gum:

 :2funny: :scaredblue:

!!! One of A Fledger’s worst nightmare! Every one is missing!!
June 20, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Mark Nash Reports:

A fledge watcher’s worst nightmare. Upon my arrival this morning, there were absolutely no birds in sight including the absence of both resident adults. After walking around the four MEC properties for over 2 hours searching every nook and cranny, every parking lot, and all of the surrounding roadways, nothing was found! Finally around 11AM, the resident adult female flew in from the south and landed on the nest box landing platform. She stopped, looked down into the ledge below the nest box and flew off to the north. Nothing in the nest box itself, but something was obviously noticed below as that was the reason she flew over in the first place,,, to check on someone!

By 11:30am, Marion and Kathy arrived to help in the search. Moments afer their arrival, one juvenile finally popped up from the ledge below the nest box, flapped its wings, rushed along the upper ledge to the corner of the nest ledge and dropped down again out of our sight. Neither Craig or Joe has been sighted since their release back to the nest building roof top last night.

After a two plus search of all parking lots, parking ramps and the surrounding roadways and buildings, trees, and the creek on both sides of Robert Spec parkway, not even a single resident bird of any kind was kind enough to help me with warning or alarm calls that would have tipped me off of a downed fledgling. So the wait continues in the hope that mom or dad will give us some help as to where the fledglings may have grounded themselves.
Stay tuned………

from Last night:

!!! Craig is the second to fledge! Stunned, but unhurt as he comes to the ground.
June 19, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Mark Nash Reports:

A very quiet day today with just a little rain this morning, and then blistering hot, clear sky and hot and humid. Upon my arrival, the juveniles were actually on the top of the nest box lounging around without a care in the world. Then around 1:30pm, mom came in to the nest ledge and straight into the nest box. If I hadn’t had my eyes fixed onto the nest box at that very moment, I would have missed her for sure. Moments later, the juveniles all jumped down onto the nest box landing platform and entered the nest box. A minute later, mom appeared with the food that she had flown in with and I watched her feed each of the juveniles beak to beak.. A very tender moment indeed. Then I watched her consume the balance of the huge white pigeon that she had been feeding her hatchlings.

At around 3pm, little “Craig” took his first flight. Sadly, with the high winds, he was carried across the street and slammed into the glass about half way up MEC 2, and fluttered down the glass to the side walk area. I was able to quickly scoop him up while he lay dazed on the concrete. Seconds later, he was awake and very alert, with no signs of any serious injuries, just stunned after his impact. A quickly examination for broken bones and serious trauma, and he was put into the rescue carrier for a quick hold over to cool down and de-stress. He will be released back to the nest building if he checks out OK after his second examination.

More...

!!! Two on the roof and two still on the nest ledge.
June 19, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Mark Nash Reports:

For the most parts, an uneventful evening with the exception of the blustery winds that never let up, right up until darkness. At the close of my shift, the last male “Wade” was still visible on the nest box and his sister “Xuan” - (pronounced Soon) had disappeared into the darkened nest box.

Their falcon follies started later in the evening than usual with Wade running up and down the nest ledge flapping and charging his sister as he threatening to fly on more than a dozen occasions, even as darkness set in. Finally at 9:40pm he finally settled down and allowed me a few stress free moments

Finished the watch at 9:50pm when it was too dark to the nest ledge. Back into the building and one final check of the two boys “Craig and Joe” prior to their release back to the roof of the nest building. A final quick examination and a little water for both juveniles to assist in their re-hydration and it was back to the roof top of the nest building for their release. While I must admit, I was the only one that really needed the re-hydration as the hot humid past 14 hours in the streets had me feeling like a clammy old rag. The cool air conditioned environment where the two boys had been resting in their rescue carriers was far from uncomfortable! Oh my goodness, it was nice to finally get into some cool air!!

Utilization of the cover of darkness for their release made it much easier to get two birds back to the roof without causing them a panic flight at my presence during the release, and for the most parts all when well. Well at least for the birds.

I can’t say that everything went just exactly as I visioned it, as trying to release both birds at precisely the same time (while ensuring that both birds were removed from the rescue carriers exactly at the same time was easy), but the job got done.

(Funny how they fuss going into the rescue carriers in the first place, and fight like heck to stay in the rescue carriers, refusing to come out! After sustaining ripped and torn pants and numerous punctures to both of my legs, during this release, I can tell you that both birds have plenty of fight and lots of energy!

As I quickly departed the roof area and headed for the roof hatch to make my exit, both juveniles seemed very satisfied that they had been successful in “kicking my butt” (which they did), my final observation of them before closing the hatch had them standing side by side mantling and hissing at me like a couple of vipers with looks that could kill. I know that I won’t be on their Christmas card list this winter! I prey that we won’t meet again anytime too soon!

 Tons of Talon to Talon Action!!!
June 19, 2010 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

The youngsters tonight were engaging each other in locked talon swing arounds. The wind was right so we had some excellant aerial displays. 30 or 40 feet over head and all around JUST above tree top
I want to say thank you to our watch team whom without I can honestly say this report would be shy a couple of Falcons.
The displays are great late afternoon and evening. Several talon to talon aerial hand offs of food. You can see the youngsters grow in maturity and confidence every day. Voltaire the female really layed down the law tonight and clamped down on the no fly zone. She climbed several times right past a gull and stooped and chased and drove the gull off. Thank you to all the volunteers who came to meet under the Bridge where this first started 3 Years ago. I have many pictures to post and I will try to do so.

!!! 2 Fledges!!
June 19, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Frank Butson Reports:

Finally 2 of our 3 boys took flight. We are sure one was Blackberry. He flew first as Kathy and I watched. He sailed over the condo on Aberfoyle and went to the roof of One Lomonde. From there he made a good flight gaining altitude landing on the window ledge of the appartment across the road. From there to the rooftop of Kingsway on the Park. From there to the 2nd tower of the Sunlife Centre(over the section where the nestledge is!). Finally Blackberry made a brilliant flight which Kathy witnessed,where he made it back to the nestledge. This is a benchmark at watches as getting back to the nestledge,shows a controlled flight.

The 2nd fledge we arent entirely sure who it is. Kathy thinks it was Mercedes. He flew well and ended up ontop of the Sunlife Centre. He was on the roof  ledge walking along,when a gust of wind took him off. He flew well,but his landing was not so good. He missed 3 attempts to land before coming to rest on a balcony. He is safe for the night there. If he remains there in the morning we will attempt a rescue.  The 2 young on the ledge were fed and we left around 930pm.  Thanks to all our helpers today,including Baylie,Terry and Elizabeth Shiels ,Sandra and Bob and security at Kingsway  On The Park.

No Fly Zone Etobicoke
June 18, 2010 -
Frank Butson Reports:

Once again our 3 boys stayed put on the ledge without flying. Several times they clung perilously to the edge of the ledge,flapping,but just couldnt committ to that last step and leave go.  Mom turned the area into a no fly zone,keeping the airspace clear for take-off. Over the course of the afternoon,she took a serious run grabbing a Ring-billed Gull before letting go,diving at and hitting at least 4 times a passing Turkey Vulture and most amazingly,a Great Blue Heron was seen passing by,by Ian,Marion and I,only to be attacked by Angel. When she got close the Great Blue Heron realized it was in trouble and went into a quick,steep dive itself,hit once by Angel over the intersection of Aberfoyle and Bloor. The Great Blue Heron resembled a “lawn dart” as it dove. None of us had ever seen such a dive!  Kathy,Marion and I left around 830pm,after a feeding took place after 8pm,repeating the fledge watchers lament..tomorrow for sure they fly!  With bad weather coming,we may be speaking those words again Saturday night?

 :clap:   Exciting stuff!  Soon enough we'll have our own fledge reports. Woohoo!    :mbanana:

From Big Frank...
"Rescued 2 Peregrines yesterday at Etobicoke Sunlife!"
 
Falcon Watch Jun 19-20, 2010
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=vfcxug&s=6

Thanks Joyce and big Frank. That was a nice little video! :wave:

Thank you for this nice video.

Love happy endings...thanks so much!

We keep seeing a falcon flying really high overhead at Etobicoke and I notice last week that Quest was in the area again.  We figure it's a 'she' as she very high up and still is identifiable to us as a falcon.  She flies at a high enough altitude that our pair don't feel threatened by her and know she is just passing through.  I told Frank that I bet it's Quest and today he told me that he thought he saw "quest' again before lunch  :laugh:

SWEET!!! Thanks.

 :yes: :heart:

Speaking of  :coolphotos: ...

 :whistle:  :poke:

Hamilton, we have lift off.

Peter, one of four peregrine falcon chicks atop the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel took to the skies Wednesday, with a little help from Mother Nature.

Brad Asseltine, co-ordinator of the Falcon Watch co-ordinated by the Hamilton Naturalists' Club, says the 42-day old chick may have had some help from a gust of wind, but he left the nest ledge and circled the hotel at 4:20 p.m.

His mother, Madame X, wheeled around the hotel with him, but he couldn't quite make it back to the Sheraton and spent the night on the Thompson building next door, walking and flying back and forth. Asseltine says on the Falcon Watch website that Joseph took off Saturday. Henderson and Chedoke, the two other chicks in the nest, are restless and will likely take wing any time. The four chicks were named after Hamilton hospitals.

This is the 16th season peregrine falcons have nested on the hotel.

!!! Sad news indeed! The Ottawa nest has failed this year!
June 21, 2010 - Ottawa - Crowne Plaza
admin Reports:

Hello All
Unfortunately Ottawa’s Falcon Watch will not be taking place this year. Diana’s 2nd attempt at hatching her 3 eggs seems to have failed, and a 3rd attempt is unlikely.

We are keeping an eye on her, but are now looking forward to the 2011 season.

Thank you for your support for our falcon family, and for our volunteers’ efforts.
Eve

!!! And now let the screaming start!
June 21, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

(LOL, that's his whole report)!  :silly:

Mark Nash Reports:



!!! The kids maybe out of the house, but the parents still have a big job ahead of them!
June 21, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Mark Nash Reports:[/b][/color]

While the “kids” maybe away from the house (or the nest ledge) at the moment, its only for a short time. The resident adults still have the hardest part of their job still to come. Protection, feeding and training the “teenagers” to fend for themselves. For the next 30 to 90 days, the juveniles will be utilizing the nest ledge and still sleeping there most nights. The adults will have to teach them all of the life skills that the juveniles will have to learn to survive to adulthood, or should I say, just survive another day)!! Remember that by mid September, thousands of years of hard wired instincts will have the young juveniles head south on a migration and with upwards of an 80% mortality and many perils and risks, the youngsters will need all of the help that they can just to survive their first year. The adult parents have their job cut out for them trying to teach the juveniles how, what and where to hunt food, and how to recognize and escape from all of the “bad guys” out there.
Stay tuned, and look to the skies, as the best viewing is yet to come!!

Peter has company in the skies…
-
Sarah Washington Reports:

Well Peter has been doing very well with his flying. His brother decided to join him on Saturday.
When Jospeh took off, Peter went after him to play.

Henderson and Chedoke are still in the nest ledge. Although, Henderson looks like she may fly at anytime.

The parents will not feed the nest chicks as often to try and entice them to the air. When their siblings are rewarded with food…we hope that they are getting the picture “If I fly I get grub”…

We shall see what happens…

Thanks Donna. :thumbsup:

 :happy:  I know fledge watch is more important right now.  I'm patient...they don't have to be timely...I would just like to eventually see them!

Ha Joyce...you got caught on that one!   ;)

Tumbling around…Hamilton nest
-
Sarah Washington Reports:

Well 3 of the chicks are now in the air at the Hamilton nest site. Henderson (female) decided it was time to leave the nest and fly with her brothers. She is doing so well, it amazes me.

They were flying around playing chase, touching talons and tag! It is almost as if you can see youself in them from when you were a child.

We still have 1 chick left to go. We are in hopes that she / he is just delayed. The common signs of flight are there just not as intense as most chicks at this stage.

!!! End Of Official Fledge Watch
June 23, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Frank Butson Reports:

With all young flying well,able to keep altitude and show a good ability to land and not panic if they dont get things just right,the fledge watch is done for 2010. CPF volunteers will be on site to monitor things intermitantly over the next several days and months. Several folks will be checking on things tomorrow to make sure our boys whether the weather.

Thanks to all of our volunteers,Kathy,Baylie,Diana,Marion,Mark and Frank. Thanks to Terry and Elizabeth,Sandra and Bob and Ian and Renee for pitching in when they were present. All the help is much appreciated. Thanks to security at Kingsway on the Park for helping again this season. Thanks to security at the Sunlife Centre,for storing equipment,minding rescued Peregrine Falcons and assisting with releases,your ongoing committed,co-operation makes our fledge watch run smoothly. Thanks to Oxford Properties for all you do every year,living with the nesting Peregrines 365 days a year 24hours a day,7 days a week. Your excellent stewardship ensures the success of this site. Thanks to the maintenance staff of the Sunlife Centre. Thanks to the residents who allowed us access to their condo units to rescue your Peregrines. It may seem to you a small thing to do but it really ensures the birds will survive and makes what we do simple. Thanks to all members of the general public who let us know their observations and show interest in the Peregrines. Its very rewarding when we see the same people every season interested in updates and to hear they are watching and checking our website with interest. Thanks to the new folks who took an interest. Thanks everyone for a very successful Fledge Watch,especially Angel and Jack the very capable Peregrine parents and to Mercedes,Blackberry and Dot-Ca for learning so fast and flying so well!!  Fly well my friends!

Flight Training and Feedings
June 23, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Frank Butson Reports:

Diana has been doing the early shift of the fledge watch all season,which is very greatfully appreciated! Today Diana reports to me:

As I left today Mom appeared between the 3 youngsters and proceeded to prepare food and then very carefully and deliberately fed each of them in turn by beak.   Then she left and returned almost immediately with a pigeon in talons which she left in the centre of the roof and then left again so I got the  impression that today’s lesson is “Preparing your own food”. Jack watched the comings and goings and approved, then he left.
  On arrival I had all 3 young on the roof of the nest building near the ADP sign. Many great flights were seen by all young. All 3 have been able to get into the various ledges with some pinpoint landings on the top of small perches. Talon touching,bumping each other and chasing Mom and Dad were all observed today. Jack was present quite abit in the time I was there,taking an active role in teaching the boys to fly,which is great to witness.

!!! PM report. All four juveniles back on the nest ledge at the nest box!
June 22, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Mark Nash Reports:

Having had to be away and off site most of the day on Tuesday, I can’t offer much as to the day’s activities of the fledglings as we will have to wait for Tracy’s report of her time in on the MEC watch.

Marion and I arrived back to the site later in the evening to relieve Tracy, so I can only offer my limited observations of the status of the birds at the close of the watch. Upon our arrival around 8:30 pm, all four juveniles were in view, with three juveniles on the nest ledge around the nest box, and one juvenile on the upper roof area of the nest building.

Losing light quickly, (combined with the distances from the ground to the nest ledge), it was difficult to identify the individual youngsters even with the scope, but clearly one of the three on the nest ledge was Xuan, (being much larger than her two brothers).

Around 8:50pm, the little juvenile that was on the upper nest building roof area took a very long flight out to the north and then to the south trying to land on MEC #3, but after a failed landing attempt, he headed north east with yet another very long flight and eventually swung around heading south and finally landing on the top of the condo building far to the north east of the MEC buildings.

No problem holding his altitude, as his landing spot was every bit as high as the MEC roof top elevation. There he rested for about 15 minutes and took flight again, flying south west as he swung around and finally landed on the east site of MEC #1 - (the nest building). While a “hard landing”, he did in fact land on the nest level ledges, and slowly worked his way around the east ledges to the south ledges and finally ended up back with all of his siblings at the nest box!

A heart warming greeting then took place with much beak rubbing and beak touching between three of the siblings with the arrival of their long lost brother. It was a very touching few minutes as we watched the three rub beaks together and eventually snuggled together and lay down side by side making sure that they were all touching / making contact with each other. The forth juvenile watched the entire event and then walked over to the three and layed down beside them.

As darkness fell, we left all four of the juveniles snuggled together on the nest box landing platform.

It appears that all four juveniles have been successful in sustaining their altitude and able to return to the nest ledge and the fledge watch for us is almost over. We will be on site for the next few days to ensure that they are in fact holding their altitude and staying off the ground. At this point, its up to the parents to carry on with their flight training of the kids.

Go Canada!!!(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Flags/canada-flag-14.gif)

Our New Female Feathered Educator has just flown in from Alberta  , via West Jet!

We’re all very happy to report that “Cheyenne” has just flown in (sort of) from Alberta via West Jet this afternoon and wasted no time telling us what was on her mind.  FEED ME NOW!!!

No worse for ware, little Cheyenne as she had been named will spend the next 30 days with her new CPF human foster parents and will of course be the centre of attention for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until she is flighted - (fledged).

Adorable is the only way to describe her.  Barely able to stand upright, she wasted no time voicing her opinion and demanding food from her new human foster parents.

I watched both Marion and Kathy scramble to prepare the food, as Cheyenne watched impatiently while her food was cut up.  (I guess that the food on West Jet was simply just not enough, or not up to her standards)?  Or, maybe there was no in-flight meal?

We hope that you all will welcome little Cheyenne to our educational team, and we all are looking forward to spending some time with her throughout the imprinted process.

Stay tuned for some really great baby photos to follow......

Another Cheyenne, she's adorable....good luck with her.

WHAT A SHOW
June 23, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Tonight we were entertained almost non stop from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.  The “Falcon Follies” started well before 8:00pm.  Lots of tag, lots of talon touching and lots of screaming for food.  At times there were 4 birds in the air doing aerobatics.  Mom was hunting.  Dad brought in what appeared to be an American Gold Finch.  Everything was happening so fast, that we were uncertain as to who got the meal.  Great to watch this stage of learning to hunt and chase prey.

!!! Locked talon wip arounds.
June 23, 2010 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

Locked talon flying is when the juvenile birds grab on to each others talons and spin each other around and around. Like a high speed marry go round in the sky. I’m dizzy just thinking about it. This is important for the males because they will need to claim a territory and defend it and attract a mate. This exercise is good for strength and stamina. This also determines who the dominant bird is .
Sibling interactions are a big facter in the chicks success down the road.
stayed tuned the action just gets better and better.
Everyday that these little creatures survive increases their odds of making it on their own.
Dennis Patrick.

!!! All Three Boys Present & Accounted For!
June 25, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Didn’t see much of the boys yesterday due to the heat, they kept a low profile most of the day and I only saw two at any given time.  This morning it is much cooler and all three boys are out on the ledges and on the adjoining building roof top.

A rather harassed looking mom is preening herself, no doubt having three hungry boys chasing you for food messes up your feathers :)

Breaking News - New Peregrine Nest Discovered in Toronto at Yonge & Eglington and they have 3 fledglings!!!

Could it be Linn???   I know Ranger and Hunter were in this area for about 2 years right across the street a bit down the road, could they have finally had some luck after all these years??!! Hopefully once they get watchers on the ground we may get some band ID's!!


Found out when someone called saying needed a Kestrel rescued..it was a peregrine!!! We heard rumours of a couple there but no one could find them and now they've found the nest ledge too and fledge watch being set up as we speak!!

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/06/sightings/3394/

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/06/sightings/a-call-for-help/

Great Surprise,

Makes me feel Happy!!!!!!!!
 :heartspin:
Greetings Carla :chick3: :chick3: :chick3:

How cool is that..Thanks Carly. I'm glad they finally found that mystery nest site.

More young at the mystery nest site!  That's great news.  Have the parents been identified?  Are they banded  (the parents)?  Will they be able to get to the fledglings to band them now, or is it too late?

No ID on the parents yet as they have been elusive up until now.  They were calling MNR to get the rescued juvie banded before they put him/her back up and will band the other 2 if they need a rescue as well.

Now that they will be out there on the weekend, hopefully we will get an ID.  I'm going to try to go out there tomorrow if I can and get a peek.  If one has fledged, the other two can't be far behind!

Mark Nash's report says the adults are unbanded.

