Canadian Peregrine Foundation -- Ottawa Archives: May / June 2000

The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

OTTAWA HOME PAGE ARCHIVES

May - June 2000

Thursday June 29, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:44 a.m.) Horizon is consuming her breakfast on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. Connor is keeping watch from his perch on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Freedom and Zephyr are to the left and right of the Standard Life Building's NW corner.

(8:00 a.m. - ...) Horizon has moved to the 3rd inside perch, 3rd from the bottom, NE corner of Constitution Square Building, Tower B. She if facing SE and looks magnificent as she stares directly ahead. One chick is settled on the raised NW corner of the Standard Life Building with his back to me. I see a bit of bobbing action and wonder if he might be having his own breakfast. The other chick might be equally sharing, but from this angle, I cannot see the north side where the other chick was spotted earlier.

(9:40 a.m.) An adult flies in from the west, over Albert Street and gracefully lands on the middle section of the Standard Life Building antenna. Freedom and Zephyr remain near the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. One is facing inward towards south while the other is facing east.

(9:45 a.m.) The chicks are now side by side facing inward and looking towards the south. After a few moments they move into the wide rocky ledge area and out of sight. A movement to the left soon produces some determined wing flapping and a chick takes off towards the north, up Kent Street and hopefully staying clear of 240 Sparks.

(2:55 p.m.) It is a bright and sunny afternoon in Ottawa. From this distance I cannot identify the falcon who is consuming a meal on the SE corner of Place de Ville, Tower C. After a few moments, the bird ruffles its feathers and continues to eat on its perch.

Wednesday June 28, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:00 a.m.) The weather is glorious this morning. Despite our tragic loss yesterday, our remaining chicklets are getting more confident with every flight they take. It is a shock to us all to know that we will never see Windracer flying free as nature intended.

Horizon can be found inside the SE corner of the nest area on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Connor is perched near the 1st, NE pillar on the hotel. Freedom and Zephyr are perched on Place de Ville, Tower B

Tuesday June 27, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:50 a.m. - ...) Connor is perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is facing inward. One chick has an excellent view of Lebreton Flats from his perch on the very top SE/SW section of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Father and son look magnificent upon their urban cliffs as the morning sunlight bathes their feathers with a golden light.

(12:10 p.m. - ...) Connor is facing inward near the 1st SE pillar of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. One of the chicks is sitting directly on the camera. He is facing outward and appears content to sit and have a look around.

Eve Ticknor reports: I regret to tell you that we lost Windracer, one of our juvenile Peregrines, today. He and his brothers were doing really well, better than the gang last year. Unfortunately we think it was an accident, a miscalculation coupled with possibly a gust of wind. He hit a glass sided building (240 Sparks) about an inch or two from the top.

Monday June 26, 2000
Eve Ticknor reports: Freedom, Windracer and Zephyr have been having lessons over the past few days. At times they seem to resent having their diet severely curtailed and stand and scream at Horizon or Connor whenever they show up. However they seem to be paying attention to the lessons.

They are showing more skill at entering the nest ledge or perching part way up the huge antenna on Tower C than did our 3 from last year. This year they tend to favour the top of the Marriott Hotel, rather than the Standard Life Building as did last year's crew, but haven't yet ventured south of the
Constitution Square building.

Our watch will be curtailed after the end of this week unless the need to continue arises. We will no longer need more volunteers and thank those who came forward to help us!

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m.) The nest site on the Crowne Plaza Hotel is shrouded in mist this morning. A gentle spray of rain is a refreshing start to Connor's day. He is perched on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch on the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. I cannot detect another falcon within my field of vision.

(12:10 p.m. - ...) I am walking towards Kent/Albert Streets with my eyes peeled to the sky, in the hopes of seeing one of our falcons. I am not disappointed. I hear that familiar bird cry and look around me to see where its coming from. After a few moments of feeling elated at seeing one of them and instinctively worried that one might be at street level and needing rescuing, I see two chicks safely perched on the ledge near the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. One is facing inward, while the other is facing outward. A movement to my left gets my attention. I see a falcon (presumably an adult) fly off the Constitution Square Building, Tower B, NW section facing Albert Street, and smoothly contour the NW section of the Constitution Square Building, Tower A.

(2:00 p.m) Horizon is perched on the NE, 3rd from the bottom, 3rd in perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. She must be taking advantage of this semi-shaded perch that provides a break from the humid weather this afternoon. Horizon is facing west and looking towards the south once in awhile.

Friday June 23, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m. - ...) It is a glorious day in Ottawa. Connor is perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is facing NE and cuts a striking figure in the morning sunlight. Two chicks can be seen near the 7th pillar from the NE corner of the hotel. One chick is facing inward and preening while the other is facing outward. Horizon is also nearby. She is perched on the SW corner of Place de Ville, Tower B. She is looking towards the North in the direction of the Marriott Hotel where Freedom has been spotted on many occasions since his first attempts at flying.

