Canadian Peregrine Foundation -- Ottawa Archives: July / August 2000

Wednesday August 30, 2000
Brenda Sharpe reports: I have seen all three Ottawa peregrines this afternoon, perching on the north-east corner of Constitution Square. Two have since flown away but one (Connor) remained until just this instant. I am watching him swoop away to join his mate as I type. What magnificent birds they are!

Friday August 25, 2000
Arlene Williams reports: Connor is now perched on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel facing inward toward the hotel. Seems to me to be a boring view, but, he is preening and obviously his belly is full. Horizon was perched in the same spot about ten minutes ago, but, she has since flown off in the direction of Tower B. Looking over just now I was privy to a little shake of the hind end of Connor and he shed a little bid of excess feathers due to his preening.

Saturday August 19, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: I have just returned from another four days of watching the Ottawa peregrine family. Once again there were lots of surprises, and plenty of excitement in the sky. Also, as has become all too common in Ottawa, we experienced some heart-stopping moments in recent days.

Arriving on the scene Tuesday morning (August 16) at 5 am (in order to be there before the birds took flight for the day), I was surprised not to see or hear Freedom as daylight broke - only a couple of weeks ago, he had almost always been been vocally demanding his breakfast not long after dawn. But Tuesday was different - Freedom only put in his first appearance of the day shortly after noon. However, once he did arrive, he certainly made his presence known. For nearly two hours he stood on the east ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, screeching loudly almost without pause . Many downtown workers taking an early afternoon break outside Constitution Square were very concerned that he was in distress, but it seemed more likely that he was simply hungry, and insistently begging his parents for food.

Freedom eventually flew away for a few hours, but came back in the early evening even more determined to get his way. He spotted Horizon on the east side of the Minto Tower, and knocked her off that perch. The two spent the next several minutes taking turns diving at each other and gracefully avoiding full contact. Horizon eventually peeled away to Freedom's habitual perch on the Bradson antenna, while Freedom settled where his mother had been previously. By 7:40 pm, he seemed to resign himself to not getting fed, and went to settle on a ledge of the Standard Life building for the night.

On Wednesday morning, Freedom was gone at dawn, and did not resurface until 8:55 am, at which time he flew north toward the Ottawa River and stooped a pigeon over the east end of Victoria Island. This was actually a quite impressive hunting attempt, but at the last moment the pigeon went into a desperate tumble and barely eluded Freedom's grasp. He curved off to the east, out of sight. We then waited, waited, and waited, but despite several searches of the downtown area, we did not see him again that day. Horizon and Connor ended up spending most of the day on the Crowne Plaza Hotel ledges - especially on the west and south sides. Horizon made a hunting foray in mid-afternoon which brought her skimming across the cars crossing Portage Bridge. Like Freedom, she was unsuccessful in her pursuit of the pigeon.

As the hours passed on Thursday without any sign of Freedom, we became increasingly anxious. True, by this point in the summer young peregrines should be starting to test their independence by beginning to hunt on their own and starting to make some exploratory flights away from home. All the same, Freedom's absence worried us because his recent behaviour (especially on Tuesday) remained that of a fledgling largely dependent on his parents, and his disappearance seemed quite uncharacteristic. Melanie Moore, Eve Ticknor, Phil Maillard, and I spent the entire day searching high and low on all the buildings downtown, as well as for quite a distance along the Ottawa River, where we had last seen him. But after 15 hours, we hadn't had so much as a glimpse of him.

On the other hand, Connor and Horizon were present around the Crowne Plaza and Constitution Square practically all day long. In fact, aside from one brief hunt Horizon made around 7 am, both adults remained perched on the south side of the Crowne Plaza until almost noon. Around 5 pm, Connor found a leftover pigeon wing and brought it to the northwest corner of Constitution Square. After he finished with it he flew back to the Crowne Plaza's west ledge, then returned a moment later with the matching wing. Again he was done in a matter of minutes, but this time he wiped his beak on the corner of the building, flapping his wings to maintain his balance. He subsequently entertained us for several minutes as he "danced" at the corner - repeatedly shuffling and hopping from one foot to the other, as if the metal was too hot to stand on, or he was losing his grip. Really it should have been neither, as it was a fairly cool day, and Connor perches at this spot regularly. Whatever the reason behind his behaviour, it certainly was most comical to observe.

By 6:45 pm, Connor seemed to have built up his appetite again, as he took off in serious pursuit of a pigeon heading toward the river. Connor nailed it above the east end of Victoria Island, having chased it there from Kent & Albert. The weight of the pigeon caused Connor to plummet initially, but he of course recovered and began to head back in the direction of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. But no sooner had he started than another peregrine seemed to materialize out of nowhere, and hit Connor on the back. Instinctively he dropped his prey and spun on his back to present his talons to the attacker. The two tumbled together, then broke apart and flew around Tower C toward Constitution Square. At first, I had thought the aggressor was Freedom, trying to forcibly concerning potential reasons for this behaviour, including one that Horizon has been trying to wean Freedom off feedings, and was trying to prevent Connor from bringing any food in for him.

Yesterday (Friday August 18) the situation was looking bleak by noon as more than 48 hours had passed since the last sighting of Freedom. Thankfully our fears proved unfounded when Freedom came screaming back into the downtown airspace from the east at 2:50 pm, landing on the south side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and continuing to vocalize at great length. Where he had been over the previous 53 hours, and whether he hunted successfully during this time, will of course remain mysteries. It would appear that we perhaps underestimated Freedom's abilities!