Oh pooh, I"m sorry I read it so fast I was excited!  Or he added to it.  I'm sorry.  Mind you they have had reports of others so until they see the adults there - I will keep my hopes up.  I know there was a banded sub adult near there earlier this year as well.

 Hide and Seek on a Whole New Level!!
June 22, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:

I arrived at 6:00pm this evening to take the closing shift for Mark as he headed off to a CPF event at another nest site.  As is protocol, he updated me on the activity level on the ledge.  “All calm and quiet here.”, he said.  “Well behaved little bunch this afternoon.”  …yeah, well behaved right up to the very moment that Mark pulled out of the driveway..

The next two and a half hours began with what is best described as “Blam!! Pow!! Zowey!!.”  I looked up at the nest ledge and began counting heads.  One, two, wait no, three…  …no two, one, three…?  They kept bopping up and down like little jumping beans!  I had three for sure and went looking for a fourth.  As I approached MEC 2, off of the roof comes number four.  Oh how I wish you could have seen this landing!  This little juvenile male landed on the retaining wall of the roof of MEC 1, the nest building, and had such a head of steam going that when he landed, the inertia pitched him face forward right onto the roof.  And here he was thinking he was sooo cool!!  It turns out that this little one was Wade and he made a flight out from the roof and landed on the nest box without a hitch.

It was 6:21pm when the adult female arrived with food to a chorus of screams from an over-zealous spoiled group of brats!  This adult female has, and I can’t stress this enough, consistently brought in food between 6:00pm and 6:30pm every single day.  Maybe peregrines can tell time!

After supper was playtime.  Dominating the most raucous activity was the tag team of Craig and Wade.  These two…  …they held races down the ledge, tag on the nest box, sister pouncing and sumo wrestling to round it all out.  Full of beans doesn’t cover it!!  By 7:00pm, Wade had made another flight to MEC 2 which he attempted to tease Craig into trying.  Joe and Xuan on the other hand, decided that napping was more important.  During all of this “goofery” , the adult resident pair circled the building performing all sorts of aerial acrobatics showing the juveniles just how its done.  With all three juveniles ( except for Wade ) back at the nest box, our young adventurer makes another flight to the nest building roof.  All birds are now settled in…   …just as Mark returns from his presentation.

“So, all looks quiet here.  How have they been?  Give me a brief.”  I just stood there, hair a mess and clothes askew with a stunned look on my face.  There is nothing “brief”  about the last two hours.  My answer to him, a single word…   …exhausting!

At last look, as I made my way back to my car, the juvenile Wade was making a last flight out to the condos north of the nest building.  An incredible feat as this is a long flight for a young fledgling.  A few minutes to catch his breath and he was airbourne again and headed right into the ledge on the north side of the nest building.  This story ends with Wade running down the ledge “whee, whee, whee all the way home” to bed.

 :laugh: :clap: :mbanana:

Love it!

 Fledge Watch Underway
- Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:

After a hectic first day of putting together a watch team and many calls,day 2 saw everyone come together. Bruce arrived for a very early start to the watch and witnessed one feeding. I arrived at about 9am,and located Bruce easily. Soon Lyn and Zoe joined us. Jan and Linda later came by to see the nest. There was a steady rain for most of the day. We saw both juveniles and both parents. We know the adult female is unbanded and the adult male is Black over Green..so far alphanumeric ID hasnt been made. This indicates he is from the US north-east.  We are hopeful that with a scope we will read the numbers. We saw another feeding before the rain got much heavier and we left for the day,youngsters well fed and thoroughly soaked. As one watcher lives very near the location,we asked she call us if it stopped raining long enough to warrent going back. Stay tuned for more!

(Ha..I knew it, they never bring a scope!)

Wow, great news Carly Black/Green HUH....hmmm  :thumbsup:

!! Yonge & Eglinton Scramble!
June 25, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Mark Nash Reports:

A brief update as we are all scrambling. Four hatchlings produced!! Surprise Surprise!! Oh my goodness!! Quick calls yesterday, Building management, Mark at OMNR, Big Frank, Tracy, Bruce, Linda and a host of other calls burning up the telephone lines! One dead battery on the cell phone, and starting on the second battery!

One fledgling rescued that was trapped behind the glass balcony way up on a condo. Rescued by Toronto Animal services, transferred to the Toronto Wildlife and in the bag safe and sound as we say.
Calls to some old friends at Yonge & Eglinton - Northam Realty property managers - (nest site building), quick talking and some very quick reintroductions. Great folks, and many thanks to Neil Armstrong for his assistance and support!!

Emergency call from Bruce Massey while he is on site in the afternoon, - as he watches one of the resident adult parents - (the female) fly to a huge tall condo building east of Yonge Street,,

- yet another fledgling observed trapped behind a glass balcony on the 43rd floor. Oh my goodness!!! Quick contact with building security at Minto for help. Long story, (many calls later), Tracy dispatched with yet another rescue carrier,,, - end result, Tracy and Bruce do the rescue,, - (second fledgeling in the bag as we say) safe and sound.

Two fledglings still on the nest ledge. Sizes indicate one female and one male still on the nest ledge raring to go!! Mark Heaton from MNR to band both fledglings
later prior to their re-release,,, and likely more to band as they tooo will be coming down to the streets! Very busy part of the city!!! Lots of congestion, NO PARKING ANYWHERE without a kings ransom or your first born!! Oh my goodness, - $ 12.00 for 3 hours of parking!!!!

Metro police Sargent very nasty at 47 div. demanding that we not stand in front or around the station, and forced to move from our watch position! Right,,,, To serve and protect. I must remember that.

Many more calls for help and logisicts!! Still scrambling, but its pulling together and making head way. Our team are some of the greatest folks on the planet!!

With a huge thank you to all that has been involved so far - (way tooo many names to mention during this rush e-mail), a watch has started. First priority to the birds!!

Stay tuned for many more updates and photos to come….

Due to the rioting downtown I can't go out to the new nest site at Y&E as I'm subway reliant and they've shut everything down again today.   I just got an email from Frank and he says they will have a scope out today and hope to get the Male's band ID.

 :o

!!! While the kids maybe out of the house, the parents still have the hardest job ahead of them!
June 27, 2010 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:

While the “kids” maybe away from the house (or off the nest ledge) at the moment, its only for a short time. The resident adults still have the hardest part of their job still to come.

Ongoing protection, feeding and training the “teenagers” to fend for themselves is a huge task for the two resident adults.

So far, there has been NO mortality and everyone seems to be doing quite well, staying aloft and away from the windows. The very good news: Is that each of the juveniles have all brushed up into the windows, and unlike many other birds, the young peregrines actually learn the dangers of the windows, and if they hit them softly and don’t injure themselves on these initial collisions, they do learn to stay away from glass.

This is an important lesson learned, as they will soon be picking up incredible speeds as they get older and more experienced, and if they have not learned the “window lesson “ early in their flight development, collisions with the windows at advanced ages usually results in serious injury or most often mortality due to the speeds that the juveniles are now travelling. We actually hope that they experience the “window lesson” early in their maiden flights, as they are slow and sloppy in their flights, and usually hit them softly at this stage.

For the next 30 to 90 days, the juveniles will be utilizing the nest ledge and still sleeping there most nights. Far from independent and able to feed them selves at this point, the youngsters have much to learn now that they can fly.

The adults will have to teach them many of the life skills that the juveniles will have to learn to survive to adulthood, or should I say, just survive another day)!!

Remember that by mid September, thousands of years of hard wired instincts will have the young juveniles head south on a migration and with upwards of an 80% mortality and many perils and risks, the juveniles will need all of the help that they can just to survive their first year.

The adult parents have their job cut out for them while teaching the juveniles how, what and where to hunt food, and how to recognize and escape from all of the “bad guys” out there. At this point, even their landings are terrible, as it takes allot of practice just to brake and coordinate a good landing!

Even after the juveniles have learned what to hunt (where and how to hunt it), there will be many trials and errors (misses and failures) before they are actually able to catch anything them selves, and this will take some time to hone their hunting skills.

Stay tuned, and look to the skies, as the best viewing is yet to come!!

 Things Are Pretty Quiet
June 27, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

When we arrived at the Lift Bridge this morning, we found 2 Juvies and Mom on the Hamilton Hydro Tower.  Dad was nowhere to be seen.  Everyone was just sitting around.  It was quite foggy so I put the scope up to see if I could identify who was who.  In a flash, Mom was off the Tower and heading towards Stoney Creek.  We watched as she went into a dive and plucked a pigeon out of the air with no problem whatsoever.  She brought it back to the bridge abutment over the Marina Parking Lot and before she had a chance to set it down, both juvies were off the hydro tower and screaming towards her.  Diana won, and she certainly is not very good at sharing with her brother.  He tried to get close but she would have none of it. (Callidora)  :o

Just spoke to Frank and although they don't have the ID on the new black/green banded male - he does apparently have 'black tape' on over the US band ID - leftover from fledge no doubt!  I'll keep you posted.

 Blackberry Rescued and Released
- Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Frank Butson Reports:

About 1pm Mark Nash was notified that Blackberry was trapped on a glass balcony at the corner of Bloor and Islington. He attended and was able to rescue Blackberry without incident. He was fine. About 1115pm Mark and I arrived and with the help of security released Blackberry without incident on the roof of the Sunlife Centre….without incident is relative. There was a fire alarm going off just as we arrived to the point we had to release Blackberry. This meant when Mark and I finished the release we had to walk all the way down 18 floors to get out of the building,Im sure muscles neither of us knew we ever had will ache tomorrow morning…Blackberry’s revenge?

Not one of Rochester's finest...but keep us posted.

!!! Two fledged, two rescued, two banded, two named, and two returned to thier nest ledge and their parents!  PHEW!!!
June 27, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Mark Nash Reports:

A long day in the heat with endless traffic delays and tie-ups due to the G8/20 and looking like a police state, we did our best to navigate around the city trying to do the rescues and re-releases of the three downed juvenile fledglings. Now on the road from Bloor & Islington back to the CPF centre in Woodbridge to hook up with Mark from the OMNR, and with Tracy on the road to pick up one of the earlier rescued downed fledglings from the Up-town Yonge & Eglinton nest site that was also trapped behind the glass on a condo balcony, we all assembled at the CPF raptor centre to get the two young fledglings banded. The Good news, with one juvenile male and one female fledgling in hand, both birds were banded without incident and in good time. The heat, sun and humidity was although debilitating at times for all of us, and the juveniles were re-hydrated with fresh water from spray bottle on numerous occasions. Reports from the watch team at Yonge & Eglinton still indicating that the other two juveniles are still on the nest ledge.

Obviously one is a male and the other one given its much larger size in comparison is a female.

With banding successful completed, its back on the road yet again to Yonge & Eglinton nest site for the release of the two banded fledglings. After hooking up with Lyn and Frank who were holding the fort at the fledge watch, we waiting for darkness and let up of the torrential rains to do the release back to the nest building.

The two banded juveniles will be named:

For the first young female - (banded 21 over X) - was named “Cyclone “ - (violent hurricane) - given her robust energy and very nasty attitude, this is a most suitable name for her!

For the young male, (banded *6 over D), he was named “Typhoon”,, - (very appropriate given the torrential flooding and rain storming that we are currently experiencing in Toronto at the moment !

Under the cover of darkness (and with two juveniles still on the nest ledge),, we were escorted by building security to a lower balcony ledge just below the actual nest ledge to do the release of Typhoon and Cycloon. A big thank-you to Tracy, Big Frank, Lyn, Marion, building security and the building management for allowing access, and Mark Heaton, his son, and both of this parents for assisting with the banding, the rescue and the release of these two fledglings!

A very special thanks also to Toronto Wildlife and The Toronto Animal Services for their support, and to Zoe, Bruce, Jan and Linda - (some of the greatest fledge watch team members in the world) for also coming to our rescue (or should I say to the birds rescue) . As you can see, there are MANY involved in the rescue of these birds here in the urban settings.

Stay tuned………
There are still two more to fledge…….

Way to go Toronto!!

Continued>>>>

 Yonge & Eglinton
-
Zoe Berger Reports:

Frank and Harry were there when I arrived - watching the 3 chicks (the 2 rescued chicks and the female who had been doing lots of flapping the past 3 days and apparently finally fledged) on the black building where the Eglinton busses turn in and out (constantly!).

 We still had one in the nest - the male who had not been flapping at all the 3 days I’d been watching. We kept eyes on the 3, sometimes 1 completely out of sight…and all of a sudden we had to decide who the 4 birds on that building were. It appears that quiet little guy fledged on his own totally unnoticed. We checked and definitely had 4 chicks on the black building. After lots of sitting all around, Frank and I suddenly had to get up to watch the path of a chick flying…and we BOTH watched it pass a tree and not come out the other side. We both walked up and down the roads in the area, both scanned the tree many times and finally Frank listened to a robin on the roof next to the tree where we had lost that chick on and sure enough there he was. The quiet non-flapping male had gotten himself trapped in many oak leaves and branches. Shortly after locating him he was really ready to get out of that mess and tried as best as he could to fly out - but he was trapped by a few leafless branches right above him and could not get flight…his wings got tangled in the bare branches and he lost his footing and literally  fluttered in slo-mo down to the street just out of traffic. Frank got the towel and we checked him as best as we could and got him in the carrier which was taken by Lyn to her  cool and comfy apt - all of which coincided with Lyn arriving at the scene just after the rescue.  So, rescue #3 from the site, he will be banded too (3 of 4 chicks).

Just before I left one of the female chicks took flight north across Eglinton and had a very good landing.  Linda and Bruce had arrived so I left.  Can’t wait for the update from Frank of what happened after I left.

I wanted to add more photos but my computer is not cooperating…!

Blackberry's rescue.   http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/06/sightings/blackberry-rescue/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/06/sightings/blackberry-rescue/) with pics

One of the fledglings at the new site did not survive after his rescue :crying:

!!! Sad news…good news.
-
Frank Butson Reports:

The good news is we did everything right and rescued 2 of young Peregrines. One was rescued successfully,but the impact suffered caused it to succomb to its injuries later. The ride home for the fledge watchers was very sombre. The other bird,the unbanded female was rescued after landing in a tree and eventually coming to the ground. She will be banded and released tomorrow.

We thought the day was done with the remaining to youngsters on the TTC building,but at after 9pm and 2 feedings,the female chick flew to the aentena atop the nest building. The male made a good flight and landed on the roof of the nest building.

In all a day of defeat and triumph. Sadly this is the reality of being a young Peregrine Falcon,life is not easy for them. Hazzards of fledging and later migration,result in a high mortality rate of 80% in their first year. Knowing we do our best to help the Peregrine Falcon beat the odds is what we have to look at. We are hoping for a much better day tomorrow.
 

This is very sad news, thanks Carly.

!!! Fantastic news from the William Osler Hospital! There has been a hatch!!
June 28, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Mark Nash Reports:

While out on the Up-town Yonge & Eglinton watch last night, I received some very good news indeed, as we received a telephone call from the staff at the William Osler Health care centre in Etobicoke to let us know that there was something different in the nest tray this morning. This morning, there were fluffy white cotton balls visible instead of the reddish-brown coloured oval rocks. :-)
Yes, it has been confirmed,,, in that there has indeed been a hatch!!!

Congratulations to all of the staff at William Osler Hospital!!

Stay tuned, as there is more exciting news to come………..

WOW late bloomers!  :clap:

Donna, There was some sort of territorial scuffle here awhile back and eggs that had been laid were destroyed.  No one knows if it's the same female or a new one that is the mom of these.  Perhaps now with a fledge watch to come once the kids are older - they can identify who is there! 

Still no ID on that new tiercel at Y&E but Frank thinks that black tape may have been put on by a rehabber not from fledge watch.  The reason being, he said the male has an old injury on his right wing and as a result it doesn't fully extend properly but he said it hasn't impaired his flying or hunting abilities.  Apparently he's quite the hunter!  So now we have Black/Green band on a Northern US tiercel that may have been in rehab and re-released.  

Oh gosh, how curious!  If only he could talk and tell you his side of the story!  At least he is still the hunter, despite an old wing injury! 
Keep us posted :happy:
Suzanne

I've said this before but there needs to be a central database

Jeanne, you are right, there needs to be a central database!!  There is that place in Maryland (I think) which tracks all the USFW avian leg bands.  At least that is what I have been told.  We have requested info on a couple of bald eagles, but still no response.  Maybe they would respond to GVAS? 

Did you realize that USFW even controls the leg bands we put on the crows and keeps the record?

Suzanne 

That's odd about Patuxent, Suzanne.  One of the photographers on the Norfolk eagle forum sent in a band he photographed-I think it was a brown pelican-heard back all about it about a month later.  Maybe try again?

I do wish we had an eastern database like the midwest one.

Hi Ei,
Yes, we thought it odd also, and were going to have one of the Audubon, DEC, or USFW folks we know "re-ask" for the info. 

As for the crow band info, we keep our own database with the numbers, it makes it quicker/easier to check obviously.
Suzanne

First Successful Catch???????
July 01, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

This evening out of nowhere, we spotted Brant trying to land on the cable wires.  To our surprise, he was carrying a bird in his talons.  Was this the first successful catch?  I think so, because there was absolutely no sign of Mom and Dad nor the typical screaming when Mom or Dad deliver dinner.  As a matter of fact, Mom and Dad had not been seen for most of the day.  Sister Diana rushed out to meet Brant screaming but she soon realized that he was not sharing.

!!! While we have received no updates on the nesting activities of the London peregrines, there is still lots of peregrine activity!!
July 25, 2010 - London - TD Tower
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Hi…
I live on St. Bees Close in north London about a km north of University of Western Ontario.
This past Friday June 25, 2010 about 6 pm, a peregrine falcon (not sure of sex) was in the middle of the street, with a young starling in its talons and about 10 adult starlings standing and swooping down on it to try and get it to let the youngster go.
Quite a sight and very unexpected.
Jim Durham

!!! A new family!
June 30, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Mark Nash Reports:

Hi Mark & Matt
I was able to get a couple of pics through the peep hole of the chicks today. Still one egg left to hatch, fingers crossed.
Photos to follow.
Joe

!!! Well this is the year of the glass balconies!! Yet another fledgling entrapped behind a glass balcony! It’s Zera!
June 30, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Mark Nash Reports:

Yet another call from Toronto Wildlife after they received a call from Rob, an employee with Image Design who calls from his cell phone while working at job site at George and Adalide in downtown Toronto, as he watches a young banded peregrine falcon struggle to get free from yet another glass balcony enclosure.

Identified as Zera by her 18 over X black band, she was produced at the Toronto 18 King Street nest site this year, and has hopefully learned a valuable lesson today about urban living. Uninjured and very peeved off, Zera was rescued safe and sound and will be released back to her parents and the nest site at 18 King Street nest site were she was produced.

!!! A view from the east!
June 30, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Mark Nash Reports:

Just thought I would give everyone a look of the nest building (and the actual nest ledge) from the east.
Also indicated is where little typhoon was rescued from a glass balcony - (in red).

Okay...help!!  I have a bit more info on that Band ID. It's black green 8/?  Here is what Frank has posted and sent me.  Any help would be appreciated.  I searched the Midwest database but they all seem to have double digits.

Both Mark and I could clearly see the Black over Green band with a number 8 over N,M,H or the number 4. Our best possibly view was hampered by glare from the sun.

OK-just a quick glance at the Rochester banding tables-black/green 8*/number = male bands 2005 & 2006

edit...2004 & 2005...

2004 hafoc 8*/9* (deceased) grissom 8*/5*
2005 aconcagua 8*/3* fulmine 8*/2*

so...looks like it may be NY-and, if it's a 4*, likely a male banded by Mike Allen

Wasn't the thinking that Acongagua is female?

Thanks guys!  I'll point Frank in that direction.

I'm sure she is, Jeanne-I included it for the series-if it's *4, it's the band between Aconcagua's and Grissom's

I think Mike banded the Syracuse falcons between Grissom and Acon.

Falcon Chedoke injured in crash landing

What goes up sometimes comes down, hard.

The last of four Hamilton Peregrine Falcon chicks to leave their nest atop the downtown Sheraton hotel is in rehab today  after a crash landing.