(8:30 a.m. - ...) Connor is still on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is guarding his family this morning. He keeps looking over his shoulder towards the South and West of the city. The chicks have dispersed on the ledge. One chick is beside the camera, 3rd pillar from the NE corner of the hotel while the other is proudly perched on the NE corner. Horizon has left her perch in search of...

(11:10 a.m. - ...) Connor remains on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. For some reason, her prefers not be in direct sunlight this late morning. He is facing outward while hunched inside the nest ledge. He appears quite content to relax and keep watch from his spot in the nest. One chick is near the 2nd pillar from the NE corner of the hotel. He is facing inward as the sun warms his feathers.

(1:10 p.m. - ...) Connor can be seen inside the nest area of the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I've been told by another observer that Connor did leave his perch for awhile since my last update. The chicks are not visible on the nest ledge at this time.

Thursday June 22, 2000
Robyn Carlson reports: Freedom is now flying very well. Not only does he gain and maintain altitude, he also has been seen circling extensively over Albert Street. Zephyr finally left the nestledge for a flight (after resting for a day and a half), and did quite well. He as well maintained a high elevation, although he does not spend as much time in the air as does Freedom. Windracer is trailing behind his other brothers in terms of flying ability and experience. By the time I left the Falcon Watch Centre at 4:00pm, he had gone a second day without flying.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m.) An adorable chick is perched facing inward on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The bright sunlight casts a beam of light on his plumage. How quickly they learn from observing their parents in the day to day living upon these urban cliffs.

(8:12 a.m.) The same chick is now a foot in a half away from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is facing outward.

(9:50 a.m. - ...) The sun is bright and is a welcoming sight. Two of our chicks are facing one another and having a brotherly discussion near the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They appear to be comfortably settled on the ledge.

(11:34 a.m.) Our two chicks remain near the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. One is distinctly visible while the other is below the ledge with his head barely noticeable. Horizon arrives from the south and smoothly pulls up from underneath the SE corner of the hotel. After a brief moment on the SE corner and a quick look at her chicks, she hops into the nest area and out of sight.

(1:10 p.m. - ...) One chick remains near the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Connor is in front of the camera facing inward. The second chick is on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on this somewhat windy afternoon.

Wednesday June 21, 2000
Robyn Carlson reports: The chick that went missing yesterday was found this morning on the Marriott Hotel. It has now been confirmed that this chick was Freedom, not Zephyr as previously believed. Zephyr, on the other hand, flew to a low ledge of Crowne Plaza yesterday, and was returned to the nestledge by the Falcon Watch volunteers. Yesterday, Windracer also came to the ground and had to be returned to the nestledge. He landed on Albert Street on the bumper of a parked Jeep. Today, Freedom took off from the Marriott once the rain had stopped, and gained some altitude before landing on a rooftop Northwest of the Marriott. Later, he flew back towards the Marriott. His landing location was not known by the time I left the Centre at 4:00 pm, but with
the constant rain, it is believed that he is taking shelter under a ledge. Windracer and Zephyr had not moved from the nestledge all day, and it is not expected that any of the chicks will fly again until the rain has subsided.

Eve Ticknor reports: After the chicklets were banded, we settled in for the "long" wait until the
start of our watch on the 17th. However no one told our chicklets.........

Whether by design or by mistake, Freedom tried his wings out on the 16th! He was observed bumping into a window on Tower C where there was no ledge to land on. He then bounded off a window on Tower1 of Constitution Square, left his imprint and made an undignified landing below on the sidewalk! I received a call at work - "peregrine emergency" and, thanks to Marlene, Linda and Catherine, was able to leave work and go get him. Lise, of Constitution Square and Bob, of Transport Canada, called as soon as they saw him. I was able to collect Freedom who had been rescued by Bob and G.P. I took him to our vet, Dr Robin Roscoe, who gave him a clean "bill" of health, and returned him to his lofty home.

The next 2 days were quiet Little did we know what these birds, who had done little exercising, would have in store for us! I know it was because school doesn't finish until the afternoon of the 19th.....

Between Monday morning and Wed evening, all 3 have tried their wings and each has been rescued 1 or 2 times, from the terrace (health club at Crowne Plaza Hotel), a Jeep hood, the Glue Pot Pub...... I'm glad to say all are healthy, somewhat adventurous in spite of being rather lazy, and definitely NOT in favour of Horizon's meal reduction plan!!!

Freedom, Windracer and Zephyr (also having visited Dr Robin Roscoe & is fine) have been keeping our volunteers busy!

Now, about the rain...................

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m. - ...) It is a rainy day in Ottawa. From this distance, the Crowne Plaza Hotel is shrouded in a light mist. Horizon is perched on the NE corner of the hotel facing SE. Two chicks are side by side near the 6th pillar from the NE. This would be an opportune time to exercise their wings and give them much needed flying strength.

(10:30 a.m. - ...) The rain is constantly pouring at this point. Connor is braving the weather and taking his guarding duties seriously. He is perched on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch of Constitution Square Building, Tower B. Horizon is staying close to home. She is keeping watch from her perch on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Two chicks remain close together on the ledge and are observing their soggy surroundings. They are near the 6th pillar from the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I cannot see the third chick and do not know his whereabouts at this time.

