The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

(Photo by Paul Marsh)

Mark Nash reports:  "John Millar and 600 feet of rope on his way down to the ground from the nest ledge after the chick was banded and put back on the nest ledge."

"John spent the 30 plus minutes up on the nest ledge being very aggressively attacked by BOTH parents.  He explains that he was hit four times by the adult peregrines during the time while the chick was away being banded!  Typically, only the adult female is this aggressive in defending the nest and offspring, but  Nate was even more aggressive than the female!   I know only too well about Nate's attitude, I still have the scars on my hands and arms when I deployed Nate's third transmitter - and he was wearing a falconry hood during the entire process.  He is the most aggressive peregrine that I have ever experienced in the seven years of handling these birds!"

"I remember saying several years ago after the transmitter was attached, that I pity the Great Horned owl that thinks Nate will be a easy drive by / take out dinner!"

"It is also worth noting, that both Mark Heaton and Pud Hunter mentioned after the banding, that little 'Lawrie' was incredibly aggressive during the entire banding process, and bit and fought through the entire process - start to finish!  The little juvenile has her parent's nasty attitude that's for sure!!  GOOD FOR HER!!"