The Hamilton Naturalists club says Chedoke crashed atop the  entrance marquee of the Stelco Tower on King Street West, not far above street level Wednesday, damaging one wing.

She was rescued late in the day by Falconwatch co-ordinator Brad Asseltine and 2009 co-ordinator Sandra Davey

The injured bird is now staying at a rehabilitation facility, awaiting x-rays, which may take a few days to obtain.

 Audrey Gamble, of the Hamilton Community Peregrine Project, said an x-ray will determine if chedoke suffered a muscle injury or a broken bone.

“She may have hit the glass above the marquee and injured herself.”

Those who examined the bird after rescue say if she did break a bone in her wing it was not a catastrophic break. “We’ll know soon enough,” said Gamble.

Chedoke remained feisty throughout her ordeal on the entrance marquee, visibly annoyed at missing lunch and even putting up a fight when assistance arrived.

This is the 16th season a pair of peregrine falcons has nested on the hotel and these four chicks bring the total number of falcons hatched there to 50.

You can check out the latest pictures from the nest.


There seems to be an epidemic here....poor Canada, they had their share this year.

Video by Big Frank of the Yonge and Eglinton fledges

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmp0liSv9II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmp0liSv9II)

Thanks Big Frank, sounds like Rochester in the background.

Their coloring is different - more of a copper.  They are beautiful!

Very nice. Thanks big Frank. :thumbsup:

Again, Mark tells it like it is!

!!! While the kids maybe out of the house, the parents still have the hardest job ahead of them!
July 03, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Mark Nash Reports:

While the “kids” maybe away from the house (or off the nest ledge) at the moment, its only for a short time. The resident adults still have the hardest part of their job still to come.

Ongoing protection, feeding and training the “teenagers” to fend for themselves is a huge task for the two resident adults.

So far, the three remaining fledglings seem to be doing quite well, staying aloft and away from the windows. The very good news: Is that each of the juveniles have all brushed up into the windows, and unlike many other birds, the young peregrines actually learn the dangers of the windows, and if they hit them softly and don’t injure themselves on these initial collisions, they do learn to stay away from glass.

This is an important lesson learned, as they will soon be picking up incredible speeds as they get older and more experienced, and if they have not learned the “window lesson “ early in their flight development, collisions with the windows at advanced ages usually results in serious injury or most often mortality due to the speeds that the juveniles are now travelling. We actually hope that they experience the “window lesson” early in their maiden flights, as they are slow and sloppy in their flights, and usually hit them softly at this stage.

For the next 30 to 60 days, the juveniles will be utilizing the nest ledge and still sleeping there most nights. Far from independent and able to feed them selves at this point, the youngsters have much to learn now that they can fly.

The adults will have to teach them many of the life skills that the juveniles will have to learn to survive to adulthood, or should I say, just survive another day)!!

Remember that by mid September, thousands of years of hard wired instincts will have the young juveniles head south on a migration and with upwards of an 80% mortality and many perils and risks, the juveniles will need all of the help that they can just to survive their first year.

The adult parents have their job cut out for them while teaching the juveniles how, what and where to hunt food, and how to recognize and escape from all of the “bad guys” out there. At this point, even their landings are terrible, as it takes allot of practice just to brake and coordinate a good landing!

Even after the juveniles have learned what to hunt (where and how to hunt it), there will be many trials and errors (misses and failures) before they are actually able to catch anything them selves, and this will take some time to hone their hunting skills. During this entire period, they will still be dependant on their adults parents for all of their food.

Stay tuned, and look to the skies, as the best viewing is yet to come!!

Thank you Mark Nash!

 All 3 Young Flying Well
- Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:

Lyn Reports: I braved the hot and humid weather and went out at 5:30pm looking for the Peregrines.I looked skywards and found two youngsters on the Southwest corner of the RioCan building.
When I arrived at the EMS ramp (between old and new bus bays) I was not able to see the youngsters on the RioCan building but did see the third youngster - BRACE YOURSELVES -
fly/flutter/fly onto one of the concrete things between windows on the Heart and Stroke building - second floor from the top!!!!!!  This was a female (I saw her fly later and the size indicated the sex to me).
One of the youngsters flew from the RioCan building across and in front of the Heart and Stroke (H&S) building, saw the sibling, flew close but did not try and land and after several more flights back and forth ended up on the Southeast corner of the H & S building.
I saw Mom fly in and land on the top level of the RioCan building. Things were still for a bit then there was more flying and the level above the third balcony south of the concrete slab/wall was used .
There was a bird on that ledge and feathers were flying every which way!  Mom flew in and out and another of the youngsters flew in then I lost track of who was coming and going! Eventually two of the youngsters flew around to the Northeast end of the TTC/nest building and one youngster flew South to land on the railing around the antenna at the Southwest end of the TVO building.
I also saw one of the youngsters come in for a landing on the nest building .It flew in very carefully, with plenty of wing fluttering, slowed almost to a standstill and landed!
All in all a lovely 3/4 hour spent watching them. Every day they have more and more control. Lyn

 :2thumbsup:

 BRANT IS MISSING - PLEASE KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
July 06, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

A call was received yesterday that there was a downed peregrine on the Skyway Bridge.  Watchers have completed a full search of the area and the Skyway both Toronto Bound and Niagara Bound.  Animal Control reported that the only downed birds they located were a pigeon and a gull.  Saying that, the last account of all 4 birds was on Sunday.  As of last evening and early this morning, our head count was of 3 birds only.  Please be on the lookout for a juvenile peregrine (Yellow and Blue Band on the right leg) that may be grounded somewhere within the vicinity of the Burlington Skyway.

Oh poor baby, hope they find him.

 DOWNED PEREGRINE ON THE SKYWAY BRIDGE
July 07, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

If the person who saw and reported a downed Peregrine on the Skyway Bridge on Monday afternoon should read this, would you please contact Mark Nash of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation.  Thank you.

!!! Tara’s at it again with the glass balcony enclosures and her balcony inspections!
July 08, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Mark Nash Reports:

Once again, a huge thank you to the local community and Rosemary who lives in the Yonge & Eglinton area for both her concern and for making the calls to find someone that could help a young peregrine once again trapped behind a glass balcony enclosure on the 53rd floor level of one of the condo’s.

We received a message from the good folks at Toronto Wildlife about the story and that no intervention was needed to help Tara.

After struggling for closse to an hour while trying to figure out why she couldn’t get through the glass of the balcony enclosure, Tara finally figured it out. Jump up onto a chair, then jump up to the small table, and then jump up onto the balcony rail and away I go! Once again, a valuable lesson learned!! Over the next two weeks, all of the juveniles should have built up the necessary muscle mass and strength to overcome these little challenges, and they all should be able to fly almost directly up to the balcony rails without any furniture assistance. Remembering also that this hot humid air makes every flight a challenge, even for the adult peregrines!
No rescue was needed for Tara this time.

Girls!  :nono:

! Mom & The Boys
July 09, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Today finally brought some relief from the heat wave and some much needed rain.  It also brought out the falcons!   They haven’t been seen as much compared to past years partly due to the oppressive heat.  I see them at around 7:00 am in the morning chasing mom for food and Baylie has reported seeing them in the evenings.  Like humans, they are scarce during the high heat of the day.  They were having a blast this morning, playing tag, locking talons and chasing mom around the buildings.  It was a joy to hear their excited screams!

Sadly, for the past two weeks both Baylie and I have only seen two juveniles.  We had a storm two weeks ago Sunday and since then one of the boys hasn’t been seen.   We have had no reports of any falcons down so that is encouraging and it is not unheard of that some young disperse early and until we hear otherwise I will remain optimistic.   I also have not seen Jack at all for the past week however that is not unusual.  I am surprised though at how little involvement he has had with the juveniles training compared to past years.

Mom is doing 95% of the work which includes defending her nest site area.  She’s doing an outstanding job, both boys are flying really well and look very strong and healthy!

Mom should have booted out Jack and kept Milton

Milton was a cutie...and "Yeah"

!!! Rescue at Holcim
July 11, 2010 - Mississauga - St Lawrence Cement
Marion Nash Reports:

Just wanted to let you know that we had to rescue one of our chicks last
night. He was seen by one of our shift crew hopping along one of our
plant parking lots near the maintenance shop. He was safely and carefully
rescued and placed in a box. He was then taken up to the top of a silo.
They left the box for the bird to hide in given the night skies and
potential for predators. As of 5:30 a.m., the chick was seen sitting on
the ledge of the silo. I am attaching a photo. He is safe and sound and
hopefully keeps air under his wings in the days ahead.

Barb Smith

!!! Jack Makes an Appearance!
July 13, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

As of 7:20 am this morning, our ever elusive Jack is on the nestbox looking quite pleased with himself.

One of the boys caught his own breakfast this morning and was happily flying around with it in his talons screaming his head off with pride.  Mom just continued preening as he flew in under where she is perched and landed on one of the ledges to enjoy his prize!

One Big Happy Family
July 13, 2010 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

That is the only way I can describe our family of 5 Peregrine Falcons, Freddie & Voltaire, the Dad and Mom and then the three chicks Bridgette, Windsor and Lancer. Sunday around 6 P.M. we saw Freddie sitting on the pipe resting and then Bridgette came screaming in and basically booted him off as if saying “I’m hungry so go and get me something to eat”. It was funny to see that action! Then she sat on the pipe just screaming to her hearts content. A few minutes later we saw Voltaire fly in with a food package along with Windsor and Lancer. She dropped it on the side of the abutment and then flew of to sit on the Church Steeple. Windsor and Lancer flew off but then came back with Freddie and a smaller bird. Everything was happening so fast it’s hard to say who got the bird. All I know it was so great to see the whole family together. Pigeons seem to be few and far between all the 5 Pegrine Falcons. As you can tell we are both lovers of those amazing creatures. It’s a dream come true for us to see 5 Peregrines flying around here in Windsor. One of our Members emailed us to say that she was driving over the bridge and she saw one of the chicks sitting on the railing. Thanks Vivi. Keep looking up because you never know what you’re going to see.

 3 In Sight
July 13, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:

Lyn Reports:  Had a brief sighting of the juveniles today.
I had been sitting at the table in my living room,when I heard lots of loud
squawks,so I went onto the balcony and saw a juvie flying and fluttering as
it squawked way over to Redpath Ave,which is several roads east of Yonge at Eglinton. Eventually it disappeared.
I went outside a little later and found all three juveniles on the nest
building !!! One was on the nest ledge north of where the nest was/is. A second one was on the level below that,underneath the other one and I think these two were the females. The third one, which I think was the male was squawking where he sat on the antenna on the nest building. He never stopped! The first to fly was the female on the ledge below the nest ledge. She is a very big bird,likely Cyclone.  She flew across Eglinton Avenue, across the *glass building* and north up Duplex Ave and out of sight.

 The second to fly, about ten minutes later, was the other female,probably Tara. She flew around the building to Yonge street and I could not follow in time to see where she went. When both the females took off they squawked madly but once they were nicely airborne they stopped their noise and put all their energy into the flight. And Typhoon just sat on the antenna he was on and squawked!
Cheers
Lyn

Spent week in 'rehab' after injury
July 14, 2010

Peregrine falcon Chedoke is soaring Hamilton’s skies again after recovering from a soft tissue injury two weeks ago.

Chedoke is one of four chicks hatched this spring from the nest atop the downtown Sheraton Hamilton Hotel where the endangered birds first started nesting in 1995.

The falcons and nests, captured by cameras above the ledge, have fascinated Hamiltonians and observers worldwide through the Internet.

Live camera screening and flying surveillance by the Hamilton Community Falcon Project was about to end but was extended when Chedoke, the youngest of the brood, suffered an injury June 30.

Observers believe she crashed into a window on the Stelco Tower downtown on King Street West.

Audrey Gamble, volunteer with the Hamilton Naturalist Club and lead monitor of the falcon project, said Chedoke underwent rehab at the Owl Foundation where she had a week of ‘bed rest.’

"She’s gaining strength and stamina,” Gamble said.

Falconwatch was reinstated when Chedoke was injured and has gone on longer than the norm because of it, but should wrap up in the next day or two, depending on Chedoke’s continued progress, Gamble said.

The chicks usually leave the area around the end of August after they have learned to fly and hunt on their own. This year’s four chicks bring the total number of falcons hatched at the Sheraton to 50.

 Chedoke the falcon chick injured its left wing during its first flight recently. the injury is plainly visible in this photo.

Here's hoping Jemison comes back soon!  :abs-cheers:

 :ditto:   :wave:

2 Young Peregrines Spotted Flying Well
July 16, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Frank Butson Reports:

I went to the St. Lawrence market this morning and had a look at the nest
ledge from afar and without binoculars and saw no Peregrines!  About 40 minutes later I was making my way back to the subway,when I heard the familiar squawks of a young Peregrine so my eyes went skywards!

I saw one youngster fly over the King Eddie Hotel. I think the second bird I saw was also a juvenile; it did not seem to have the fluid flight of an adult! I stood and waited and was rewarded by the sight of one adult (the body looked quite white compared with the youngsters I saw).
There was quiet and no activity for a few minutes and then squawking broke
out, frantic squawking, and I saw an adult with a food parcel fly from
southeast of the nest building over King Street in the direction of the nest
building. The youngster which was *on* the King Eddie flew from there to the nest building and then stopped squawking. By the time I had walked backwards a bit in order to see the top of the nest building the squawking stopped and the adult flew from that building eastwards. The adult had lost wing feathers both wings and I did not manage to make note of the tail before the bird disappeared from view.
I then saw the adult I had first seen, circle above the nest building and
then fly to the huge brown and glass building across Yonge from the nest
building where it perched - high up!
 Lyn

!!! Durand in Columbus, Ohio!!
July 18, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Kathy Reports:

Just a few minutes ago myself and several others from the BCAW Falcon board were finally able to clearly see the bands on the new female that has been making herself at home in Columbus, Ohio!  She was spotted a few months back by Chad & Chris in Ohio so luckily I still had her information at hand.

“Black 32 over Black X banded Pefa was produced at the Hamilton Sheraton hotel nest site last year in 2009, banded on June 2nd as a female at approx. 26 days old, weighing 1014 grams (empty crop) and was named Durand.

Her parents were Madam X and Surge - (Surge was hatched and produced at the Etobicoke - Bloor and Islington (Sun Life Centre) nest site in 2002.”

!!! Falcon Sighting!
July 17, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Kathy Reports:

Yesterday morning I had to go up to the Yonge and Davisville area for an appointment and I arrived early so I thought I’d take a look and see if I could figure out where this new family is nesting.

It was my lucky day as you can see the nest site building quite well from there so I walked up a few blocks and was rewarded by seeing 3 juvenile falcons in the air!  Two were playing tag and one was riding the thermals right next to them.  It was a wonderful sight and I was thrilled to finally see the new kids in town!

!!! Reunited!
July 17, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

We seem to have recovered our little lost Mercedes this week.  It’s taken me a few days to sort out what has happened and how many falcons are on site simply due to chaos that surrounded Jack’s return!  It seems he did not come back alone but Mercedes may have been with him or was somewhere in a bind and Jack was aware of his location and was looking out for him.  Really we’ll never know unless they start talking :)

The day Jack returned, several of us were outside and had seen the two older boys playing tag in the air and mom was on her web cam perch.  Suddenly out of nowhere I saw three juvies in the air briefly and was a bit confused, when suddenly mom dove off the web cam and started attacking one of the boys.   We were all shocked as she certainly wasn’t ‘playing’ with him, she obviously didn’t recognize him or as is her way ‘attack first, ask questions later’!.

Mercedes did manage to evade mom and his two brothers rescued him and dad dove off we assume to intercept mom as a few minutes later she and Jack were on the ledge having an intense discussion.  After about an hour Mercedes appeared on the ledge with both mom and Jack and hasn’t let her out of his sight since his return.  He also has cried non stop for food since his return and I did observe her feeding him on Thursday afternoon so obviously he is back in the fold.  He is behind the two older boys who are doing well and hunting on their own - with some help from mom of course - and they like to hang out on their own tower together.  They are advancing well towards dispersal.  Hopefully Mercedes will catch up soon but one thing for sure is his flying skill is quite good as he managed to stay a feather ahead of mom during her little episode.

I did wonder if perhaps one of Jack’s other sons had followed him back to our site which is why I wanted to make sure we did indeed have our little guy back.  Jack is back to his regular routine of visits and has been here and at his other site quite frequently again and his two other boys are also being seen together so it seems all is well again!

Ok, so Mercedes as been gone since July 9th and returned on the 17, so there is hope for Jemison to be accepted back. Fingers crossed.

!!! Sheraton Chick from 2004 Hurricane is a Dad
July 23, 2010 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Frank Butson Reports:

Today at William Osler Heath Centre in Etobicoke,CPF,Ministry of Natural Resources and Osler management and staff took part in the first banding ceremony ever at the facility. The Ontario Stewardship Rangers were in attendance and assisted with the banding.

The extraction was a little tricky today,as one of the chicks,believed to be a male,eluded Mark Heaton of MNR,running around on the ledge out of range. As a result this chick will be banded at a later date if it should be rescued at fledge time.  One chick,a beautiful healthy female was banded today. She will be named in the near future,stay tuned for a coming post.  The particulars of todays banding:

Female,25 days old,weighing in at a very healthy 890 grams,black over black band,23/X.

The chick was very vocal. Ashleigh from the Ontario Stewardship Rangers held the chick,while Mark Heaton from the Ministry of Natural Resources banded the bird.

The adults and proud parents on site were confirmed to be:

Female:named O’Connor,hatched 05/06/07 at the Landmark Building in Summit County Ohio. Banded on 05/24/07 .
Male: named Hurricane, who hatched in 2004 on the Sheraton Centre Hotel in downtown Toronto.

It is always exciting news for the nest site hosts,management,staff and CPF volunteer fledge watchers to hear of the success of one of their birds. Hurricane has been onsite for several years and this is his first successful nest. Last season Hurricane,along with his mate was a proud foster Father to 3 chicks.

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/07/sightings/sheraton-chick-from-2004-hurricane-is-a-dad/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/07/sightings/sheraton-chick-from-2004-hurricane-is-a-dad/) for pics go here

The Nesting Season Is Definitely Over
July 20, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

It has been pretty quiet around the Burlington Lift Bridge lately.  Last week while we were looking for some Peregrine action, the Bridge went up and when it came down, this is what we saw.  Mom must definitely be on vacation as she would never have allowed this is she was in town.  We couldn’t believe our eyes.

 :hysterical: :clap:

 :rofl:    Too funny!

 Fledge Watch-Day 1
July 29, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Bruce Massey Reports:

    Started the  Watch at around 1415 HRS.  It took me about 45 minutes to find out that both the Eyesis were on the Ledge. It was still fairly hot and they were asleep in the shade near the back of the Ledge on the East end of the Hospital.  Around the 1600 Hrs they began to get active.  The Female was visible until 1700 Hrs. and then like a shift change almost on the dot the 2 adults changed positions.

     At around 1710 Hrs. we almost had a fledge, the male was flapping and got blown about 2 feet in the air and just held on to the ledge by his 6 Talons- just barely.  Shortly after, the two Eyesis settled down for a siesta for and hour or so.

    Around  1930 hrs the two started getting active again, especially when Mom brought some feed by the nest.  The Female then fed the Boy for 10-15 minutes and about 20 minutes the bird headed back to the column.  I took the the chance and put the Watch to Bed as I intended to be here in the Morning first thing.

McKenzie Banded May 26, 2009 at Etobicoke Sun Life Centre Spotted
August 06, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Since July 26 Bill and I have been following the goings on of a couple of adults peregrines who have been hanging out on the hydro towers at Brant and Ghent Streets in downtown Burlington, ON.  Yesterday I was finally able to see a band number, black band 29 over Y.  Mark Nash has advised that this is none other than McKenzie who was banded May 26, 2009 at the Etobicoke Sun Life Centre at Bloor and Islington.  The female is unbanded.

I wonder if we are going to have a new nesting pair in Burlington, Ont???