(1:10 p.m. - ...) The rain continues its constant downpour. Horizon remains on her NE corner perch of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. One chick is perched very near the SE corner of the hotel and he is facing south. Another chick is near the 4th pillar from the SE and is facing outward.

(2:30 p.m.) A falcon is observed flying behind Constitution Square Building, Tower A heading towards Minto Place and beyond to Laurier Street. Without the aid of my faithful binoculars, I cannot make a clear identification of the falcon. It backtracks and returns behind Constitution Square Building, Tower A facing west and out of my field of vision. The flying was smooth and confident, it must have been an adult taking a short flight during the break in the lousy weather.

(4:00 p.m. - ...) There is a full house on the Crowne Plaza Hotel this afternoon. Connor in perched facing inward in front of the 2nd pillar from the NE while Horizon is perched facing inward in front of the 4th pillar from the NE. Two chicks are visible at the present time. They are both near the 2nd pillar from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Tuesday June 20, 2000
Robyn Carlson reports: Last night, Freedom flew to the 6th storey window of the building directly
East across the street from Constitution Square. He remained perched on a windowsill the entire time the Falcon Watch Centre was open that day.

Zephyr flew for the first time last evening, one of his flights resulting in him coming to the ground. Melanie, a volunteer coordinator with Ottawa Field Naturalists' "Falcon Watch", brought him to Dr. Robin Roscoe, where he was pronounced fine. However, Dr. Roscoe warned us that he may be weak in flight while a wing that he banged recovers. Zephyr was subsequently placed back in the nest by Melanie. This morning, he took a short flight to the top of Crowne Plaza (directly above the nestledge). Later, he flew northwest, and was lost from sight. By 10:00 am he had not yet been found. It was hypothesized that he may be on the West ledge of Crowne Plaza, of which we have no vantage point.

Windracer has not yet flown. He flaps very little while on the nestledge, and will flap from the ledge inwards towards the building as opposed to along the ledge or towards the ledge. Ever evasive of our camera, he often uses it as a perch.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:20 a.m. - ...) It is a warm and sunny day in Ottawa. One lone chick remains on the nest ledge. He is perched facing inward near the 7th pillar from the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

(2:30 p.m.) One chick is perched on the ledge nearest to the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon arrives from the east and settles on the hotel. The chick walks over towards his Mother and just as he is about to reach her, she takes off as if to inspire him to join her. Unfortunately he chooses to remain on the ledge and follow her at a later time. Life's lessons must be learned by all of us!

Monday June 19, 2000
Robyn Carlson reports: This morning, one of the chicks (most likely Freedom) flew to the roof of Constitution Square. He was accompanied by his parents, Horizon and Connor.   He appeared relaxed, and spent considerable time preening. His parents, as well, seemed calm as they perched with their chick. Meanwhile, on the nestledge, the other two chicks remained relatively quiet.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: ((7:45 a.m.) Horizon is keeping watch on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. At one point she is right in front of the camera enjoying the morning sunlight on her back.

(8:15 a.m. - ...) Both Horizon and Connor are now on the nest ledge. Horizon joins her mate who is perched closer to the SE corner of the hotel.

(10:00 a.m. - ...) Two of our chicks are side by side on the nest ledge looking towards the east of the city. They are between the 3rd and 4th pillars near the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Both are content hunched beside one another taking in the fantastic views from their urban cliff.

(12:20 p.m.) One chick is perched beside the camera. As I look towards the nest, Horizon flies over to the SE corner of Place de Ville, Tower C rooftop keeping an eye towards the nest.

(3:20 p.m.) One chick remains on the nest ledge. The young falcon is facing outward from his perch near the 5th pillar from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon is looking at her chick from her perch near the 1st pillar of the NE corner.

Bob Boisvert reports: What a show. Started off with one chick that came back to the nest in a box; it must like the elevator ride! Someone brought it back to the nest. Mom is intent in having it fly, and keeps swooping in front of it, often coming close to our office window.

This goes on non-stop, and mom almost pushes the chick off the ledge at times. One already flying chick comes back to our "boxed" friend, and brings back a fresh kill. At least one of them flies and can hunt effectively.

Marcel Gahbauer comments: Although Freedom appears to be gaining flight skills quickly, it's unlikely that he has started to hunt yet - that is a skill which peregrine fledglings normally acquire only after at least one week, and generally two or more weeks. What probably happened in this case was that he discovered a cache of food on a nearby building, or else received fresh food from Horizon or Connor, and brought it back to the nest.

Saturday June 17, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: The Canadian Peregrine Foundation's Ottawa Falcon Watch Centre has reopened for the summer of 2000, as of last Friday. Live video from the nest ledge can be viewed at any time, and information about the birds and the Foundation is available inside the Centre during opening hours. Check the Falcon Watch Centre section near the top of the page for current hours.