Quick update from Windsor
August 06, 2010 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

      Well, it’s been a while since we have reported anything so I thought now would be a good time. Our little family of 5 Peregine Falcons are doing quite well. Dennis and I were down by the bridge last weekend. One of the five was sitting on the letters of Ambassador, the children are so big now we couldn’t tell if it was an adult or a youngster. About 15 minutes of just watching one, we heard the noise of the rest of them, wow, the other four of them flew in under the bridge and then the one that was sitting on the sign joined in and away they went again. I am so excited and happy to have 5 Peregrine Falcons here in Windsor it’s amazing. All I can say is keep looking up and you’ll be amazed at what you will see.
      Gwen


!!! Fledge photos. Just dropped in to say hello!
August 05, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a big thank you to Ava St.Onge for her kind words and photos, we’ed like to share some of the conversation with our peregrine supporters. Photos of the little fledgling female on her maiden flight, and one of her first “rest stops”. Funny that this little baby ends up landing on the 4th floor, maternity ward window! Hmmmmm, as fate would have it.

Hello Peregrine Foundation,

I just finished speaking with a lovely gentleman in the parking lot of the William Osler Etobicoke Hospital who explained his purpose for standing near our truck with binoculars. He was watching the activity of a baby falcon who was perched on a building nearby to where we were standing. I explained to him that not even an hour earlier, the same falcon had landed on my sister’s room window ledge (4th floor, maternity ward) and I had taken some pictures; he gave me the web address to send them to you.
I just wanted to say that my husband and I really enjoyed our impromptu conversation with your team member (we didn’t get his name), and learned a lot in 20 minutes! I hope you enjoy the pictures I took, though only a few. (She looks like she posed in one of them!) Keep up the great work of helping (endangered) birds in need… Always a worthwhile cause!

Warmest regards,
Ava St.Onge

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/08/sightings/fledge-photos-just-dropped-in-to-say-hello/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/08/sightings/fledge-photos-just-dropped-in-to-say-hello/)  Photos here

!!! The young juvenile female takes her first flights!!
August 05, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Bruce Massey Reports:

Fledge Day 8
Thursday August 5th:

Arrived @ 1530 Hrs. Still pretty hot, so was quiet for an hour or so, until adult Female (Gray & White, Split Tail (Missing Feather) brought in food & juvinile male popped up & began to eat. After another 1/2 hour of not seeing his sister, I got concerned & started a wide circle search around the property. I worked my way around to the SW side and finally found the juvenile female. She had indeed Fledged and was now on the south side of the Hospital 4 stories up.

All remained quiet and she stayed in that area until her brother buzzed her about 1710 HRS.

Then, one of the adult buzzed her 5-6 times and this got her going! She took off and made one circular flight & gained a few feet, then a 2nd flight that put her out of my sight. By the time I got around to the E side of the Hospital, I saw her glide over to the roof of the Medical Centre. Sure enough both her & her brother spent a 1/2 hour or so together on that roof, and at one point got buzzed a couple times by a Kestrel (Looked to be a Juvenile). Finally little brother got tired of waiting and flew off.

The young female finally got up enough nerve and flew off trying to get back up to the Nest Ledge. She got up 7-8 Floors, did a face plant on the building face, lost altitude and headed back to the Medical Centre. (A good lesson learned). By this time, Dad flew down & joined her and encouraged her back up to 7th Floor Window Ledge were she settled Down for the night. All in all, a good day for both juveniles, especially for the young female, as she learned some important lessons today.

I was so excited when I read this news!  Mackenzie was my little guy, I spent so much time fretting over him last year and I am just beside myself knowing that he has made it this far!  I will be making a road trip to Burlington in the coming weeks to try and see him!!   He looks so much like Angel now - his mom  :wub:

July 14, 2010 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Mark Nash received a phone call from  our wonderful supporters at MEC security that a banded juvenile had been recovered on their rounds outside one of the buldings.  The unfortunate juvenile has been identified as 18 over Y better known as Joe.  There was no visible trauma that would indicate what had happened to him yet it was most likely an impact with a window of one of the MEC buildings.

For the juvenile peregrines that have successfully fledged and are now learning the fine art of flight, the dangers can be much greater than when they were floppy first timers.  The juveniles now have a much greater degree of confidence and navigate through their environment at much faster speeds.  This makes collisions with buildings and other objects dangerous and even deadly, as was the case for young Joe.

While I was at the site, the other 3 remaining juveniles were flying around well and landing on MEC 2 and 3 like pros.  We wish them well in their learning and hope that they do well in their travels south this fall.

Posted on August 7, 2010 5:59 pm

 :(

Fly free, little one:(

!!! One Juvenile Still In The Area
August 08, 2010 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

Sunday evening around 8p.m. I was walking along King St opposite the nest building. I took a quick look at the east side of 18 King St. and counted 3 peregrines. Two adults were on the nest ledge level and one peregrine was on the roof of the nest building directly above the adults.  I’m hoping the second juvenile is still around. We’ll have to keep watching.

I think the juvenile that was in view was the female named , Zera.

 All 3 Young Seen..Doing Great
August 13, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:

Lyn Reports:

August 13, Friday Yonge and Eglinton
Report for today primarily and for odd days over the past week working backwards.
I heard calling at around 6:30pm and went out to have a look. Searched the Heart and Stroke building found a *spot* at the top of the Northwest corner of the building and at the end of my search found a juvenile female sitting on one of the *walls* between the windows. She was responsible for the noise! So I came back inside to get my camera and the peregrine, low down, flew. However, I saw two, one of which was squawking, flying from north to south over the northeast corner of the H&S building! There was a size difference between the two! Then my little peregrine from the northwest corner flew and joined the others out of my sight. This was a larger bird. A short time later I saw two peregrines over the H&S building fluttering madly and again they disappeared from view. A minute later a small peregrine flew from somewhere southwest of the Riocan building, over the H&S at speed and was then followed by one squawking youngster which I believe to be a female. I am just a wee bit unsure whether I saw four peregrines in total or only three! I definitely saw two juvenile females - the smaller bird is the one in question - it flew like dad on a mission from the southwest but the earlier sighting of the smaller bird, when it disappeared from view on the H&S building, suggested the young male.
 
On Wednesday this week in the early afternoon I heard the peregrines calling for quite some time but did not investigate.
 
On Tuesday this week I was awoken to a real din at 6:00 AM!!!!! Wayyyyyyyyyy too early for me to get out of bed and have a look to see what was happening. I turned over and went back to sleep!
 
On Sunday I heard calling and went out to investigate. I saw one of the young females flying to and over the southwest corner of the H&S building. She seemed to be trying to entice someone off the corner and after her third or fourth try she was successful. First one youngster flew and then another joined them. The three young birds all flew together, in close proximity, and went over the apartment building on Orchardview, the Library building and continued north and then eventually northwest and out of sight.
 
They are all flying quite strongly, at times quite high and seem to have little problems landing anywhere, for example those thin walls which jut out between the windows!
 
Lyn

!!! Home Alone
August 16, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

It’s been very quiet around the Sunlife Centre the past few days.   I haven’t seen more than one juvenile in the past two weeks and none since last Monday.   It’s been such a humid, hot summer that we didn’t really get to enjoy as much of the juveniles activity as in summers past.  Like us, they aren’t crazy about this weather either!  No doubt they have moved out and are exploring the world - hopefully somewhere cooler!

Mom spent the day on her webcam almost all day by herself enjoying the cool breezes instead of sweltering in the heat for a change.  I saw her hunting for breakfast this morning as well and she looks really good and no doubt is enjoying her time alone after months of parenting.  I did see Jack a few times last week and heard him and Angel chatting to each other a few times.

Great news about our little Mackenzie being spotted with a potential mate in Burlington!  After everything he endured last summer, it was bittersweet to hear he’s not only survived but is thriving!  I hope to pay a visit to Burlington in the coming weeks to see if I can spot him.

 McKenzie is Hanging In
August 17, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Just thought I would let you know that McKenzie is still hanging in there  He and his mate are sitting on the Hydro Tower as we speak.  They are vocalizing back and forth to one another.  I hadn’t heard them for a few days but they are very vocal this morning.

 All’s Well at Ossler
August 14, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Bruce Massey Reports:

Spot checked Ossler both in AM & PM for about 6 Hrs Total.  In the AM I got there around Dawn and even at that time the Juveniles were very vocal.  About an hour later they both went for a 10-15 minute flight and what was so amazing was the Female that was about a week behind her brother kept up so well and not being overwhelmed by him.  When I left at 0930 Hrs, Both the Parents had showed up.

In the PM, the parents weren’t visible, but both Juveniles were present.  They spent most of their time in the Hydro Tower.  They also did another 10-15 min Flight together in the vicinity of  the Hospital.

 Likely Dot-Ca Sighting
December 31, 1969   ???  - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre


Over the course of the last several days,Ive been trading emails with a friend,Jen Howard who lives in the Kemphenfelt Bay area of Lake Simcoe. Jen has sent me some interesting photos,taken since mid-July,of 2 different Peregrine Falcons. A 2nd year bird,carrying what appeared in the photo to be a young Starling and a more interesting pair of photos,taken from her boat of a banded,juvenile,male Peregrine Falcon. The bird was seen about a quarter of the way down the Holland River,heading to Bradford.  On close examination and abit of manipulation of the photo,blue tape was easily seen on one “leg”. This is tape placed over the silver US Fish and Wildlife band,at the time the young Peregrine was banded,to keep track of it more easily during a fledge watch. The coloured alpha-numeric band is black with white letters/numbers,telling us it is Canadian. That band seems to be 2 digits which on inspection Ive made out to be 13 over Y. I made this observation before checking any of the current year’s banding records. I then checked which 2010 banded,male Peregrines the Canadian Peregrine Foundation had put the blue tape on. I found 2. Indeed the corresponding colour marker band of one was 13/Y.  This bird is Dot-Ca from a nest CPF monitors,infact it is one I site-co-ordinate the Fledgling Watch for each year and is a bird I personally rescued this season from a glass balcony on a condominium building. I am certain enough of this ID to make this posting. Dot-Ca was banded this year at Etobicoke’s Sunlife Centre,at Islington and Bloor.

      Attached are Jen Howards shots of the young Peregrine she and her son Jeff observed from their boat and a shot  of Dot-Ca,provided by Baylie Kastner moments before he was rescued. Jen is going to keep her eyes open for us and hopes to see either or both of these Peregrine Falcons again.

     Upon consultation with CPF Raptor Centre manager Tracy Simpson,we believe that Dot-Ca is quite a distance from home for such a young Peregrine,but the timeline of Kathy not observing all young at Sunlife fits and Dot-Ca was the first of the 3 brothers to hunt successfully for himself this summer. I also learned from Tracy that CPF has believed for some time that there is a Peregrine Falcon nest in the Barrie area(which is the general area of the sighting),but has been unable to confirm or find one…so far.  Peregrine Falcons are already being observed migrating along the shores of Lake Ontario. At a site I attend and count at in Scarborough,4 have already been sighted. Last season a record 73 migrating Peregrine Falcons were observed. Im hopeful that even more will be seen this season.

 http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/08/sightings/likely-dot-ca-sighting/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/08/sightings/likely-dot-ca-sighting/)  pics here

 OSSLER Update-August 21,2010
August 22, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Bruce Massey Reports:

       Arrived around 0700 Hrs. Juvenile female vocalizing on SW corner, flew around to North side lost sight of her.  Found Male Juvenile on Hydro Tower.  Noticed that he seemed to be “Croppy” (Had fed this AM).  Female Juvenile flew in from NW about 1/2 hour later. She then proceeded to strafe 3 or 4 gulls on the Ground in the Emergancy Parking Lot.  It appears that she doesn’t like Gulls as she chased a single one more time during  my Observations.

     The male disappeared and the Adult Male showed up with Food, landing on the East Sign and the Juvenile Female flew over snatched the food off Dad and chased him off  “Mantling” it as he flew off. (Sounds like Callidora and Archer)

     I stayed around for about 2 Hrs. and saw 3 Peregrines, and the only one I didn’t see was the Adult Female.

 :2thumbsup:   I'd like to see 3 peregrines again!  Thanks Donna.   :gum:

Edmonton's bravest caused a stir while rappelling off the High Level Bridge on Thursday to install nests for a pair of peregrine falcons.

"It's a really good training exercise," said Geoff Boulton, a technical rescue firefighter.

As the firefighters installed two wooden nest boxes on the concrete pillars, LRT trains, motorists and cyclists slowed to watch.

Peregrines favour high spots for nests, such as on bridges, cliffs and skyscrapers.

"They like their scenery," said Gordon Court, a wildlife biologist with the province.

The bridge is a good spot for hunting gulls on the North Saskatchewan River and pigeons, he said.

The pair of speedy-birds have called the steel trussed bridge their nesting ground for three years, but severe snowfalls have impacted reproduction, said Court.

In Alberta there are just 68 mating pairs of peregrines, a threatened species. Numbers declined to just one productive pair in 1970 due to the use of pesticides such as DDT.

Biologists hope the pair will find success breeding with the new nests to protect against rain and snowfall.

Peregrines are territorial creatures; as the firefighters worked one of the falcons swooped in for a peek.

It was an unexpected sight, Court said, but encouraging to see.

The male, born downtown in 2005, often sits atop the Peace Hills Trust building on 100 Avenue and 109 Street. The female was born in downtown Calgary in 2004.

"That was the icing on the cake. Now they have a place to lay eggs," he said.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/08/26/15154951.html#/news/edmonton/2010/08/26/pf-15154951.html (http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/08/26/15154951.html#/news/edmonton/2010/08/26/pf-15154951.html)  Photos here

 :wave:  This falcon looks big and very light colored compared to ours.   :gum:

!!! Ossler-Labour Day Weekend Updates
September 06, 2010 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Bruce Massey Reports:

     Managed to make it out to Ossler 3 out of 4 Days.  First of all, Friday Morning I had the Male Adult and both Juveniles but not the Adult Female, first thing. I spent about 2 Hours Total.  On Saturday, even though I didn’t do an official check, I happened to be in the neighbourhood and drove by around 1330 Hrs. and saw a Peregrine on the East  “ H” sign, however it was too far away to identify as Adult or Juvenile.

     Yesterday, I arrived on site around 1700 Hrs for around 2 hours, and only saw the Adult Male not the  Juveniles.  Today, (Monday) I arrived in the earl AM, but because of the Weather only stayed an Hour or so.  Again I only observed the Adult Male and didn’t see any of the other 3.

    As only an aside, or a coincidence, over the last 3 days there have been a total of 3 Peregrines through Holiday Beach Hawk Watch, however 2 went through on Sept. 3 and 1 through Sept. 5.

!!! Sad news to report, Nihei from 2009 has died.
August 19, 2010 - Ottawa - Crowne Plaza
CPF Postmaster Reports:

I am sad to report that our Nihei of last season has died. She had been found badly injured in Saint-Germain-de-Grantham, Quebec last September 9th. She was brought to a wildlife clinic with multiple fractures (scapula & coracoid ) and was cared for by a vet there. Unfortunately she contracted a bacterial infection and died. At least she was with caring people when she died.
Eve

Eve Ticknor

!!! Sad news from Mississauga at the Holcim nest site.
August 11, 2010 - Mississauga - St Lawrence Cement
Mark Nash Reports:

We have received some sad news from the Holcim nest site in Mississauga as the news of yet another one of this years juveniles didn’t make it. Sadly, it appears that the little juvenile named Holcim suffered fatal injuries as a result of him coming to the ground. While sad news to report, its also nice to know that his other siblings are all doing quite well and have stayed high and out of trouble. While the urban landscape can offer a very hospitable environment, safe from the usual dangers that exist for a young peregrine in the wild, it can also be a very dangerous environment with unique challenges, and the young of the year still have much to learn.

It is nice to know that while mortality is expected at every nest site, it is much lower at the urban nest site given the human intervention that is provided by the many staff and volunteers at each nest site during the fledge watches that are on hand to offer assistance and rescue some of the birds that take a little longer to hone their flight skills in an effort to stay aloft.

A huge thank you to Armando and the great staff and management team at Holcim for their incredible foster care and stewardship of their nesting peregrines, as this nest site has been a huge success overall year afer year since the peregrines first set up house.

Each year the Holcim nest site has produced and successfully fledged offspring that have survived to adulthood and some of the know survivors are now nesting and producing their own offspring in other parts of the country (both here in Canada and the USA).

Poor babies!  :(

 :(   Just goes to show how lucky it is that Jemison healed and is now flying free!   :heart:

It breaks my heart when I see these things.  Poor babies.  So beautiful but they fly in dangerous situations.  We are so lucky that Jemison was rescued and rehabbed! :heart:

 Excellent Osprey action photo with fish out of water by Michael Irwin!
September 14, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Mark Nash Reports:

I caught this Osprey fishing at Balsam lake a couple of weeks back…..feel free to use it.

Michael Irwin

Excellent pic!

!!! More sad news to report! Blackberry has been found dead.
August 25, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:

While we don’t have any details as yet of little Balckberry’s demise, we have received sad news from OMNR Guelph district of a dead juvenile peregrine falcon havaing been reported to them wearing a black band 14 over Y. After a quick check of this years banding details, the band has been confirmed belonging to Blackberry, produced this year at the Sun Life centre nest site at Bloor & Islington in Etobicoke.
We hope to get more details and will post it as the information becomes available

!!! Renewal
September 14, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Angel and Jack have been busy renewing their pair bond for the past week.  This is typical behaviour at the end of nesting season - a way of reaffirming their commitment to the site and to each other.  So lots of echupping and time in the nestbox  bowing and scraping when he is here, otherwise Angel is perched on her cam enjoying the cool Fall air and Jack is off at his other site.

It was very sad to hear that our little Blackberry did not make it.    Fly free little buddy!

 :clap:  Wonderful photo!   :clap:  Thanks Donna! :2thumbsup:

 :(   Fly high and free!    :heart:

May you fly with our other sweet falcons that we have loved and lost, little one. :'(

 Both Adults On Site
October 03, 2010 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Frank Butson Reports:

An Ont Birds report on October 3rd mentioned quickly that both adults were on the bridge and looking well. Its always great to hear.

Raptor activity everywhere!
October 06, 2010 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a big thank-you to Andy McLachlan for his photos and observation report of a feathered visitor that dropped in for a quick pigeon snack behind the Toronto City hall much to the delight of the MANY onlookers.
Although not a peregrine falcon as earlier suspected, the juvenile Coopers / Sharpe-shinned hawk was not bothered at with all of the excitement that it was causing.

Danforth & Woodbine Drop-In surprize!
October 08, 2010 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a big thank you to Cynthia Head for sending in a great photo and a report of a not so typical happening in this end of the city. The photo illiterates a great shot with one of our Toronto produced juvenile peregrine falcons with a very fresh pigeon kill as it stands on the kill on the roadway (of course in traffic). Another huge thank you to an unidentified lady that stoped and parked her vehicle in front of the young not so long ago fledged juvenile to protect it from the rush hour traffic while it carried on with meal.

Over the years, we see allot of these happenings in and around the urban nest sites where we are involved in the many fledge watches. Sadly, many of the young fledglings are not so lucky with their with interaction with the local automobile traffic. In this case, it appears that the quick thinking and actions of the unidentified lady likely saved this young peregrines life.

Lets hope that this young juvenile learns NOT to repeat this same action in the future to avoid becoming another casualty in our streets.

The pics remind me of Hafoc at the Building 214 loading dock and in front of Media Play.

 :wave:  Very cool Donna!   :thanks2:

Thank goodness for the lady who stopped to protect this young one from traffic.   This could have had a very bad ending.   :clap:

Not much happening in Canada lately but every so often:

Adult Seen In Area
November 14, 2010 - Scarborough - Yellow Pages
Frank Butson Reports:

Today while driving by the area of the Yellow Pages building,my friends and I observed an adult Peregrine Falcon in flight. Hoping this coming year they nest successfully!

 On our way home from seeing Quest, Joyce and I went to the yellow pages building to see if we could find a falcon. We saw something on a building across the street and thought it was a falcon. We got all excited and drove closer. She got out of the car with her camera all set to click away when it became obvious that it was a pigeon not a falcon. Needless to say we had a good laugh over that! ;D

Posted by Big Frank on the Yahoo side...Ei

From: "bigbirderfrank" <frankbutson@...>
Date: Mon Nov 22, 2010 11:47 am
Subject: Videos and Photos and CPF News
   

Hi gang. Saw the Screech Owl video and thought Id post my you tube sight. Ive
got many Peregrine,Owl and animal videos. If you go here
http://www.youtube.com/user/CPFFrank and click on see all,there should be over
30 videos available to watch. Many you will already have seen when loaded to
tinypic but they are all in one place now and I enjoy watching some many times.
There are banding videos,fledge watch videos and the CPF educational birds at
the shows. Enjoy at your leisure.
  This is my photo website,tons of bird and animal photos,always adding more.
http://bigbirderfrank.winkflash.com/
    For those who know us...Tracy and Marion are hard at work in the CPF office
trying to get alot of our website updated and humming along. A new members enews
letter is being worked on too. Monitoring at our nestsites continues,with
occassional spotchecks.
    My raptor watch is almost over for the season(as is the fall season!) but it
sure has been an amazing year. We sighted 83 Peregrine Falcons. We had record
high numbers of Bald Eagles(73) and Osprey(211) all great news for formerly
endangered raptors!
    Watch for more Owl news from me and videos. Our little Screech Owl has
returned to the park for the winter. His mate showed up in Feb last year. The
2nd pair hasnt been seen yet but soon Im sure. We'll be doing a big Owl and Hawk
outting later in the winter heading from Toronto to Lake Erie. At the power
plant at Nanticoke Bald Eagles gather every winter. We have seen as many as 20
in a day there. Security is more tight,but we have nothing to hide so dont mind
being quetioned. If lucky on this trip we'll see hundreds of Redtails,a few
Roughlegged Hawks,Snowy Owls,Long-eared and Short-eared Owls and the Eagles
among others.

Peregrines Acting Territorial
November 27, 2010 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:

Lyn Reports from Yonge and Eglinton.. Peregrine pair - Saturday November 27th 2010.
I was at the bank at Y & E and seduced by the blue sky and sunshine I went out onto the sidewalk to look for our Peregrines. This was at 3:25pm. I looked up at the Heart and Stroke building and found nothing. On checking the Rio-Can building, top row of windows, I spotted one of the Peregrines. It was a large bird (when it flew I could tell) and so I believe it was the female. She flew across Eglinton,over the bank building next to the TTC lot and was joined over that building by the male,much smaller in size. When they came in to view over Yonge street I saw that they were both chasing a Redtailed hawk.
They nearly got it over the CIBC building on the east side of Yonge at the corner and the chase was on! The RT flew for dear life heading east,crossed over Eglinton around Redpath with the two Peregrines in close pursuit, diving on it periodically. They all disappeared from view on the north side of Eglinton.
I stood for a few minutes watching the sky and saw one of the Peregrines coming back along Eglinton until somewhere close to Dunfield Ave and then it disappeared again,on the north side.
It was very rewarding to see them still active in this area!
Cheers
Lyn

 :clap:

!!! Late Autumn Update
November 29, 2010 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Both our adult peregrines are still here too!   In October Jack was onsite for several hours a day spending time with Angel.  It was almost like the old days when he only had her as his mate.  But alas in November he’s been dividing his time between sites I assume as he is only here sporadically now.  I do sometimes hear them chupping to each other in the mornings before he flies off in the direction of his other site .

A few weeks ago when we had some Spring like weather, I did witness them go off flying together towards the lake.   The past few weeks Angel has settled into her usual routine of hunting off the towers in the early morning and dozing on her perch and keeping warm the rest of the day.

Both Adults On Site
December 06, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Frank Butson Reports:

Over the weekend of Dec 4/5 both adult Peregrine Falcons were on territory at the Burlington/Hamilton Liftbridge.  Great to know they remain in the area!  :clap:

!!! Peter Spotted In Toronto
-
Frank Butson Reports:

On Friday I was contacted by Iain,who sent a few photos of a juvenile,Peregrine Falcon he had seen at Tommy Thompson Park(The Leslie Street Spit),3 weeks ago.  The young Peregrine had the black band with white numbers/letters 46/Y. I sent the info to Marion Nash at CPF and she got back to me with the identity of the young male. His name is Peter,and he was banded in Hamilton at the Hamilton Sheraton Hotel site in 2010. Peter was 525grams at banding.  The Hamilton Peregrines are named with local figures or history in mind.This is how Peters name came to be:

 St. Peter’s Infirmary was founded in 1890 with room for 14 patients. Recognized as a hospital under the Public Hospital Acts in 1931, by the 1970s St. Peter’s had grown to accommodate 284 mainly geriatric patients. Presently part of the St. Peter’s Health System, the hospital now specializes in the care of adults of all ages with chronic illness.

A little of Peter’s history:
Peter took his first flight as per below:
June 16, 2010 - At 16:20 this afternoon Peter left the Sheraton ledge and flew out over King Street. It landed a few minutes later on the adjacent Thompson building and seems just fine.
 His adult Parents are known as Madame X(originally name Runaround Sue) who arrived in 2001 on site. Madame X was hatched on a bridge on Pennsylvania Route 309, the Cross-Valley Expressway in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Banded as a hatchling on 7 June 1999 she was known to the falcon watchers in Northeast PA as ‘Runaround Sue’, a name suggested after she was found running along the expressway guide wall one morning. Her Father is Surge,the resident male since 2004. Surge was hatched in Etobicoke at the Islington and Bloor site (now the Sunlife Centre) in 2002.

Information about Peter and his Mom came from the Hamilton Community Peregrine Project http://falcons.hamiltonnature.org/ . The co-ordinator there has been been given this good news about Peter and was glad to hear it.

Reports from bird watchers and photographers are very important  to the ongoing monitoring of Peregrine Falcons. Please contact CPF with your observations and tell your friends to as well. Send observations/photos to  postmaster@peregrine-foundation.ca or frank@peregrine-foundation.ca We will do all we can to provide information to you regarding the Peregrine you have sighted.
Posted on December 7, 2010 12:13 pm

!!! Bald eagles come to visit.
December 07, 2010 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a big thank you to Ken Hale Sr. for his observation report and the photos that he took on December 7th from Balsam Lake Ontario, that show a good view of some first, second and third year juvenile bald eagles, and the adult bald eagles. He writes: Surprised to see Bald Eagles. There were a total of 9 birds. The photo date was December 7th, 2010 taken in the south Bay of Balsam Lake Ontario. They were a long ways out on the lake and I had to use a 300mm lens without a tripod.
Feel free to use any of the pictures.

Ken Hale S

 :coolphotos: :flash: :clap:

!!! End of Season Wrap(tor) Up For Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch
December 13, 2010 - International, National and Local News

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/end-of-season-wraptor-up-for-rosetta-mcclain-gardens-raptor-watch/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/end-of-season-wraptor-up-for-rosetta-mcclain-gardens-raptor-watch/) By Big Frank

Gyrfalcon Photos - from Western Canada
February 09, 2010 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a thank you to Peter Zadorozny from Delta B.C. Canada for sending us some of his shots of a gyrfalcon that he photographed between Dec. 2009 - Feb., 2010

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/gyrfalcon-photos-from-western-canada/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/gyrfalcon-photos-from-western-canada/)

Christmas Goose For A Peregrine?
December 15, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:

Thanks for the use of your photos Meghan and sending us your exciting sighting!

Meghan Wetmore Reports:

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/christmas-goose-for-a-peregrine/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/christmas-goose-for-a-peregrine/)

Lots of pics to look at on all links.

Recent School Visit
December 24, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:
From The Stonewall Argus & Teulon Times
Endangered life at school
Great horned owl and peregrine falcon make an appearance at Stonewall Centennial as students learn about endangered species.

By Amanda Lefley
Two endangered animals entered Stonewall Centennial School on Oct. 28, as the Canadian Peregrine Foundation gave the Grades 5-8 classes an educational speech about birds of prey, specifically the great horned owl and the peregrine falcon. “It’s very important to bring them in because it gives a face to the animal,” said Kyle Holloway, an outreach programs educator with the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. Holloway also explained the aspects he talks about to students, such as habitats, communities, theory of flight, and endangered species, tie into what the students learn in their curriculum.
Before Holloway brought out the two animals – Alexandra, the approximately 10-year-old great horned owl and Oscar, the nine-year-old falcon- he went over some terminology with his audience. He defined what an endangered species was, as well as an extinct and extirpated species. He also had the students list the different actions that cause species to be endangered, such as destroying habitats and pollution, and list the different actions that can now help endangered species, such as protecting the habitat, planting more trees, and creating animal rescues.
Then he brought out Oscar, a fully-grown male falcon. Holloway explained the bird’s lifestyle to the children, his diet, what he eats, about the bird’s hearing and sight. He showed the children the bird’s wingspan as well as the animal’s nictitating membrane.
After Oscar was put away Holloway brought out Alexandra, a fully-grown female great horned owl. The bird was much larger than the falcon in size, which Holloway pointed out. He explained much of the same things to his audience, what the bird liked to eat, about the bird’s sight and hearing. He also went into some detail about the nocturnal tendencies of the bird and showed off the creature’s large wingspan as well.
“They are magnificent animals and they are on the endangered species (list)… I just want kids to appreciate that they are beautiful birds,” said the school’s principal, Ken Hoglund.
When Holloway’s presentation was finished he fielded questions from his audience. However, there wasn’t enough time for him to answer them all, but he did leave the student’s teachers with a workbook from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation to incorporate into their classes.
Hoglund says the school incorporates what the presentation outlined into the classroom in many ways. He said children at the school will go on to write stories about these animals, as well as read other articles about them.
“Hopefully it will open their interest and they’ll think more about all endangered species throughout the world. So giving a global perspective of animals and how we should treat them,” said Hoglund.
The presentation from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation was free of charge to the school as TD Friends of the Environment Foundation sponsored it.

Downtown/Midtown Toronto Summary
December 25, 2010 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Harry Crawford Reports:

I developed a short summary of my involvement with the Downtown and Midtown Toronto peregrines from a volunteer’s perspective. Brief information on some of the other sites is included. The purpose for doing this was to accompany Christmas cards. Since it covers several sites, I have placed it here in the Sheraton site postings as this is where my year began.

Harry and the Peregrines – 2010 Summary

The phenomenal success of last year has repeated itself again this year. Of the available nine chicks, eight survived to the end of the watches. We also had an additional site to monitor. I worked the two downtown sites as well as Yonge and Eglinton. Because of the G20 Summit, we were issued photo id cards in case the watches overlapped the G20. Fortunately this was not the case.

The first watch was at the Sheraton Centre. Rhea Mae and Tiago had three chicks – two males, Star and Lorenzo and a female, Legacy. Star apparently likes opera. He flew into the underground parking garage, perched on a pipe and eventually flew out again. A rescue was not needed. He has a daughter this year. I attended the banding at this site. Our MPP, Glen Murray, also attended and made a nice speech. It was good to get his support. Next year, the watch here is going to be more difficult now that Jan has retired and moved to France. It was great to have her high up in her perch in First Canadian Place and in almost constant radio contact. Hurricane, born here in 2004, is the resident male at the William Osler Health Centre in Etobicoke.

The next watch was at 18 King East. Erin and her mate had two chicks – Malik a male and Zera a female. We still have not identified the adult male. Zera was trapped on a glass balcony and had to be rescued. Both chicks did well and kept their height. We have word about previous chicks. Jasmine from 2001 was severely injured and had to be put down. Ely from 2008 is raising a family in central New York State. Majesty from 2002 [one of the Toronto Five] is raising another family in Flint Michigan. She is also the last survivor from this hatch. Her parents were Ponce-Kingsley and Victoria.

Just when we thought the watches were over, Mark got a call from Toronto Animal Services that a baby peregrine had to be rescued from a glass balcony near Yonge and Eglinton. Ranger and Hunter used to be the resident falcons in this area. Clearly these were different adults. The nest is located at 2200 Yonge. An emergency watch had to be set up quickly. Frank, from the Etobicoke site, took charge. Most of the downtown team participated along with Bruce and Lyn, who lives in a nearby condo. All four chicks had to be rescued with one not making it. The survivors are two females – Cyclone and Tara, and a male – Typhoon. We took the opportunity to have the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources folks band the birds when we had them in hand. Also, Lyn kept them in her condo when necessary.

At Mt. Sinai, Wind and her partner had two clutches of four eggs. Nothing hatched. There is some suspicion that the male may Hunter from Yonge and Eglinton which was another failed nest for several years. Up there, they were on the Canadian Tire building.

In Etobicoke at the Sun Life complex, Angel and Jack had three male chicks – Blackberry, Dot-com and Mercedes. Three rescues were necessary, including Blackberry from a balcony. OMNR folks later let us know that a male peregrine chick was found dead in Guelph. It was Blackberry. Mackenzie from 2009 has a mate in Burlington.

In Ottawa, Diana and Conner laid two clutches. Unfortunately nothing hatched. Nihei from 2009 was injured and died in Quebec. Zanar from 2004 has a successful nest on the Ogdensburg bridge with four chicks.

At Yonge and Bloor, the pair from last year remain. They did disappeard for a couple of months during the summer but that was probably due to the number of building cranes in the area. No nesting attempts were observed. They tend to hang out at the CIBC building at Yonge and Bloor, the apartment tower in the Manulife Centre and the TD Waterhouse building at 77 Bloor West. There was no evidence that they were around the Four Seasons Hotel this year.

In Rochester, they have a new pair of adults – Archer and Beauty. From what I gather, they successfully raised three chicks this year. The nest box was moved to the top of the Times Square building downtown. The Kodak cameras were moved there as well. (2 chics)

The red-tailed hawks at Queen’s Park are still around and have raised a family again this year. They can now be found on the tallest of three pine trees just east of the east flag pole on the south side of the Legislature.

The turkey vultures in the Bloor and Sherborne area are still around. They are often seen in the Yonge and Bloor area being chased by peregrines. Large flocks of these birds often pass overhead. Welcome to once a week garbage pickup.

!!! A white Red-tail from Iowa USA
December 18, 2010 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a big thank you to Jack Textor from Iowa, for sending us some of his shots of a white Red-tail hawk that he photographed earlier in December on one of his outings. Spotted and photographed in Des Moines, Iowa on December 18, 2010. Initially believed to be a Gyrfalcon, a closer inspection of the photos told a much different story. While not a true albino, (as his the eyes are not pink), this adult male Red-tail is never-the-less mostly all white in colour with the exceptions of a few black and brown feathers that are only visible when the bird is in flight.

What makes this bird more rarer than not, is the fact that he has survived to adulthood and so far continues to prosper. As you might imagine, being all white, living and hunting in the usual Red-tail habitats, being all white is not to your benefit, as both concealment from other larger avian and mammalian predators, and stealthy hunting would not be an easy task.

To survive to adulthood (and on wards), is quite an accomplishment. We will be interested if Jack will continue to follow this guy and send us future updates on his progress over the next months.

Boxing Day 2010 at the Lift Bridge
December 26, 2010 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I stopped by the Lift Bridge to see what we could see.  When driving in the driveway we immediately saw an Adult Peregrine chasing a flock of the local pigeons.  It was quite a display, but unfortunately not a successful hunt.  She returned to the cable arm on the Bay side of  the Burlington Tower for a rest.  A short time later she took off out over the Skyway, but was unsuccessful once again.  While watching, we noticed the adult male tucked into the corner of the buffer housing.  I guess he was looking for shelter from the cold wind.  The white capped waves were rolling onto the shore from the lake and it was -6 degrees on the car thermometer.  We didn’t hang around too long, but were happy to see that both adults appear to be hanging onto the territory.  We of course were not able to identify either bird so we are assuming at this point that it is Cirrus and Sir Adam Beck.

Cheyenne Visits CPF Office
December 27, 2010 - International, National and Local News

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/3758/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2010/12/sightings/3758/)Check out BigFrank and 4 month old Cheyenne. What a sweetie!

!!! Some tragic news about Hal.
January 04, 2011 - Hamilton - Sheraton Hotel
CPF Postmaster Reports:

The 2010 season was a huge success with respect to very little mortality having been recorded of the young fledglings that were produced at our southern Ontario urban nest sites, we are all holding our breath at this time of year, as this is the time when we get many reports of downed and injured raptors. While most of the reports and occurrences are not peregrine related, we usually experience and get half a dozen reports of first year juvenile peregrines running into trouble in other parts of the land while on their migration.

Sadly, the most recent report (and the first that we have had for the new 2011 year), came yesterday, Jan 4th from OMNR, looking for confirmation and identity of an adult banded peregrine having been severely injured with broken wing that was picked up in the Bowenville area on Saturday January 1st - (new years day).

After checking the band numbers and the birds history, the bird was easily identified as a bird named “Hal”. Hal was produced in 2001 at the Hamilton Sheraton Hotel nest site and has been active as a territorial adult in several area’s here in southern Ontario over the years including short territorial activity at the Burlington Lift Bridge nest site and at the St. Lawrence Cement - (now called Holcim) nest site in Mississauga Ontario.

While tragic as it is to see, at ten years old, Hal has in fact lived a long life for a peregrine in the wild, and was closing on his natural life expectancy given his age. The typical average live span of a peregrine in the wild is 9 to 12 years of age, with some living to 15 years of age.

First reports of Hal’s condition although limited and preliminary, does not sound very promising at all. We hope to get further information on Hal’s situation as it becomes available.

Hal was banded at approx. 25 days old on May 28th 2001 at he Hamilton Sheraton Hotel, weighing in at 654 grams. His parents were Madam X and Percy.

UPDATE!!

!!! Hal had to be put down!
January 05, 2011 - Hamilton - Sheraton Hotel
CPF Postmaster Reports:

We have received an update this afternoon on Hal’s situation and saddened to report that his injuries and overall condition were too severe, and he was euthanized late yesterday.

So sorry, poor Hal! RIP!

Fly Free Hal.   :(

Soar with the angels, little one :(

Poor Hal  :'(

Figured I'd stick this in here:

It’s not everyday students get to see an endangered species up close and personal and on Friday students at Widdifield Secondary School were fortunate enough to see a peregrine falcon firsthand.

Kyle Holloway, with the Canadian Peregrine Foundation and Oscar the peregrine falcon and Alexandra a great horned owl, were at the school to deliver an informative, interactive, and fun workshop on the endangered fowl.

The main focus of the presentation dealt with pesticides including DDT, and how the chemicals affect the population of these birds.

“The best way to make changes is to get to kids. Youth are who is going to make the change,” says Holloway.

He says that since it is harder to change the mind of adults, the foundation focused on kids in grades four to twelve.

Seeing the creatures up-close allowed the students to explore what their role is in helping to keep the bird’s habitat clean and safe and free of pesticides.



Baytoday.Ca

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/01/sightings/cirrus-snacking-at-the-liftbridge/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/01/sightings/cirrus-snacking-at-the-liftbridge/) Some great pics of Cirrus from Burlington Lift Bridge

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/01/sightings/more-of-cirrus/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/01/sightings/more-of-cirrus/) more here. (Ew)

 :clap: Wonderful pics!  :thanks2:

Having been there a few times, I would have loved to see the uncropped version to know where Cirrus sat.  They are excellent photos!  Does anyone know what equipment they use? 

Hi there. Cirrus was sitting on one of the hydro towers to the west of the bridge. If they arent on the bridge structure anywhere then the hydro towers are the place to look. They have a great view from up there.
Sue uses a Nikon D90 Sigma lens 150-500

!!! KINGSTON:Peregrine With Potentially Dangerous Gear
January 23, 2011 -
Frank Butson Reports:

Recently on a birding trip to Amherst Island near Kingston,Ontario, Canada Ann Brokelman a CPF volunteer,photographed a Peregrine Falcon flying past her very quickly. She got a few quick shots of the juvenile plummaged Peregrine as it flew by,which shows some kind of entanglement. The location was west of the ferry docks on Amherst Island.

   People in the area should be on the watch for this bird.

Mark Nash CPF Co-VP and C0-founder writes:This is something that the bird has got caught up in, as this is not any telemetry or any typical falconry equipment.  While it could be a leash of sorts, it is NOT in any proper position that would benefit the bird at all. This is kind of tragic, if this stays on this bird, as there is a terrible,potential risk to the bird’s well being with such an attachment.  Fingers crossed that what ever it is, comes off!!