Friday June 16, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (10:10 a.m. - ...) Our three chicks are on the ledge this sunny morning. One chick is perched one foot from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, his brother is directly on the SE corner and our third chick is facing outward near the 1st, SE pillar. An adult is observed flying above the Crowne Plaza Hotel and over Place de Ville, Tower C. It changes directions and passes over the nest area, in between Constitution Square Building, Tower B and heads past Minto Place Suite Hotel.

Marcel Gahbauer reports: (12:30 pm) We have just received a phone call from Ottawa indicating that the first chick has taken flight, and is currently on the sidewalk at Albert and Lyon Streets. We have contacted the local Falcon Watch crew, and are confident that the fledgling will be rescued and brought to safety shortly.

Eve Ticknor reports: We had a bit of excitement today! Freedom, our oldest chicklet at 36 or 37days, decided to pop off the ledge. He was seen by many who work in the area and who seem to be spending more time at the windows, thankfully for today's adventurer!

I took him to Dr Robin Roscoe, our intrepid vet, who checked him all over, to his displeasure, and pronounced him fit and fine. He has almost no down left and very few blood-feathers left, quite a change from the 9th! I returned him to his lofty home, to anxious parents who had just been feeding
the others.

Several of us kept watch for the rest of the daylight hours, watching as Freedom vigorously exercised his wings on the top of the ledge, while his brothers peeped their heads out once in a while. I think we were a bit surprised after watching so much wing flapping and hopping last year, as well as the lessening of food deliveries, none of which seemed to happen much this year.

"All's well that ends well", at least for tonight. Our watch is now in full force. Maybe I should sling a hammock down there........

Thursday June 15, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:50 a.m.-...) It is a dreary looking day in Ottawa. Two of our chicks are taking in the sights on the nest ledge. One is perched facing outward between the SE, 1st and 2nd pillar, while the other is also perched facing outward between the SE, 3rd and 4th pillar. I'm glad to see that the thunderstorm this morning did not dampen their spirits. They are quiet for the time being but who knows what the day may bring.

(10:44 a.m.) Our three chicks are now comfortably settled on the ledge. One chick is directly on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel while his two brothers are side by side near the 3rd from the SE pillar. They are intently looking at their parents swooping and diving around them. They are enjoying their first lesson in the techniques needed for flying.

Horizon and Connor have been seen performing an amazing aerial show for their young. Each has contoured the Crowne Plaza Hotel and flown around the Place de Ville Towers at breakneck speed. The chicks followed the action with interest. Soon enough they too will be joining their parents.

The adult falcons sped away in two different directions. One skimmed the rooftop of Place de Ville, Tower B towards the east of the city, while the other headed for a perch on the Constitution Square, Tower B, NW section facing Albert Street. The chicks remain on their perches and keep looking around as if searching for their parents.

It was a thrilling display for all of us. The precision of their dives is beyond compare.

(1:00 p.m. - ...) Connor is keeping watch from his NE, 4th from the bottom perch on the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. One of his chicks remains on the ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is near the SE, 3rd pillar this afternoon.

(5:50 p.m.) There is a light, drizzly rain in Ottawa this late afternoon. One chick is observed walking on the ledge from the SE, 3rd pillar to the 2nd pillar on the Crowne Plaza Hotel and out of view. Connor is perched near the SE corner facing inward. He briefly takes to the skies and flies towards a few pillars down to the NE section of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon is observed arriving from the east and flies into the SE ledge section of the nest area. They are now both on the nest ledge calling out to another. It is interesting to hear this interaction between the two adult falcons.

(6:20 p.m.) Connor hops into the nest ledge on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He literally does a belly flop near the corner in the gravel. He is actually picking at some leftover food that can be seen in the corner. He then returns to the ledge and begins to preen his feathers in the sunlight. Connor puts on a spectacular show as onlookers keep track of his movements on the monitor when he stretches his tail feathers and spreads his wings with such panache. The light breeze ruffles his feathers as he perches on the NE corner of the hotel. Something has caught his attention and he heads off to investigate.

(7:00 p.m.) Connor returns to the same location (NE corner Crowne Plaza Hotel) inside the nest area. He seems preoccupied with looking down at the discarded remains of a previous kill. He is calling out while looking towards the east and south. The sun is setting behind him at this point as he remains comfortably hunched in the corner.

(7:15 p.m.) A chick is observed clumsily heading his way and at the last moment heads east and out of camera range. A few moments later Connor pumps his wings and follows his young son.

Wednesday June 14, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:49 a.m.) Perfect timing! As I am walking towards Albert Street, I look up and see Connor heading towards the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. He has brought along his breakfast. He begins to consume his meal as feathers twirl around him.

(7:54 a.m.) Connor leaves his perch and takes to the skies. His destination is the uppermost NE corner (facing Albert Street) of Constitution Square Building, Tower B. Horizon arrives from the south and flies over Albert Street, heading towards the nest on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. By the time I walk over to the NE corner to investigate, she is out of sight. I look around but to no avail. She might have landed inside the nest area or continued north over Place de Ville, Tower C towards Lebreton Flats in search of her own breakfast. The options are endless.

(8:04 a.m.-...) Our curious chick is once again on the nest ledge. He has chosen a different location today. He is perched facing outward between the NE/SE corners of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. More precisely, he is between the 7th and 8th pillar from the NE. It is a misty morning in Ottawa and he is checking out the cool weather from his rooftop perch.

(12:55 p.m.) The weather remains misty in Ottawa. An adult falcon is perched on the NW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Our chick has been observed all morning on the ledge of the hotel. A chick, I believe the same one observed on the ledge has been seen on the Ottawa Webcam coming inside the nest area from time to time.

Tuesday June 13, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:51 a.m.- 8:08 a.m.) What a pleasant surprise! I almost missed this special moment. One of our chicks is comfortably sitting just inside the security of the nest ledge. He is facing east and is situated between the first and second pillars near the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is taking in his surroundings on this cool morning in Ottawa. The comforts of home call him back to the cheerful company of his brothers. This was enough of an adventure for the time being.

(8:19 a.m. - ...) Surprise! Surprise! Our young falcon has returned to the exact spot he was just a few minutes ago. This time he is slightly turned towards the S/E of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is standing proudly on his urban cliff.

(9:52 a.m. - ...) Our curious chick remains on the nest ledge since early this morning. This young falcon is sitting between the first and second SE pillars of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is observed preening and facing N/E. He appears content to check out his surroundings from this impressive vantage point. I cannot detect a parent nearby, but they are no doubt closely monitoring the latest escapade of their young chick. I can feel the excitement building already as we prepare for Freedom, Windracer and Zephyr to take their first flights.

(10:40 a.m. - ...) An adult is observed flying high above Albert Street and in between the two Constitution Square Building Towers. It weaves in and out of the nest area. It is seen flying above Laurier Street, at the height level of the first SE perch from the bottom of Constitution Square Building, Tower B. What it could be doing at this height is a mystery. It then heads up Laurier Street and heads north towards the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It is now flying above Albert Street once again and lands inside the NE (facing Albert Street), 3rd from the bottom perch of Constitution Square Building, Tower B. If our young chick was paying attention, he was treated to a spectacular aerial display that he will one day be doing himself. I for one am left breathless!

(11:00 a.m. to 1:26 p.m.) Our falcon chick remains perched on the ledge situated between the first and second SE pillars of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is now facing inward as if to entice his brothers to come have a look at the great view he's been taking since this morning. He finally returns inside the nest area after his exciting adventure. I don't believe we've seen the last of our young friend.

Monday June 12, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (11:02 a.m.) I am walking towards Albert Street and look up towards the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Since I do not have my faithful binoculars, I could not see an adult perched near the SE corner of the hotel and perfectly blending with the colour scheme of the building. It flies the length of the building and lands inside the nest site. The other adult leaves its perch on the NW side of Constitution Square Building, Tower B and contours the SW side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I have now reached Queen Street and the same adult that was observed in flight is now flying high over the NE corner of the hotel and is heading towards the south.

(12:15 p.m. - ...) Connor is comfortably perched on the NW corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is facing outward for the time being and in a few minutes will be facing outward.

(4:00 p.m.) I was treated to a magnificent sight. Connor was perched facing outward on the SE, 3rd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. Our falcon is bathed is sunlight as he proudly looks towards the east. He then spreads his wings and is observed in flight as he effortlessly reaches the NE, 4th from the bottom corner perch of that same building. It is a privilege to catch a glimpse of an endangered specie alive and healthy in our midst.

Friday June 9, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (3:10 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.) After finding an intruder in her nest this morning, Horizon has been staying close to her nest this afternoon. She is perched on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. At this point, she wants to be certain that the predator will not be returning any time soon.

(4:40 p.m.) Horizon is observed flying above Albert Street and over Constitution Square, Tower A. She is heading towards the South/West of the city with a purpose.

Marcel Gahbauer reports: The three Ottawa chicks were banded this morning in the CPF Falcon Watch Centre at the Constitution Square. All three were males in good health. More details to follow from those who were in attendance.

Thursday June 8, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:    (8:00 a.m. - 8:10 a.m.) Horizon is stretching her wings this morning. I can see her flying across the Crowne Plaza Hotel from the SE to the NE and contour the hotel to head for the west. She returns and lands on the NE top perch facing Albert Street and out of my view. I notice a wing flutter and then she takes off again and heads to the east in full glory, taming the wind.

While scanning the nest site area, I did notice bird carcasses covering the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Our chicklets are definitely well fed and content by their loving parents.

(11:10 a.m.) A light mist has been observed in Ottawa. Horizon and Connor are sticking close to home this morning. Horizon is perched two pillars in from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is facing outward. Connor on the other hand is eight pillars from the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is facing inward. It is nice to see the close family unit. The chicklets are snuggling once again, sheltered from the elements in the comfort of the nest site.

(1:05 p.m.) Connor has now moved to the NE, 4th from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is facing west at this time. I have not seen Horizon since 12:05 p.m.