An email will be sent to the Kingston Field Naturalists and other avid birders in the Kingston area.  CPF volunteer Frank Butson will be in the field at Amherst Island next week and will keep eyes open for this bird.

  not good

Does this look like a dart or an arrow to anyone? 

Oh my, it does look like an arrow! How dreadful!  :crying:

Will it be possible to catch her??

I agree that it does look like an arrow or a dart.  That is awful if it is.  When was that picture taken? 
Can it be enlarged/magnified to show mor detail?

It looks like a leash or cord to me.

Whatever it is, it's tragic. Poor baby. Hope someone can help but it's quite hard to capture now unless sooner or later it hinders it's flight.  :(

!!! Escaped Peregrine Near Liftbridge?
January 30, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Frank Butson Reports:

On Sunday I recieved a photo of a Peregrine Falcon that was taken at the liftbridge. Clearly not one of the resident pair,it appears to have tethers or a leash on. Local CPF volunteers have been notified and the word is out to Burlington/Hamilton birders to keep their eyes open for this bird. Please contact CPF with sightings of this bird. There is a good chance it is able to hunt on its own and a chance it could free itself from the gear,but also a chance that it could get tangled. Any further news will be reported.  :o

One of the reasons I always worry about falconry birds. Maybe they are happy, but still...

 :no:

Peregrine Visits Queens
February 04, 2011 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:

Recently a posting was made to The Weather Channel ( www.theweathernetwork.com (http://www.theweathernetwork.com) ) with the photo included taken by Richard Huang on Feb 2,2011 in Kingston, Ontario Canada. The Peregrine Falcon was  perched on Botterell Hall, at Queen’s University, during a recent snow storm.

Too bad we can't see if s/he is banded or not.

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/02/sightings/ely2008-chick-on-site-in-cleveland/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/02/sightings/ely2008-chick-on-site-in-cleveland/) Ely,2008 Chick On Site In Cleveland

Great pics by Chad & Chris

!!! Tonga from MEC has been spotted in Port Huron Mi, USA.
February 02, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:

With a huge thank you to Mark Robinson from Port Huron in Mich. USA, we have some interesting news about Tonga, who was produced at the MEC nest site back in 2003. After closer inspection of the great photo he sent into us, the band number was confirmed to be a solid Black band, 85 over H. Our banding records confirm that it is in fact Tonga from the MEC nest site, who was produced in 2003.
Mark writes:
I came across a banded adult Peregrine Falcon on the banks of the St
Clair River, Port Huron, Mi, last weekend.

I’ve attached a cropped image showing the only photograph I managed to
get that shows the bands. It looks to my untrained eye that the band
on the left leg is black and contains the characters 05 (85) above
the character H, with no line between the characters. Is that
sufficient information to identify the bird?

I hope this information might be useful to you and your ongoing
research. If you are able to identify the bird I would love to hear
it’s story and perhaps write a little about it, and the work you do on
my blog

best regards
Mark R.

Jack Still Doing Double Duty
February 11, 2011 - Greater Toronto - Private Residential 1
Frank Butson Reports:


Most of January and February,the “resident male”  Jack has been seen with the resident female fairly regularily. The female has been around the old nestledge.  Recently,Mom was seen in some kind of altercation/chase with a large bird and arrived back on site safely. Stay tuned,historically,late  February has been courtship/mating time.

!!! Both Adults in view
February 13, 2011 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

A quick check on the downtown nesting sites.

All three downtown nesting sites had two adult peregrines in view. King St. had both adults sitting on the south service area this morning. Yesterday a huge industrial crane had been lifting heavy machinery into the building.  Today, the crane was one street east, and kept the peregrines on watch.

!!! Both Adults in the area
February 13, 2011 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:

 A quick spot check on the 3 downtown nesting locations, had both adults on site.

Today, both adults were sitting on the east side of 120 Adelaide St, across the street from the Sheraton Centre Hotel.

!!! Both adults on site
February 13, 2011 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
Linda Woods Reports:

A quick spot check on all 3 downtown nesting locations had both adults on site.

Today, 2 adult peregrines were sitting on the east side of the hospital in the far north ledge.

I'm glad to see this...I haven't seen them on camera in quite a while...thanks!

!!! Could there be a second pair of peregrines in Windsor??
February 02, 2011 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
CPF Postmaster Reports:

After many e-mail over the past few months, and with a huge thank you to Robert for his determination and persistence, it would appear that there could be another pair of territorial peregrines in Windsor Ontario. He has been watching a water tower at Benjamin and Hanna where there has been allot of raptor activity since October of last year. He recently sent us some video that he shot of one of the birds, along with a couple of observation reports.

While we don’t suspect that any offspring has been as yet, if there is a territorial pair holding firm at this site, (and an available nesting ledge of sorts), we may just see a new family in the works.

Robert writes: February 2nd / 2011
Hello again! I captured a little bit of video this morning… put on your headphones because the sound of this particular bird will probably better help you identify it if this is a peregrine.



October 2010 observation:
I don’t know if you’re aware of this but there is a peregrine living underneath the water tower on Benjamin & Hanna.

And if I’m right there might baby falcons up there as well?? I say that because this morning the firefighters were rappel training from the top and the peregrine was getting very very agitated by their presence. It appeared very defensive about its territory.

I know the one has been living there for at least 18 months but it could be longer. I’ll try to capture them on video sometime but they are elusive.

Robert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJIXsUpcUFY#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJIXsUpcUFY#ws) The proof

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/02/sightings/white-red-tail-a-real-survivor/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/02/sightings/white-red-tail-a-real-survivor/) White Red-tail hawk.

What a beauty!  ;D

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/02/sightings/cirrus-and-sir-adam/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/02/sightings/cirrus-and-sir-adam/) Some great pics of Sir and Cirrus

Recently Sue Adorjan got these great pictures near the Liftbridge again. The first shot  is Sir Adam. All others are Cirrus.

Both Adults On Site…Pigeon Be Gone
- Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:

Reporting for Lyn:

20110215 Yonge-Eglinton Peregrines
 
I had an exciting day today! I came out of the bank and whilst waiting for the light to change I saw a Peregrine struggle with the reflections in the windows of the Rio-Can building on the east side. The Peregrine had actually flown across the front of the Heart and Stroke building and *softly* into a window, fluttered up and down the window and then flew off over Eglinton Ave. It came back to the same side of the Rio-Can building and did the same thing again before flying across Eglinton Ave and onto the railing on the level below the nest ledge, but on the northeast side of the building. This appeared to be a large Peregrine but not having another one with which to compare it I reserved judgement. The Peregrine sat on the railing for a good ten minutes.
Just as I was about leave for indoors, she took off over the CIBC building on the SW corner of Y&E and along Eglinton east. At a spot one street west of Redpath I saw three pigeons flying above Eglinton Ave and the Peregrine had her sights set on one of them and I saw her grab it!!
I exclaimed aloud *oh wow* which caused two pedestrians to turn around and look along Eglinton but they did not see her. She struggled to fly and gain height to land on top of the CIBC building. She was flying against the wind. As she landed I saw another peregrine fly from the west to land right at the top of the nest building on the NW corner.
I thought I could safely dash home for binoculars as I thought she would eat the peregrine where she was. When I came back she had gone and so had the second peregrine. I searched the two buildings to no avail. However I did find feathers floating on the breeze coming from the west. I searched along Eglinton to the corner of Duplex - no luck! When I looked south from there I found both peregrines on top of the black building over the bus garage. This time I could definitely see the size difference and it was the female who had caught the pigeon. I stood out there in the cold wind for 45 minutes as she plucked feathers and ate, then plucked some more. The male was sitting about 2 metres away from her and periodically he called then settled down again. Eventually, minutes before I left he could bear the strain no longer. He ran along the edge of the building towards the female and grabbed what looked like the pigeon’s head and then flew to another perch on the same building. The female never paused. She continued eating. By this time I was frozen and decided to leave. Both peregrines were pecking away at their spoils. It was a great sighting.
Never go to the bank without binoculars!!!
Lyn

!!! Territorial activity full time in St. John New Brunswick.
February 11, 2011 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Further conversations and observations from Gaye, and some research on her behalf, we can confirm that there is in fact at least one territorial pair of peregrines holding a territory in St. John New Brunswick. Thanks to Guye, who was able to resource additional information on the subject,
Gaye writes: Feb. 11th 2011

Hello again! Since we emailed, I’ve been on the lookout for our speedy and elusive friends. I haven’t seen any falcons lately, but I’ve chatted with local birders about peregrine sightings and they assure me that we typically do have a few birds which over-winter here in Saint John. Which was exciting news…
Then, on Saturday, I came across this article and photograph in the “Sightings” column in our local newspaper. And there he/she is - what a wonderful photo! I knew you’d be excited to see this photo and the information.
I’ve also added a little graphic to give you an idea of where the sighting was and the bridges that the article references.
I keep looking!
Cheers,
Gaye Kapkin

Hello CPF
I recently we saw a raptor chasing a pigeon in the King Square area of downtown Saint John, NB. I work on the 4th (top) floor of an office building adjacent to King’s Square and I had a great “front-row” seat. I believe the bird was a peregrine – I wasn’t fast enough to get a camera. This sighting was Thursday Jan. 27th.
Yesterday, when walking my dogs in the same general area, I hear an unusual (ie not the usual gull or crow) bird calls. Looking up I saw two birds – one of which was calling. Again – no camera available! But from the silhouette from below, I’m thinking I saw a pair of falcons.
I’m keeping my close at hand. Hopefully, I can verify if these birds are peregrines or not.
Regards,
Gaye Kapkin

Nice pics. Thanks Donna! :wave:

Love is in the AIR!!!
February 22, 2011 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

Once again after wintering over on-site for the third consecutive year our dynamic duo are becoming very chummy. Ken Ducharme reports more activity around the nest ledge by Voltaire doing some Spring set up on the nest materials.
Get yourselves a really good big sky view of the Ambassador Bridge sign on the Canadian side and keep your eyes peeled for some fantastic aerial courtship displays. Stooping, close quarter high speed chasing playing and flying past each other at such incredible speeds so close it will put a lump in your throat.
Don’t miss out we’re counting down to egg time!!!
All last years trained volunteers are requested if interested to contact us.
Dennis and the Falcon Crazy team>

!!! Update on the Saint John peregrines…and, yes, I can confirm the plural
February 21, 2011 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

Hello folks at CPF – update on the Saint John peregrines…and, yes, I can confirm the plural.
Spotted two peregrines yesterday at 3:12pm over the Reversing Falls Bridge. The bridge crosses the narrowest point of St. John River where it widens out into the harbour and then flows out to the Bay of Fundy. Incidentally, the Irving Tissue Mill is very close to this bridge. The Falls attracts a lot of sea birds: gulls of all sorts and cormorants (summer), there are lots of rock doves and also different species of hawks, the occasional bald eagle and now the peregrines.
As I was approaching the bridge by car, my attention was caught by a lot of gulls swirling about in the air. I pulled over and parked the car and that’s when I saw two peregrines in silhouette from below. One flew down and levelled out and gave me a very good look at him/her - I could clearly see the “sideburns” on the cheeks and the dark grey colouring on his/her back. I didn’t have binoculars or a good camera (Iphone was useless –Apple designers need to correct that deficiency).
I watched them for about 15 minutes - there were two and they were hunting. I watched one bird “stoop” and dive in an attempt to catch a gull. He/she missed the gull by inches. Quite something to see! I didn’t see the Pefa’s close enough together to be able to say for sure they are a male and female pair.
A good digital camera with movie capability is my next step! I will DEFINITELY get photos. I’m hooked.
Gaye Kapkin

!!! Not a good place to hang out unless your invited!
February 24, 2011 - Etobicoke - William Osler
CPF Postmaster Reports:

A short update from last week, as we initially responded to a call from the Ross at the hospital to both investigate and pick-up a deceased Screech Owl that was in the wrong place at the right time. Their territorial peregrines are still very much around and obviously still very protective over the territory.

Sad to say that the little Screech owl didn’t have a chance and was knocked out of the sky and killed with single blow from a stoop from the resident adult female peregrine. We spent most of the day on site this past Thursday (Feb. 24th) at the request of the Hospital to over see the peregrines and some of the work that they are doing on the west and south elevation walls, and can confirm that both adult peregrines are still very much on territory and sticking close to the nest ledge. While the swing stage staff were virtually ignored throughout the day, a passing Red-tail hawk was not so lucky, and took the wrath of their peregrines. The red-tail was quickly dispatched and chased almost out of sight.

We can confirm that the resident adult male is still non other than Hurricane - (a peregrine that was produced at the Toronto Sheraton centre nest site) given the solid Black band that he dawns, but his mate was not about to show us her bands despite all of our efforts to get a view of her legs.

These falcons are brutal!

!!! Both Falcons on Site
March 01, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

In spite of the snow, rain, winds and whatever else Mother Nature continues to throw at us on any given day - both falcons have been on site and courtship is in full bloom!  This morning both are here and Angel is eating a breakfast brought in by Jack for her.

Most days I see only her and he usually shows up in mid afternoon or I don’t see anyone at all.  I haven’t witnessed any mating yet however I suspect it’s going on as I’ve seen Angel in position for mating with Jack standing nearby waiting for his cue.  Unfortunately work or the inclement weather has prevented me from observing them long enough to confirm what I think is happening.

Past years has Angel laying eggs during the third or last week of March so I expect activity will increase in the coming days.  I also expect in the next few weeks we will  see migrating birds coming through as well so we’ll see if Jack can continue to hold on to both territories.  There have been a number of sightings of young tiercels outside the area over the past several months and I expect one or more of them will make a play for their own territory this month!

SPRING IS MOST DEFINITELY IN THE AIR
March 01, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge


http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/03/sightings/spring-is-most-definitely-in-the-air/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/03/sightings/spring-is-most-definitely-in-the-air/) Pics here

While we were walking we noticed Cirrus fly to the Hydro Tower and she landed right above us.  Before we knew it, Sir Adam Beck approached and we saw them copulate.

Spring isn't the only thing in the air!  :heart: :gum:

!! Inspecting The Ledge
February 24, 2011 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:

Lyn Reports:

Update Yonge and Eglinton Peregrines 20110224
Returning from shopping on Yonge street, I glanced skyward looking for our pair of Peregrine falcons.
I was in luck. Two of them flew up to the nest building and one landed on that same railing, as before, on the NE corner of the building.  No binoculars again. I hastened to the corner assured myself that it was really a peregrine and dashed home for the binoculars.
On returning to the YE corner I found the peregrine still perched in the same spot. I had a bit of bother getting colour but did finally see the buffy chest (and full crop) and so determined this to be the female. I watched her for a while and also looked around for the male. I did not see him for a few minutes.
As I was walking along Eglinton towards Duplex Av I saw him come from somewhere around the black building over the TTC bus garage. He flew straight onto the nest ledge! I continued walking and stopping to watch for his exit and was rewarded after roughly three minutes. He flew off the nest ledge, straight over Eglinton and my head and landed on the Rio-Can building. I had to move then.
I walked all the way over to the Ambulance ramp near the bus garage and stood there. After roughly fifteen minutes the female flew over to the Rio-Can building and landed one floor above him.
For a long time neither of them did anything. Then the female preened a bit and then just sat. The male just sat the whole time I was out there. He also had a full crop. I also saw the remains of a recent meal where I was standing. A small white feather, spinal column with two ribs attached! Nothing else. I think it may have been blown off the roof of the black building.
The female took flight and flew towards me then curved behind (south side of) the nest building, up Yonge street, across Eglinton ave and landed back on the Rio-Can building about five floors up from the male, who just sat!!!!
After an hour and twenty minutes of observation I left.
Half an hour later I had to go to the bank and when I checked on the peregrines they were in their same spots. The male was just sitting and the female was busy preening.

What a Pleasant Morning
March 12, 2011 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

At 6:30 A.M. quite a bit of activity going on the nest ledge. Lots of vocalizaion.
6:40 A.M. Freddie flew upon to the Church Steeple and Voltaire flew onto the pipe.
It’s always a pleasure to see the both of them. Easy to see and easy to hear the both of them.

!!! Finally…it’s time!
March 17, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

After weeks of sporadic courtship between Angel and Jack, egg laying time may be upon us.  This morning for the first time, Angel is on the ‘mating’ corner waiting for Jack - this is usually where she perches when she is close to and/or laying eggs.   The timing is right compared to past years - barring any interuptions relating to territorial issues like we had last year and a recent one.

Two days ago, a young tiercel was on one of Jacks’ favorite perches and was chased out quite vigoursly by Jack.  It all happened so fast that I wasn’t able to ID him .  I didn’t even realize there was someone there as I was on the opposite side - until I noticed Jack divebombing something and just as I realized it might not be a pigeon a falcon flew down and up and then Jack chased him out of the territory heading south towards the lake.  Angel, after flying around in a panic and waiting impatiently for Jack to return - actually flew southwards to join in and they both returned to the ledge together after about 5 minutes.  Hopefully the poor tiercel was unharmed whoever he was.

Peregrine falcons return to nest at border bridge

Windsor's peregrine falcons are in the mood for love and their courtship is making for some spectacular air shows.

"They'll fly all over the place and do extreme, extreme flight displays so it's a good big sky time," said Dennis Patrick, site co-ordinator for the Canadian Peregrine FoundationWindsor Watch team.

The peregrine pair hang out at the Ambassador Bridge near Riverside Drive. Last year they raised three chicks from a nest on a concrete ledge under the bridge.

Patrick said the courting ritual offers a chance to see some aerial acrobatics and witness the fastest creature on earth.

Freddie, the male peregrine, will catch a bird for his mate Voltaire, fly to the ledge and bow to her.

"He will fly at 150 miles per hour straight at the nest and go whoop and stop to land. They're phenomenal in their flight displays," Patrick said.

The courtship will be over soon, with eggs likely laid by the end of the month. If the pair follow last year's schedule, that could mean chicks hatching around May 1.

"We're hoping for four," Patrick said.

Last year was the second year the pair produced young. Peregrine Watch volunteers were able to band the three chicks, which were named Bridgette, Lancer and Windsor.

Patrick said he hasn't had any reported sightings of those birds over the winter.

Peregrine falcon populations crashed because of DDT but the falcons are making a comeback and have adjusted to city life by nesting on top of skyscrapers. Windsor was considered lucky to have the cliff dwellers when the pair first produced young under the bridge in 2009.

The local peregrine falcon group is looking for volunteers to watch the peregrines and, hopefully, their young in May. Volunteers will receive training and can respond by emailing wpfw2011@gmail.com.

The Windsor Star

!!! Port Colborne Ontario - 2010 Summery
December 15, 2010 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

2010 was another frustrating season in Port Colborne. The site produced 8 eggs in 2 clutches with not one successful hatch. The 1st 4 eggs were produced by the territorial female from 2009 “Treasure” from Cleveland. We did not have a monitor early in the season but when we did get connected on Mar.27/10 there were 4 eggs under full incubation. By Apr. 10/10 all 4 eggs were gone. An intruding female is on site. The intruding bird is unbanded. Between Apr. 28/10 & May 06/10 the unbanded bird produced 4 eggs. However by May 11/10 there are only 3 eggs. On May 13/10 an adult breaks & consumes an egg. May 14/10 another egg is missing (don’t know how), leaving only 1 egg which was totally neglected & on July 25/10 removed from the scrape & dissected. The rotten egg was nothing but a rotten liquid soup. The eggs were not fertilized. The male for 3 clutches of 4 eggs in the last 2 years is the male we call “Buffalo Bill” from Buffalo NY (2007). In the last 2 years there have been 3 different females lay 4 eggs each yet none have hatched. We think Buffalo Bill may be shooting blanks & with a name like that it really is a shame!