Wednesday June 7, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:45 a.m.) Horizon is perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is keeping a steady gaze towards the west. Small birds are flying past her and for the time being are safe from our accomplished huntress.

(7:58 a.m.) Something has caught her attention and Horizon takes off towards the west. She returns momentarily and flies the length of the Crowne Plaza Hotel to reach the NE corner. She is presently perched one foot from the NE corner. The chicks are safely, snuggling together inside the nest area. Mother is nearby just in case

(8:05 - ...) Horizon is now perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The chicks continue to remain snuggled in their comfy cocoon while Mother keeps watch for intruders.

(12:15 p.m. - ...) It is a sunny yet windy afternoon in Ottawa. Connor is perched one foot left of the Crowne Plaza Hotel's left corner. He is facing outward and looking towards the Constitution Square Building, Tower A. I notice a movement to the right. I observe Horizon hopping into the nest site on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A few moments later she emerges from the nest and flies west towards Constitution Square Building, Tower A. I do not see her continue her flight. I can only assume she is keeping watch on one of the many perches between the two towers. She could also have kept on flying towards the west and completely out of sight. Another unsolved mystery!

(1:40 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.) I was lucky to be looking out the window when one of our adults was hovering over Place de Ville, Tower C. It was a magnificent sight to see its wings fully outstretched as it moved effortlessly across the sky. It proceeded to cover the area over Place de Ville, Tower B and return over the antenna of Place de Ville, Tower C. It swooped the NE/SE length of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and continued to weave once again between Place de Ville Tower B and C. I watched mesmerized, completely impressed with the aerial display. At one point I thought I might be able to identify the falcon but I could not accurately make a judgment call. After a few minutes the falcon was no longer within view. It was a spectacular sight to witness in the heart of the city.

Monday June 5, 2000
Bob Boisvert reports: The chicks are growing fast, still wandering a bit further every day. They were flapping wings again today. They also appear to be growing darker feathers at this point in time.

Saturday June 3, 2000
Bob Boisvert reports: One fellow working across the street reported that one of the adults crashed into the window, on the 20th floor, quite hard. The bird seemed to fall down right after the fall, but was reported flying normally a short while later. This is not the first report that adults have hit the windows at 330 Queen street, particularly in the last three weeks or so; I have personally
witnessed one hit last year, but it was a strange, spread-eagle type of hit, fairly soft, and without any negative consequences. Marcel Gahbauer comments: Although unusual and somewhat disconcerting, this behaviour is not unique. Alberta in Etobicoke was seen sliding down the windows of the nest buildings on occasion over the past couple of years, and Toledo in Hamilton had a series of collisions with the CIBC building without any apparent consequences.

Friday June 2, 2000
Bob Boisvert reports: The chicks are growing fast. They are wandering around, within 20 feet of
the nest corner, and because of increased size and distance from the ledge, I can see a bit more of them every day. They are now flapping wings around.

We had a bit of a show yesterday, late morning, when two pigeons decided to visit the chicks. They were within 2 to 3 meters from the chicks. We saw both parents observing this from the Constitution building. They decided to attack at the same time, and both swung in at high speed. I did not know
that pigeons flew so fast. It appears that no bird was injured in this incident.

Thursday June 1, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (1:00 p.m. - ...) I am walking towards Kent/Slater Streets and look up in search of our adult falcons Horizon and Connor. I can see an adult perched on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Even though I do not have my trusted binoculars with me, I am quite certain that it is Horizon guarding her chicks from her perch.

Wednesday May 31, 2000
Arlene Williams reports: (11:26 am) I have spotted both birds this morning and it appears that Connor is still the one perched on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and looking beyond, it appears that Horizon is now perched atop the Constitution Building between the guard-rail. No sign of anyone tending to the babies, however.

(11:48 am) I am viewing the bobbing up of one of the baby peregrines and it is such a white and fluffy little creature. It is just in the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and appears to becoming quite adventuresome, since it is just below the ledge. Hopefully, it won't become too over zealous and pop up onto the ledge and then lose its footing. No sign of the other babies. Connor seem fly away when the baby seem to get to close to his perch. Horizon is now perched on the northeast corner of the Constitution Building. but does not seem to care what are the goings on with respect to her babies. I hope that nothing is wrong and the parents have not given up on the babies.

(4:52 pm) There are now three (3) little babies bobbing up and down and flexing their wings. They seem to be growing quite quickly and losing their white down feathers. I have not, however, seen both parents in attendance over the brood for the entire day, although I am now seeing that both Connor and Horizon are again perched atop the northeast corner of the Constitution Building. Maybe they have decided to allow their babies to be more on their own and somewhat independent.

(5:49 pm) Both Connor and Horizon have just perched on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel - opposite 20th Floor, Tower C, Place de Ville - and they have brought home a little morsel for the brood. Mother is currently feeding her brood and father has just decided to venture off somewhere on his own. Seems that mother and father are trying to leave the babies alone for the
better part of the day and just watching over them carefully from a distance - atop the northeast corner of the Constitution Building. Glad to see that mum and dad are once again attentive.

Tuesday May 30, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (5:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.) Horizon is taking a break from her motherly duties and is observed on a NE corner perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. She briefly remains outside the nest area while keeping a steady gaze towards her chicks that are snuggling in their nest on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Sometime later Connor returns to the very spot where Horizon was perched and stands guard over his territory.

Thursday May 25, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m.) Connor can be found on the NE, 4th from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is facing west and keeping watch.

(9:40 a.m.) Horizon is perched on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Her three chicks are comfortably snuggled together in the nest and were fed earlier this morning at about 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday May 24, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (3:52 p.m.-...) Connor is a familiar sight as he
perches on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Eve Ticknor: Around 7:45pm Horizon was feeding her children from a pigeon. At that time, Connor was watching me from the antenna on the Bradson Building, a few blocks to the south. Several minutes later she was still feeding them and you should have seen the crops - so big that their beaks were resting on them, even as they begged for more!!

When Horizon had decided they had enough she took the remains out of camera range to the corner of the ledge to finish. They staggered together and cleaned each others' beaks!

Our chicklets have names now. One is very obviously larger than the other 2 and will be called Freedom. The smallest will be Zephyr and the middle kid will be called Windracer. We decided to go with attributes and wind this time.

Tuesday May 23, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:04 a.m.) I did not have my binoculars handy, but an adult falcon flew in front of the Constitution Square, Tower B from the NE to the SE. It was in hot pursuit and rather low in its attempt to hunt. I saw the smaller bird zip across towards Minto Place Suite Hotel. To my amazement, the falcon pursued and was heading straight for the reflective mirrored building (Minto Place Suite Hotel), it literally bounced off the surface and continued the chase. The birds were headed back towards the north weaving between Place de Ville, Tower B and A. The adult falcon returns to land on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and hop into the nest. I take this opportunity to look at the webcam and sure enough Horizon is feeding her three hungry chicks. I noted that she fed each chick with infinite tenderness. I did not see any falcon exit the nest site, but I must confess that I did step away for a few moments.

(8:19 a.m.) The chicks have been fed and can be seen huddled together looking at the camera and eventually communicate with each other. They appear content to have been fed. Connor is now standing guard on the NE, 4th from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B.

(12:04 p.m.-...) Connor can be found perched on the NE, top rail of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He has an excellent view of the city from his urban cliff vantage point.

(6:00 p.m.-8:20 p.m./...) Connor is guarding closer to home and can be seen perched on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. As night approaches, Connor prepares to keep a lookout for possible intruders who could harm his young family.

Sunday May 21, 2000
Mark Nash reports: Just a quick note with some great news! The Ottawa Webcam is finally up and running - click here to access it! The falcon watch suite at the Constitution Square is just about ready, and will be open to the public displaying the live real-time image on the colour TV's.Enjoy!

Friday May 19, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:40 a.m.) Although the sun is shining this morning, the weather is chilly. As I look towards the nest site on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and I am rewarded by the spectacular sight of Connor's arrival. He pulls sharply from underneath and turns slightly towards his left where the nest site is located. He smoothly lands inside the nest, drops off a fresh kill and hops out to briefly rest on the NE corner. The lure of the untamable wind calls out to him and he takes to the skies, flying expertly towards Queen Street and is no longer in my field of vision. I feel honoured to have witnessed such a simple yet vital part of a Peregrine Falcon parent's role as provider.

(12:20 p.m.) I am walking towards Kent/Queen Streets and as I look up towards the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, I observe an adult flying in from the north and land on the NE corner. It then proceeds to enter inside the ledge area and remain out of sight. I did not see any food being brought to the nest this time. From street level, I could not clearly identify the adult. I waited a few minutes to see if the falcon would reappear, it did not.

(3:40 p.m. - ...) Another moment captured by my faithful binoculars. I happened to be near a window when Connor left the nest site on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and took to the skies soaring high and landing on the SW corner of Place de Ville, Tower B. Whether he had just delivered a meal is unknown, but I did notice feathers twirling in the wind near the NE corner.

Eve Ticknor reports: I can confirm 3 chicklets!!! I spent a half hour around 5:30 pm today watching the monitor and finally saw Horizon get up to collect a pigeon brought by Connor. Instantly 3 heads popped up, 3 gaping beaks turned towards their mother and dinner was served. It was "one of those moments" as they say. She was very careful with her feet and was diligent in her feeding to look over all 3 each time she had a bite to be sure everyone was fed, not just the closest or noisiest (although I can only hear the noise in my head). My impression is that we have 1 a bit larger than the other 2, but that could be the way they were sitting, or wishful thinking, of course....... More news as I get it.

Wednesday May 17, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:30 a.m. - ...) It is a glorious sunny day in Ottawa. Connor is enjoying his breakfast on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch on the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. Feathers are observed flying upward and away from the perch as he consumes his meal. I take this opportunity to look towards the nest on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon briefly settles herself on the NE corner perch and quickly returns to the nest. Whether she was signaling to Connor concerning providing food for the chicks or taking a breather from her motherly duties is unknown. It is a joy to see her after such an extended period.