Jeeze!!   :o

!!! No Eggs Yet.
March 23, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Well despite the intentions and efforts of Jack the past few mornings,  it’s safe to say nothing yet.  I have noticed Angel has been sticking close to the nestbox the past few mornings so I was kind of hopeful however the temperature has gone from plus 10 yesterday to minus 12 with windchill and blowing snow this morning and she’s flying around or sitting on her web cam.  If she had an egg or two in the box, she would be trying to keep it warm in this mess I’m sure.  That being said, Jack could be on duty however it’s too blustery to see or stay out there too long so I’ll check again later if it calms down.  I know it seems early but prior to last year, Angel was always the first out of the gate here in Toronto and was at least one week ahead of other nest sites.  I guess with 2 sites and 2 females to attend to - it will be a week later like last year!


From The Hamilton Spectator

John Burman
Even for eagles, it’s all about location
A pair of eagles are nesting high in a white pine on the Royal Botanical Gardens lands on the northern edge of Cootes Paradise. If there are eggs in the nest, they may well hatch mid-April.
Bald eagles may be born here A pair of eagles are nesting high in a white pine on the Royal Botanical Gardens lands on the northern edge of Cootes Paradise. If there are eggs in the nest, they may well hatch mid-April.
Ron Albertson/The Hamilton Spectator

If all goes well, Hamilton could soon be home to the first young bald eagles hatched around this side of Lake Ontario in more than 50 years.

And it all comes down to location.

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/03/sightings/bald-eagles-nest-in-hamilton/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/03/sightings/bald-eagles-nest-in-hamilton/) story and pic

!!! We “HAD” an egg, but it’s gone now
March 24, 2011 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

On our frigid Wednesday morning this week I arrived at work bright & early to find the resident female warming a single egg amidst the snow banks surrounding her. She stayed on it the entire day. At 9am today (Thursday) the egg was intact & the adult was treating it as normal, incubating & turning it. At 10am I checked the monitor & low & behold both the egg & mother were nowhere to be seen! What the heck? I have no idea if she broke & ate the egg or if something else happened. There is no human or animal access to the box (other than birds). She has since been in & out of the scrape but has not laid another egg yet.

 :o

!!! Sticking Close to Nest Box
March 25, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

This morning when I arrived Angel was sitting by the nestbox and then she flew over to one of the towers.  I assumed she was on her own but a few minutes later jack jumped out of the nestbox and flew off to head to his other site and Angel immediately flew back to the ledge and got into the nestbox.   I watched a few minutes and then she came back out but she’s been on the ledge right next to the nestbox every time I’ve checked for the past 4.5 hours.    She does seem a bit lethargic this morning and looks like she’s having a bad hair day on top of it all !

Still sitting and waiting..
March 28, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

More of the same today with Angel, just sitting by the nestbox on the ledge and waiting..  There was some excitement that was reported to me after lunch that involved Angel screaming her head off from the ledge and Jack chasing someone out of the territory..by the time I was able to get outside and take a look, all was calm.  When I left Angel was..you guessed it..sitting by the nestbox and Jack was on the next ledge over watching the window washers set up for tomorrow.  So the next week will have workmen right next to them - if there is an egg or two up there we should see some interesting behaviour  so I guess that should give me a clue.

I told her today that Rhea Mae at the Sheraton is already 2 eggs ahead but she seems nonplussed about it all :)

She's probably thinking I know Beauty doesn't have any yet either so  :harhar:

Well, Rhea Mae is a Princess after all.   :wub: :heart:

!!! Something is Going On Up there!!
March 29, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

 Angel has been inside the nestbox - I could see her head and she has been alternating between standing and laying down - all morning.   When she stands up in the box, I can see her head over the side of the nestbox ledge with my binoculars.  Jack has been standing guard on the cam keeping his eye on the window washer who is on the second building over from us.

Earlier this morning when I arrived, he was already on the cam and she was in the nestbox.  She has only left twice, when he brought her food.  She took it to the mating corner and he immediately stood by the nestbox until it was time.  Two lengthy mating sessions were observed, after which- both times she immediately returned to the nestbox.  He continues to stand on the cam watching over her while keeping one eye on the poor window washer.

There is no way at this time to confirm the presence of eggs however all activity and behaviour is pointing to it - things are on track at least!

Update @ 1:50 pm:  More food and another mating session.  I checked last years notes and when this much activity happened all day last year as it has today, she was in full incubation a few days later!


William Osler Winding Up…
March 27, 2011 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:

On Sunday, March 27th Bruce Massey attended the William Osler Hospital site to check on Hurricane and his lady at the nest tray.  An affirmative ID has yet to be made as to who the grey lady is, but we have confirmed that she bears a Black over Green band on the left leg and a purple USFW band on the right.  As that could be from anywhere in the midwest prior to 2008, we await a visual confirmation of the alpha numerics before we can determine who this is.

Bruce’s visit did confirm that the pair at the site definately has family rearing in mind and is actively in and out of the nest tray with much vocalization.  We will be closely watching the site for egg laying to begin.  Thanks go out to Bruce for his efforts this past weekend.

Incubation Has Begun
March 29, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I visited the Lift Bridge this afternoon and we are able to confirm that incubation has begun.  Cirrus was sitting on the wires with a very full crop and Sir Adam Beck was doing incubation duties.  When we left, Cirrus had flown to the edge of the nest box looking in to make sure that Sir was doing it correctly.  We didn’t stay long enough to see a shift change.  We were able to see into the nest box from down the road.  When we were there last week, both birds were visible so incubation has begun in the last week.  Of course, we are not able to determine the number of eggs in the nest.

Activity at MEC; Two Eggs and Counting
March 30, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:

This afternoon I made my way out to MEC to check on our pair this year and was greeted with a tempting bit of pigeon at MEC 2 rooftop.  The tasty treat was not for me ( thank goodness, yuckers! ) but rather the unbanded male was courting and caring for his lady on the scene.  I scrambled to get the scope out and take a look as she had both legs in full view and of course, the minute I was ready, off she goes and into the nestbox.  I was able to get a glimpse of colour though and I am 99% sure that she is a Black over Red which coincides with observations last year and last week as well.  After abandoning the hope of actually getting alpha numerics off of the band, I made the climb to the control room to take a look at what she was up to.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that two eggs have already been laid and by the looks of her, all plump and dreamy, the third will be there tomorrow.  I then wandered over to MEC 3 and with the unwavering support of the security on staff, I was able to head up to the roof for another attempt at an ID on the female.  Once again, I had her in full view in the scope but to no avail as she had no intention of moving an inch and with her feathers draped around her band, I decided to leave her to her sleepiness and planned to try again in a day or so.

William Osler Has Eggs!
- Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Out and about this afternoon checking on the status of our nest sites, I made my way over to William Osler to take a gander at Hurricane and his female.  Our territorial male has been positively identified as Hurricane but the identity of our female this year has been more elusive.  We do know that she is a Black over Green but she has yet to give us the big reveal as to who she is and her origins.  Feeling lucky, I pulled out the scope and tripod and got it all set up as I had one of the pair on the north side sitting openly on the H with legs in full view.  It was Hurricane and not the female as I had hoped.  No matter!  I was so pleased to see Hurricane on site again this year as our resident male.  It was then off to the control room with the great support of security at the hospital and lo and behold, there she is…   …our mother to be lying down on an undetermined number of eggs!!  After a brief period of observation it was clear that she had no intertion of moving an inch and revealing what, or in this case how many, lay beneath her.  If peregrines could snore she’d be rockin the house!!  I will be returning in the days that follow to attempt to positively ID our female this year  and see where she is at with eggs.  The outstanding staff in security, environmental services and the hospital have been wonderfully supportive of their peregrines and an enormous thanks go out to them.  Looks like we are well on our way to another exciting nesting season!!

!!! Wing Tips !
March 31, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

It’s a wet, damp day out there and no sign of anyone out in the open any time I was able to check.  On my lunch break now with an umbrella and binoculars standing in the middle of the road my suspicions were confirmed.  I could see two wing tips above the lip of the nest box.  So she’s laying flat in the box this morning.

3:30 pm Update: She’s still laying in the nestbox.  Jack did come by - as he was sitting on the web cam and there was some chit chatting going on and I could see her head but she didn’t get out of the box while I was there .

!!! Sunday Visit
April 03, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Spent an hour and half at the site this morning to see if things have progressed since Friday.  Angel was in the nest box the entire time lying down, I caught her changing positions twice and moving about as if to rearrange eggs but otherwise she was not visible from the ground.

Jack came in about 5 minutes after I arrived and he circled the building three times, checked the rooftops but did not land on the ledge.  He passed the ledge at eye level twice and that was one of the times Angel’s head popped up and she did a bit of rearranging.  Jack then left and flew in the direction of his other nest site.

I think she’s started incubation however I will wait until tomorrow to call it.  I’d like to catch an actual shift change and see if she spends the entire day inside the box.  Her behaviour and Jack’s today was consistent with what I saw last year once incubation had started.

!!! Possible Peregrines at Brampton Courthouse
April 03, 2011 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:

While activity seems to have slowed at this site,local folks are keeping their eyes peeled for a pair of Peregrine Falcons,which have been in the area for the last 2 seasons. This would be the first known nest in the Brampton area.

Please excuse the delay in posting this report,our Sportsmans Show participation and other personal issues caused the delay.

Terry Osborne a  self-described “obsessed birder living in Dundas, Ontario and have been so obsessed since the 80’s.” Posted about a sighting at the Brampton courthouse. I was able to contact Terry and he reported:

 
A bit of history, in early February I thought I saw a peregrine leaving the court house building.  I saw it flying away and while I wasn’t 100% sure of its ID, I immediately suspected a peregrine.  I even pointed the bird out to a colleague. This past Wednesday at around the supper hour I saw 2 peregrines flying in from the northwest (I was inside the building looking out) and they appeared to land on the northwest corner of the building. Then on Saturday I saw the birds again as noted above. Again this morning I saw the male, what I at least think is the male, perched on the same section of roof as show in the attached photos. The second bird I only heard coming from a different part of the roof.
 
This building has an ample supply of rock pigeons. While only being a 7 storey building it has a great vista of the surrounding area and there appears to be an ample supply of prey within the area. I have been contacted by at least another pair of Brampton birders who have told me they will try to monitor this site as will I as I work there.  I also hope that this pair decides to set up housekeeping on this building and provide the first nesting record of peregrine falcons in the Brampton area.
 Terry sent along a few photos. While one is alittle blurry from cropping,it shows there is no band on the leg of the Peregrine,believed to be the male.
Since this sighting Terry has said sightings have slowed,but a friend of Terry’s named Don,reported on: saw a pair of peregrines at the Rose Theatre on Saturday, March 18.
Independantly,a gentleman approached me at The Toronto Sportsmans Show and told me of a pair of Peregrine Falcons that were at the Brampton courthouse last season.
We look forward to hearing from Terry and his friends about any future developments.

Durand in Columbus,Ohio at the Rhodes State Office Towers. Durand was hatched in Hamilton at The Sheraton Hotel nestsite in 2009. The male is so far unconfirmed.

The most EGGCITING news is that Durand has laid her first egg of 2011

!!! The Pefa’s are back!
April 05, 2011 - Niagara Falls
CPF Postmaster Reports:

One adult peregrine just cruised past my window on the 18th floor of the Niagara Falls Hilton. (Canadian side, near the gorge). Too late to snap a photo but was within ten feet of the bird and got a very good look. Time: 11:40 am April 5th. 2011.
I have been sitting here for hours with camera in hand waiting for a second chance at that photo. Will send it along if I get lucky.

Cheryl Piraino
Kingston, Ontario

!!! Shift Change & Some TV’s!
April 04, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Exciting day for Angel today, as if the wind and rain wasn’t enough..lots of Turkey Vulture’s around so she hauled herself out of the nest box to back up Jack when he didn’t return as quickly as she would have when they came into the territory earlier in the day.

I stayed a bit after work tonight and I thought all was calm and quiet as I couldn’t see anyone so I figured Angel was happily laying in the box.  About 10 minutes later I hear alarm calling and out of the nestbox comes Jack yelling his head off ..he stopped not too far away from me and turned around and went back to the nestbox.  I was a bit puzzled as to what he was alarming about and then a few minutes later Angel comes flying in from the south and lands on the web cam.  Some chit chatting ensued and then Jack took off to his other ‘wife’ and Angel jumped back into the nestbox and settled herself down.   I’m guessing she chased something off and perhaps he was watching her  or she took too long on her break  and he was telling her to get back to the box  :)

!!! Could There Be Eggs?
April 05, 2011 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

King St. peregrines have been evasive of late, indicating that they must have eggs.

We are working on getting the live image back on the web page,til then we’ll have to continue to watch, observe and report any peregrine activities at this site.

Does anyone know where "Jack", the male PeFa at Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre, makes his second home?  There are several mentions in the nest notes of him going off to his other "wife" and nest, etc, but they never mention where it is.  Do they know?  Is that site also monitored?

Nancy in UT

Jack's second home is at a Private Residential nest site located in Etobicoke.  Because some of the residents are not 'keen' on having a pair of pefa's on their condo building - not to mention the people who would be there viewing with binoculars - we agree to keep the site location private at their request.  

Mathew, a falcon lover who resides at the building does update his own blog which you can find here:

http://www.asic.ca/peregrinefalcons/ (http://www.asic.ca/peregrinefalcons/)

Actually saying they aren't keen is an understatement - if you read through their past blogs, some people actually wished them dead..it's a sad situation.

Well well well, where did we leave off here?

Apologies to dedicated followers of this blog, I left you hanging for quite a while. No offense was intended by this, as I've explained to many of you in person, life went way off the rails and at the same time I didn't have any definitive falcon info to pass along.

As of now, two adults are regularly being seen around the building. There were 3 including a juvie up until sometime in September (as far as I recall), but I didn't manage to ID any of them so nothing got reported.

Within the past week I managed to capture some shots of two adults one frigid morning at the old/original nest ledge. I knew one was Mom, but had to wait quite a while for the other one to lift his leg so I could ID him. Guess who... no big surprise, it was Jack.

In the months to come, I will definitely keep you posted on any developments with the falcons, but perhaps in a less frequent way than in the past. If/when courting/mating begin, I will try to monitor and report.

At the same time, I would greatly appreciate if those who have eyes, ears, and optics, could share in the monitoring process, I don't always appreciate being the one person monitoring the birds.

Lastly, I don't know how things will work out this year, but I am hopeful that the "falcon workgroup" created last year will re-emerge and help with the tasks carried out through the nesting season. It worked out smoothly and effectively last year, hopefully this approach can be used again. We know now a lot of what to expect, and are more comfortable with the process, as usual all volunteer efforts are helpful and appreciated.

All the best in 2011 and I'll do my best to keep you posted on any developments here at the nest site.


First post of 2011

Looks like Jack is gonna be a daddy X's 2 again

Jack "caught again" He's a busy fellow!

Thanks so much for this info, it will be interesting to see if Jack can keep two families going this year.  This is fairly uncommon, isn't it, for a male to have two mates?  Whether due to lack of opportunity or due to their generally serially-monogamous (if that is what it could be called...) mating habits?

Nancy in UT

Jack is cute!  ;D

!!! Peter 2010 At Cherry Beach Toronto
April 11, 2011 - Hamilton - Sheraton Hotel
Linda Woods Reports:

Paul Marshman and Harry were at Cherry Beach in Toronto this past Saturday and spotted an adult peregrine and a juvenile. Having a zoom lens Paul was able to capture an image of the leg bands of the juvenile and it has been I.D as a juvenile from 2010 Sheraton Hamilton nest.  The adult may be one from King St. in Toronto who has been seen there in the past.

Many Thanks to Canadian Peregrine Foundation Volunteers Paul Marshman for the photo and Harry Crawford

!!! Incubation is underway!
April 07, 2011 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
CPF Postmaster Reports:

April 7th - Again thanks to Collette, and some great photos she took of the happenings going on down at the Windsor nest site, it appears that incubation is underway. A single photo says it all. A good photo of Voltaire incubating and later on some great photos of an excited Freddie (and later again) Voltaire suggesting that he get out and protect the territory and bring in more food!

!!! Yellow Pages nest site has two eggs and full time incubation is underway!!
April 07, 2011 - Scarborough - Yellow Pages
CPF Postmaster Reports:

April 7th -
While a long time waiting indeed, it appears that the Scarborough Yellow pages peregrines have finally settled in to a ledge on the north west side and currently on 2 eggs. My visit today was filled with a kind of a bitter sweet emotion, in that the territorial pair are currently incubating two eggs. On the bitter side, it would appear that Lawrie, (the young female peregrine that was produced here in southern Ontario at the St. Lawrence Cement plant in Mississauga - (now called the Holcim nest site), and who’s father was that of Nate - (who we hacked out at the CPF Richmond Hill hack site in 1999), may no longer be the resident female at the Scarborough Yellow pages nest site.

The resident male at Yellow pages appears to be the same guy, (Named Ruben) and was produced in Ohio USA if I remember correctely. The resident male was observed dawning a Black over Green coloured leg band, but sadly, I was too busy “running and ducking” for cover in an effort to get out of his way and off of the roof area to see the digits on his Black over Green coloured leg band.

The resident adult female is very different in her attitude,, (unlike the full body contact hitter Lawrie), she bolted from the nest ledge and I never saw her again until I returned to the ground level. While I can not confirm her band colour, I believe I saw a quick flash of a solid black coloured band, but not really sure. If the resident female is in fact still Lawrie, there is something very different going on, as Lawrie has a “No Fear” attitude and has always been a “full contact hitter” in the past. I have experienced her rathe on four different occasions in previous years both at the old Scarborough Bell nest site and at the yellow pages nest site. Three of the four times, she drew MY blood. I still dawn two of the old battle scars proudly.

A big thank you to security for their assistance in helping us gather the site logistics again this year, and we look forward to seeing a hatch and young ones this year.

It will be very interesting to find out just who the current resident female is, and of course confirm the identity of the resident male?

Confirmation on Egg Count and Incubation
April 19, 2011 - Toronto - King Street
Tracy Simpson Reports:

As I was down at the 18 King St. E nest site today, I was able to witness a change over between the adults and we have confimation of 4 eggs that they are currently incubating.  We are feverishly working on the web camera image and will hopefully have that resolved soon. (Kendal's birth place)

!!! 2 eggs and all is well
April 19, 2011 - Toronto - Uptown Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:

On friday April 15th, Tracy and our co-op student went uptown to Yonge and Eglinton where 2 eggs were observed on a ledge at 2200 Yonge street. The pair have chosen an excellent ledge with a view of the evenings sunset. The pair look very healthy and keep their eating area on a lower floor.

The male has been busy with many scrapes located between two different floors.  There was one egg laid each in two separate scrapes and a third laying just outside of yet another scape on a lower level.  These eggs, however, were abandoned and the yet to be identified pair is focusing their attention on incubating the most recently laid clutch.

 ??? They're a bit confused there on Yonge St.  Eggs in separate scrapes !! Yikes!!!   :o

Crazy huh?

High-tech camera will be trained on peregrine falcon nest in downtown Edmonton

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/High+tech+camera+will+trained+peregrine+falcon+nest+downtown+Edmonton/4637730/story.html (http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/High+tech+camera+will+trained+peregrine+falcon+nest+downtown+Edmonton/4637730/story.html)

EDMONTON — Local biologists will set up a new spy-agency-calibre camera on top of Edmonton’s Bell Tower to keep track of a peregrine falcon known as E4.

!!! New Adult Female at Brampton Courthouse
April 24, 2011 - International, National and Local News
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Bruce Massey was on-site at the Brampton Courthouse today and was able to positively identify the female by her alpha numeric band number.  Up to this point, the pair at the courthouse consisted of a banded male and an unbanded female as reported earlier.  The female is Black 36 over Black X.  Her name is Truss and she was hatched and banded at the Burlington Lift Bridge in 2009.  It would appear that Truss is now the resident female and Bruce was able to witness copulation and lots of vocalizations around the southwest corner of the building where there is a ledge that they appear interested in.  The identity of the male remains elusive and until we have positive confirmation of the alpha numeric band number, considering all of the combinations available, we won’t speculate as to who he is.  We will certainly continue to monitor the site for potential nesting and pictures of the building will follow shortly

.!!! A quick peak, and confirmation of at least two eggs!
April 15, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Mark Nash Reports:

A cold blustery day with less than ideal weather conditions, we had an opportunity to get quick peak of the hidden treasures that lye beneath a very dedicated mom who has remained tight to her clutch of eggs for the last several weeks. A big thank you to the (PWGSC) Public Works & Government Services of Canada for giving us permission to post and share this photo with you that confirms that Cirrus is in fact doing allot more than just “holding the fort”. She has been involved in full time incubation now for several weeks and the photo clearly shows that there is at least one egg. While we were able to get an visual of two plus eggs, the camera phone was simply not quick enough (or should I say the photographer was not quick enough) to capture what was actually observed, but we can confirm at least the presence of two eggs. Due to the cold winds and not so seasonal temperatures, Cirrus has been holding tight to her incubation duties and did not give us much of an opportunity to get a peak.

During our visit, the resident adult male, “Sir Adam” was out and about terrorizing the local avian inhabitants looking for a lunch while capitalizing on the strong easternly winds.

Fingers crossed that we will be soon seeing a successful hatch in the next weeks to follow.
A big thank you to the great staff at the bridge for arranging access and allowing us the opportunity to get a close-up peak of Cirrus.
Stay tuned, more to come………

!!! New colour camera and a very good view indeed!
April 24, 2011 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Mark Nash Reports:

A big thank you to Matt our CPF web master for giving up so much of his time behind the scenes for sourcing out, researching and endless hours programming the new camera, rebuilding two new computers, and all of the field work he has been putting in to get us back on top of our web camera game. And to Linda, our downtown falcon watch coordinator for all of the running around, co-ordinating and arranging accesses to the various downtown nest sites that have allowed us do the necessary repairs and fixes to get the CPF web cams back up and running.

A huge thank you to Wendy and her colleagues at Osler, and to Jan Chudy who now both lives and watches the nest site from France for all of their continued support and contributions that have allowed us purchase the new camera and finally able to replace the aging black and white camera.

Lastly, we would like to thank the Toronto Sheraton Centre hotel management and staff, security , and ITT Hotels and Resorts for all of their support and patients, and for being both there for the CPF and the birds, and for being such great nest site hosts and foster parents to the birds.

We are delighted to report that the Toronto Sheraton nest has a new colour camera that is producing a great colour image of the nest ledge!
Enjoy, and stay tuned…………

 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Brampton Territorial Male Identified
April 30, 2011 - International, National and Local News
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Bruce Massey was on-site today and was able to make a positive identification of the male.  It is the bird known as Milton that was hatched at the Gulf Tower in Pittsburg in 2002.  This male and his young mate, Truss from the Burlington Lift Bridge in 2009, are still holding the territory but their status as a nesting pair is still in question.  While copulation was witnessed by Bruce last week, the adults are being seen off of the ledge at the same time most often.  There was a period today where both birds entered the ledge and “discussed the situation” but it is apparent that incubation is not underway at this time.  With the change over of the female from an unbanded one reported earlier to now being Truss has certainly disrupted cycles and timing at this potentially new site.  We will continue to monitor and update as we follow the pair this season.

A Pair at Holcim but Nesting Unconfirmed
April 30, 2011 - Mississauga - Holcim
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Bruce Massey was on-site at Holcim today with the hopes of catching some action from the peregrines in the area.  While they certainly are present and accounted for, Bruce was unable to secure band numbers on either birds or locate a ledge of interest.  We will continue to monitor the site and report on any nesting activity should this pair decide to set up house.

(Bruce Massey sure gets around) WOW!!

All Is Quiet
April 30, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I spent an hour or so at the Lift Bridge today.  Sir spent the whole time sitting on the Hamilton Hydro Tower.   We couldn’t spot Cirrus anywhere and we could see no movement in the box.  From this observation we would assume that Cirrus is still in full incubation mode, hunkered down in the nest box out of sight.   Hopefully, we will see some action soon.

  So Jack has only had 2 females for 2 years. I thought longer.

Residential Falcons Time line. Click the pic twice for larger view.

Actually it's Jack's third year with 2 females.  The first year though he didn't have offspring with TR Mom as she and Milton were about 3 weeks into raising their own brood when Milton was injured.  Jack and Angels' were in the middle of fledging when we noticed he was flying off in another direction for extended periods of time - he was wooing TR Mom and bringing her food to help with her single mom duties.

Yeah that makes sense, this is his 3rd yr. Thanks!

So he helped to raise Milton's eyas? Doesn't that make him unusual? It definitely raises my opinion of him a lot.   

I know he provided TR mom with food...she wasn't exactly receptive at first as she was still looking for Milton.  At first she chased him off and was quite aggressive with him.  It took a bit of time before she was comfortable letting him near her kids.  We know he brought her food and defended the territory for her and she let him land on the ledge near the kids eventually but she was leary about letting him get too close to them unless she was there.  She did most of the work with them and the fledge training etc.. but he definitely helped and he was quite respective of the space she kept between him and the kids.

Tiercels are pretty good about raising anothers offspring..likely as they are smaller and know the female could take them out they pretty much bow to the female.  I expect they also realize that helping with the kids will win the female over.

 :wave: Thanks for all your interesting information Carly.  ;D

Apr 30, 2011 - Cool news - Milton's location confirmed!!

Cool news was received today. Our old friend Bruce Massey was working his scope magic in Brampton, and has confirmed that the male falcon on site there is Milton, the original male from our nest site. It's great to hear, and to know Milton is in action in the region! Milton is currently negotiating potential nesting with a female named Truss who hatched at the Burlington lift bridge in 2009.

As far as our nest goes, incubation continues, and has been underway for some time now. The activity at our location is very low, and frequent checks via the monitoring camera show nothing more than a bird body huddled down in the corner, hence my lack of updates recently.

Monitoring continues, and I would expect things to get more interesting around mid May.

Not falcons but Cooper's

A great shot of both sexes in the same photo!
May 05, 2011 - International, National and Local News
CPF Postmaster Reports:

A big thank you to Roger From Scarborough Ontario for his photo of a female and a male Coopers hawk, one that clearly illustrates the size comparison between the two sexes.
As a rule of thumb with most birds of prey, the female is larger than the males.
Photo CredIt: Roger Knoll, Scarborough, Ontario

Regards
Roger Knoll

Great pic of both!

!!! A Hatch at Burlington Lift Bridge!!!
May 06, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Tracy Simpson Reports:

I went out to the Burlington Lift Bridge today to check on the progress of the resident pair and their clutch of eggs.  I was able to take a look in the nest box and was delighted to see that Cirrus was brooding two newly hatched young.  One of the chicks appears to have hatched the previous evening while the other had more physical control indicating that it probably hatched on Wednesday May 4th, which ties into previous observations of the restlessness of the resident female on May 4th by Sue and Bill.  I could clearly see that there is still one egg left to hatch and Sir Adam was watching from the other side of the lift bridge as Cirrus gingerly tucked them beneath the warmth of her feathers.  A big thank you to the (PWGSC) Public Works & Government Services of Canada for being so supportive of the nesting pair.  Way to go Cirrus and Sir Adam!!!

First hatch Hamilton...minutes ago!!  Madame X is munching on the shell, she helped the baby out..it was awesome!  Second egg looks like it has a huge pip and will be out soon  :notworthy: :notworthy:

Madame X...12 years old this year... :notworthy: :notworthy:   

Oh I love brand new eyases!  :clap: Congratulations!

 :clap: me too Ei!! Congrats Hamilton!!

Here comes number two  :clap:

 :thumbsup:

!!! Mother’s Day Hatch(s)!
May 08, 2011 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:

Just arrived back from a 2 hour visit to the nest site.  When I arrived, even without binoculars, Angel could clearly be seen from the ground flipping back and forth like pizza!  Up, down, frontwards, backwards…on and on it went for a good 45 minutes.

Finally she left the nestbox and flew over to the cache and returned quickly with food in her talons.  She spent 8-10 minutes feeding something - her head was up and down and she was clearly chupping to someone between, single chups that prompt a chick or chicks to eat.  When done she immediately left with the food in her talons and stashed it on another ledge and then right back in to the box.

She settled a bit but was again seen moving around, head clearly seen from the ground, more flipping around!  About 45 minutes later, I heard Jack’s shrill signal that he was arriving - here’s the funny thing, I never saw him.  I had his perch on the other side and the nest ledge clearly in sight and never saw him once.  Angel started chupping to him and I could hear him answer back.  At one point she got out in front of the nestbox and looked straight up and was chupping up a storm to him and then right back into the box she went.  He gave the ‘I’m leaving’ signal and then all was quiet…amazing!

CPF members will be onsite tomorrow to confirm what I saw today.  Week before last I was watching the Gulf Towers webcam online and the female was so excited that her eggs  were starting to hatch that she brought in food to try to feed the eggs..it was very sweet!  So I’ll wait for a visual confirmation.

In the meantime, Happy Mother’s Day to Angel and all Mom’s out there - including my own who was understanding about me spending time with ‘my other mom’ this morning!


This is THEE Jack!! 2 nests

!!! We Have a Hatch at William Osler!!!!
May 09, 2011 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Bruce Massey was on-site today at the William Osler Hospital and was able to gain access to the mechanical room peep hole for a check up on the resident adults and their clutch of eggs.  To his delight, the resident female stood up to reposition herself and there was a newly hatched chick in view.  Bruce puts the hatch date as yesterday or last night.  A huge thank you to the staff and security at the William Osler Hospital for all of their support and congratulations to them on their very first hatch!!!!

Still Awaiting a Hatch at MEC.
May 09, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Bruce Massey was on-site today at the Mississauga Executive Centre for a check up on the incubating adult pair and their three eggs.  A quick look at the monitor revealed that there has yet to be a hatch at this site.  The resident pair is certainly working hard on incubating and caring for the eggs and we will continue to check back regularily for a hatch.  Check back soon as it could be any day now!!!

Site Check In at Holcim
May 09, 2011 - Mississauga - Holcim
Tracy Simpson Reports:

Bruce Massey was on-site today at Holcim in Mississauga and from his period of observation, he could not detect any adults birds.  There certainly was activity at this site over the past few weeks of a territorial pair but Bruce was unable to locate a ledge of interest.  Has this pair settled in somewhere?  Check back soon as we will be keeping a close eye on this site for any signs of nesting activity!!

!!! Behaviour Change, fine weather or a Hatch?
May 09, 2011 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:

Back to the monitor this morning. The Adult female did not move to show me a thing. She was a little more unsettled on the nest today. Perhaps the warm weather has her at ease.

This afternoon a return visit to the monitor. Forgot it’s all in shade and very difficult to see anything until the sun is off the while building across the street. The camera lens reacts to reflective light, thus the lens is reacting to the bright sunlight reflecting off the building. The male did make an appearance on the nest ledge. He sat there for  a while then gingerly approached the female from behind. He stood there for a few minutes, but the female totally ignored him and did not move an inch. He eventually flew off. She did get up and adjust the eggs and I wasn’t quite sure if I saw a little white fluff,or just the white of her chest feathers. I’ll check again tomorrow .

!!! Adult peregrines remain in the area
May 09, 2011 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
Linda Woods Reports:

Reports coming in are stating that the  resident pair remain in the area and are seen roosting on both the Hospital and adjacent buildings. Closer observations will be needed to watch for potential new nesting behaviour and/or a new clutch of eggs.

A pic  of Cirrus through a peep hole at Burlington Lift Bridge. Look at the babies!!

 :thumbsup:  SWEEEEEET!  ;D

!!! Hatch confirmed!
May 11, 2011 - Toronto - King Street
Mark Nash Reports:

Tuesday May 10th

We have just received great news from Linda, our downtown falcon watch coordinator that a hatch has been confirmed at the King Street nest site! While the resident adult female was not giving much up as she is still sticking tight to her incubation / brooding activities, Linda was able to get a quick peek as the female shuffled around on the scrape in an effort to cover up her eggs.

At one point, Linda was able to see at least one fluffy white ball of down among the unhatched eggs, and some egg fragments that has been pushed aside clearly in the view of the camera.

Sadly, Linda is also experiencing some problems again with her Rogers internet service and she could not get connected to the www to do the posting.

It is believed that the actual hatch happened some time on Monday when Linda did her last site visit, as the adult female was paying allot of attention to something going on under her,, but she did not give Linda a view of what all the excitement was about.

Fingers crossed that there will be other eggs hatch over the next few days!
Stay tuned…

Birds on a Wire as Streaming Media Delivers More Falconcasts  (I put this here since it has to do with Canada's Raptors

http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000423547 (http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000423547)  story continues here

Thousands of views per day. Millions per year.

Online audiences continue to grow, as new technology enables local content creators and dedicated ornithologists to stream live video of endangered peregrine falcons.

In Canada, locations such as Montreal, Winnipeg and Toronto's financial district are sources of the online video. The so-called bird's eye views of urban peregrine falcon nests are proving to be very popular in Canada and around the world. Several international falcon cams sites have been established.

Gee, what a novel concept.

!!! Ottawa is down on eggs!
May 12, 2011 - Ottawa - Delta Ottawa City Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:

We have just received news from Eve Ticknor that the pair have finally gone down onto incubation! Eve reports that their resident female “Diana”is well hidden, behind a pillar, 2 down from the northwest corner. Sadly, because of the pillars, we will have no way to count eggs nor to tell just when the hatch takes place. It will be a different kind of Falcon Watch this year.

Still in the area
May 12, 2011 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
Linda Woods Reports:

Hunter and Ranger have not put down a new clutch of eggs as yet. Today the pair were seen sitting on the condo towers on Bay St around 1p.m.  Local watcher said, she has seen them on other buildings for short periods of time. This information may indicate that they are not attempting to put down more eggs at this time. We’ll continue to monitor this pair of falcons.

!!! More good news
May 16, 2011 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:

We just got a confirmation that we have two chicks and still one egg yet to be hatched.
Gwen & Dennis.  :clap:

A Mother’s Bliss at Canada Square
-
Tracy Simpson Reports:

I was at the Canada Square Building site today in the hopes of seeing whether all three eggs have hatched as of yet.  If it were at all possible, our resident mother falcon would have had a “Do Not Disturb” sign hung on the outside of the ledge as she enjoyed a deep sleep with her precious young tucked beneath her.  In the 2 hours that I was there, she didn’t raise up once and allow me to see what she has hidden beneath her feathers but I was able to confirm two little white rear ends sticking out from underneath Mom.  On a cold and damp day such as today, I can’t blame the chicks for snuggling into the female parent as tightly as space would allow.  I will be back on-site on Thursday as the temperature will be warmer and the skies a little sunnier which should allow me to confirm whether all three have indeed hatched.  Once again, a huge congratulations to the floks at the Canada Square Building and an equally enormous thank you to Neil Armstrong and the staff at Northern Realty Advisors Ltd. for being such incredible hosts of this pair of falcons!!

!!! GREAT NEWS FROM ADM SITE
May 23, 2011 - Port Colborne - ADM Mill
Doug Garbutt Reports:

After the falcons here lost a single egg Mar.24/11, they decided to lay 2 eggs on a narrow beam below their nest box. The beam would allow no chance of a successful fledge. The year before our nest box was installed we lost 3 healthy chicks @ 3 weeks of age. They fell off the same beam where this year’s resident falcons laid their 2 eggs. On May 05/11 the 1st egg hatched, the 2nd 2 days later. This weekend the MNR & CPF transferred the 2 hatchlings to the safer nest box. The adults were very upset at the ordeal but soon found the young ones & have nicely settled into their new condo with dad supplying plenty of grub for the family. The chicks were not quite old enough to band so Anne will be back again next week to do so. Many thanks to Anne, Mark & Tracy for giving the young ones a shot at survival. Also for some great shots of the day (included).

http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/05/sightings/great-news-from-adm-site/ (http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/w/2011/05/sightings/great-news-from-adm-site/) pics here.

A big round of applause to MNR and CPF!
 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

!!! MEC Down to Two Eggs
May 21, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:

I was on-site today to check in on the pair here and the three eggs that they have been incubating for some time.  As I reached the monitor, the resident male was incubating the eggs tightly and would not let me have a look until the female returned.  During the shift change, I had almost a full minute of viewing the nest box on the monitor and was only able to see two eggs present.  Given previous observations back in late March and early April, this pair has gone beyond the incubation period where a hatch should have occurred.  I will be back out next week to see whether the remaining eggs are still there and try and determine whether the pair might reclutch.

(Hmmm, see they are thinking possible reclutch!) One never knows!

Oh, What A Surprise!!!
May 24, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:

Bill and I spent some time at the Bridge this afternoon.  All was quiet.  Both Mom and Dad had full crops and there was no sign of the little ones.  I guess they had been fed and were sleeping.  Mom was sitting on the edge of the nest box and Dad was sitting on the old nest ledge.  A poor Turkey Vulture flew though and he had no know what hit him.  Dad took chase and screaming behind him cleared him right out of town.  He returned to the wires and continued to vocalize and look up.  Finally I spotted a Red Tailed Hawk passing in the other direction.  I could barely see him with the binoculars, but Dad was making sure he kept on going.  Dad continued with some maneuvers over and around the bridge.  A freighter came in and Dad landed on the top railing of the bridge.  I got the scope on him and to my surprise, I found it was no longer Sir Adam Beck (Band Black 01/V) it was McKenzie (Band Black 29/Y) born in 2009 at the Etobicoke – Sun Life Centre.  We have no idea when the change took place.  We just know that as of August 27, 2010, this little guy was hanging out with an unbanded female at a Hydro Tower/Apartment Building at the end of our street in downtown Burlington.  We thought they had just migrated.  I guess he only migrated about 3/4 miles south to the Lift Bridge.  Wow, we thought we better get a look at the female bands, but today was not to be the day.  She was sitting snoozing the whole time we were there.

"McKenzie (Band Black 29/Y) born in 2009 at the Etobicoke – Sun Life Centre"

From my site, my special boy - I had so many adventures with him and at times thought he would never make it but look at him now  :2thumbsup:  I will have to take a trip out there and visit him - I wonder if he'll remember me standing in the backyard flapping my wings arms to try to show him how to get out of the tree he was trapped in.  :lol:

He is an offspring of Jack (yes that Jack  :devil:) and Angel. 

Boy it seems its been a busy year so far,here at CPF in Toronto and the bandings and fledge watches are yet to come. Staff has been all over checking nest sites for eggs,trying to effect work on cameras,investigating new nests,trying to confirm who the resident adults are(with great success),making rescues and picking up unfortunate victims who succumb to injury. Our hearts have soared and fell many times. As late as banding day at the Sheraton,we were relieved that a dead bird reported to be a Peregrine at our MEC site,was a pigeon but later got word of a definite dead Peregrine eleswhere(stay tuned for that posting,once all of the info is gathered,it was one we knew but hadnt ID'd we believe). We feel we should report the sad news as well as the good. The great stories of successes make it all worthwhile.The people I work with are all incredible friends of the falcon. Its an honour to work with them,learn from  them,even just to know them. They are a ragtag group,I think alot of us if you saw us on the street,you'd look at strange and keep walking,but you wont find more loyal,dedicated or caring people.
I know that there are folks like us all over the continent,sites like this are great to share our stories and feelings with others who are as committed and compassionate. Thanks to everyone who does what they can to help. I encourage anyone who has ever thought of volunteering to do it!  Some cant I know,but submissions from webcammeras can often be very valuable information. (wasnt it viewers who noticed the fishing line on  the Bald Eagle chick recently?)

BF, you ROCK, as do all at CPF. Thanks so much for keeping our flying friends safe. There would have been so many tragedies if not for you all!  :clap: :bow:

MEC Still Incubating at Least One Egg; 57 Days Incubation Today!!??
May 27, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I was on-site at the Mississauga Executive Centre today to check on the resident pair and it would appear that they are still incubating at least one egg.  At the time of my arrival, I had just missed a change over so there was no hope of a really good view as the male was in the nest box and sleeping away the afternoon.  The resident female made her way out from the nest box and landed on the dot on top of the “j” in the large sign on MEC building #3.  I was able to see the male reposition himself and clearly there is still at least one egg.  From initial observations back on March 30th, that puts us at around 57 days incubation.  I will continue to check in and provide you with updates on the status of this nest.