Tuesday May 16, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (10:52 a.m.) Connor is being warmed by the morning sunlight on the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is perched on the NE, 3rd from the bottom, 2nd inside perch of that building. Connor is facing south today and appears to be comfortably settled.

Monday May 15, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:  (12:00 p.m.) Connor is perched on the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch. Today he is perched to the right of the NE corner and his back is facing Albert Street. He has a perfect view of the nest from his mirrored perch.

(12:20 p.m. - ...) Something has caught Connor's attention. He flies off between Place de Ville Tower A and B. Moments later he dives expertly towards the ground and pulls up in an effort to catch his prey and heads towards the north and out of sight. What an exhilarating chase.

(2:00 p.m. - ...) Connor is perched on the NE, rooftop of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is keeping watch towards the west. The afternoon sunlight reflects Connor's sleek and dark plumage.

(4:02 p.m. - ...) Our proud father remains on his NE Constitution Square Building, Tower B perch. Nothing can escape his piercing gaze from this exceptional observation deck. Suppertime is just around the corner and I am certain that Horizon and Connor's two newborn chicklets will be hungry shortly.

Friday May 12, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:05 p.m.) I was correct in assuming that Connor was nearby but out of my field of vision. I was walking towards Kent/Albert Streets and was lucky enough to see Connor perched on the 3rd from the bottom, NW corner perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. Connor is facing inward and can see the reflection of various buildings from his vantage point. Furthermore, Connor has an excellent view of Horizon on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. His guarding duties are never over.

(4:05 p.m.) Connor is now on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is keeping watch while Horizon incubates their eggs.

Thursday May 11, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:17 p.m.) Connor is perched on the Standard Life Building antenna. He favored this perch last year when Jessie, Loft and Preston were fledgling. He is guarding the nest area from his vantage point above his territory. Pigeons are flying around him and are left undisturbed for the time being. Sightings in this area have been scarce during the past few days.

Friday May 5, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Today Paul Grieve and I returned to Ottawa to wrestle once again with the equipment required to get the Ottawa Webcam broadcasting. After two hours of experimenting with various connections, we were no closer to getting it working than we were several weeks ago. However, the knowledge that the hardware inside was functioning properly, and our ability to see that the camera lens was working too made us determined to get the system producing a proper signal. In the end, it was only through the assistance of Dave Hafizi and Corey Walsh of Intercon Security in Toronto that we were able to solve our problems, and we owe them our heartfelt thanks for helping us out late on a Friday afternoon.

With the camera now functioning, we simply need to get our Internet connection hooked up, and we should have the Ottawa Webcam up and running again. Look for it to be activated within days. Also, we are working on getting the Falcon Watch Centre set up again at the Constitution Square, and we hope to have more news on this shortly as well.

During the time we were in Ottawa working on the camera, we observed both Connor and Horizon taking a break from the nest on the Constitution Square. However, we were unable to see the nest during a change over, and are still in the dark as to whether there are three eggs or more.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:08 a.m.) Feathers are twirling upward as Connor consumes his meal on the rooftop of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is between the NE and SE sections of the outside rail of that building. He is facing north and looks up between taking bites of his fresh kill.

Thursday May 4, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (10:51 a.m. - ...) The weather is positively glorious in Ottawa. Connor is on the NE, 3rd from the bottom, 2nd inside perch on the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is keeping a steady gaze towards Lebreton Flats.

(1:36 p.m. - ...) Connor has returned to the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. The warm and breezy weather we've experienced today must have inspired him to take a long flight to some unknown destination. He is now on the NE, 3rd from the bottom, 2nd inward perch of his favorite building.

Wednesday May 3, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:15 pm) A very sleek looking Connor is on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He is keeping watch towards the nest site located on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Tuesday May 2, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (10:48 a.m. - ...) Connor is perched on the SW corner of the Place de Ville, Tower B rooftop. He is looking over his left wing and is observed preening in the morning sunlight. He is facing east today and looks regal in this pose upon his urban cliff. (10:48 a.m. - ...) Connor is perched on the SW corner of the Place de Ville, Tower B rooftop. He is looking over his left wing and is observed preening in the morning sunlight. He is facing east today and looks regal in this pose upon his urban cliff.

(3:50 p.m. - ...) It is a sunny afternoon in Ottawa. Connor is perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. As I look through my binoculars, he turns my way and just as quickly his gaze changes direction once again and he resumes his guarding duties upon the hotel he calls home.

Monday May 1, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:09 a.m.) As I look out my office window, I have the pleasure of seeing Connor perched on the NE top rail of the Constitution Square Building. He is facing west at the moment but as I gaze through my binoculars, he turns to face the south and begins to clean his talons. Connor is now facing east and gives me a front view of his striking plumage. Something has caught his attention and he takes off his perch and heads east towards the Journal Tower Buildings. His next destination remains a mystery.

(10:31 a.m.) Connor has returned to the NE, upper perch of the Constitution Square Building Tower B. He is facing west and keeping watch on his territory.

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