I would like to thank Phil Maillard and Nick Zeis for volunteering time to help with the search for Freedom, and especially appreciate the contributions of Melanie Moore and Eve Ticknor who kept me company throughout the long days and otherwise assisted me immeasurably on this trip. Special thanks also to the management and staff of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, who enthusiastically supported our efforts throughout the week.

Friday August 11, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:     (9:42 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.) A falcon is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I do not have my binoculars with me today but the falcon does appear to be a healthy size and might be Horizon. It is a rather quiet time for falcon watching. Window washers are at work on the various buildings surrounding the nest site. This might be the reason why I have not had the privilege of viewing our falcons in flight and/or perched on their favorite rooftops. I am certain that they are nonetheless nearby.

Thursday August 10, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:    (7:55 a.m. - ...) Freedom is comfortably settled on the SW corner perch of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is facing north and keeping a steady gaze towards the east and west of the city. (8:20 a.m. - ...) Connor is now perched on the SE corner of the hotel while his son remains on his perch.

(8:30 a.m. - ...) Freedom dives off his SW corner perch on the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is in hot pursuit. He is flying over Lyon Street and remains behind the Constitution Square Building, Tower 2 and the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He has now moved towards Lebreton Flats and out of sight. Connor is quite content to remain on his perch as Freedom develops his hunting skills. I assume Connor could not be bothered with breakfast and might have eaten at some other location.

Friday August 4, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (2:07 p.m. - ...) It's been a few days since I've seen any of our falcons. Freedom is perched on the SW corner rooftop of Place de Ville, Tower C. He is facing east this sunny afternoon. It has been an uneventful time for falcon watching in my section of town. I am pleased to see that our juvenile falcon is healthy and still in our midst.

Wednesday August 2, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Although it was raining fairly heavily as day broke, Freedom made his first flight of the day around 5:40 am. Over the course of the morning he appeared briefly on the Bradson Building and Tower C antennas. Perhaps as a result of the largely dreary weather, the morning flights by the peregrines were few and far between compared with recent days.

The highlight of the morning was around 9:40 am, when Freedom abandoned his screaming pursuit of Connor to make a rather serious stoop at a pigeon. Although much closer than his other attempts over the past few days, this attack still lacked much of the speed and precision which Freedom will need to succeed at making a kill. By 9:45 am, all three peregrines were out of sight, and we did not see them again over the course of the morning.

Tuesday August 1, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: In sharp contrast to yesterday, the most active period for the peregrines today was early morning. By 5:30 am, all three members of the family had already come and gone from the Crowne Plaza Hotel's west ledge. Freedom returned there twice more before 6 am, then
spent the next two hours chasing and harassing both Connor and horizon as he screamed at them for breakfast. Shortly after 8 am, Freedom considered taking a noticeable effort to follow it, though like on Sunday he failed to pick up enough speed to pose the pigeon a serious threat. However, Freedom's actions caught the attention of Connor, who took off after the pigeon with considerably more aggression. We don't know whether Connor's hunt was successful, as we did not see him return to the area for more than 12 hours. Upon his return around 8:20 pm, Connor was carrying a freshly killed pigeon, which he brought to the second-lowest step of the Constitution Square. Given that he almost entirely devoured this pigeon over the course of half an hour, it's unlikely he had eaten earlier in the day too. Horizon and Freedom both watched Connor as he ate, as if waiting for their turn, but this time at least he was unwilling to share. Horizon and Connor both flew to the west Crowne Plaza ledge just before dark at 9 pm, where they settled down for the night - but not before Horizon let off a string of high-pitched vocalizations directed at her mate.

Earlier in the day, Horizon had also taken a prolonged trip away from home, being out of sight from just after 9 am until almost 4:30 pm. We suspect she may have returned to her quiet refuge on the Coats Building at Tunney's Pasture, where we had seen her a couple of weeks earlier. With Freedom being so persistent and vocal in his demands for food, it's easy to understand why the adults might try to leave him at home alone for much of the day - both to give themselves a break, and also to encourage him to take steps toward independence.

Local observers have noted that in terms of independence, Freedom actually appears to have regressed a bit since the death of Zephyr close to two weeks ago. Since that time, Freedom has been clinging more tightly to his parents (especially Connor) than before. Perhaps without a brother to fly with, Freedom still craves some social interaction, and the adults now fill that role instead. Alternatively, with only one of three fledglings left, the adults may now be paying more attention to Freedom than they otherwise would have done. All of this being said, Freedom is daily acquiring additional skills. This afternoon he performed another "pigeon-following" around 4:45 pm, and shortly after that he made an acrobatic couple of passes at a high-flying butterfly above Constitution Square.

Monday July 31, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Another intense 15-hour day of monitoring allowed Mark Nash and I to gain some more insights into the lives of the three Ottawa peregrines. Today Freedom wasn't very active early in the morning, but by shortly before 8 pm he had arrived on the scene and was very vocal - screaming at his parents for food, and rummaging along the west ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel for food scraps. Connor and Horizon had both been eating on the west ledge over the past hour, but were not yet ready to relinquish their leftovers to Freedom. In frustration, Freedom flew off to the east, and did not return for over three hours.

Around 2 pm, Freedom finally returned to the Crowne Plaza west ledge, displacing both of his parents in the process (perhaps they had had enough of his incessant begging for one day). Again, Freedom searched for scraps along the length of the ledge, meeting with limited success. By the evening, Freedom had become more aggressive - he phsyically knocked Connor off a perch, and pursued him vigorously while plaintively screeching, but to no avail. It's possible Horizon or Connor did feed Freedom at some point today when they were out of sight, but his behaviour suggests otherwise. More likely the parents have entered the phase where they are trying to encourage Freedom to try hunting for himself.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:51 a.m. - ...) It is a humid morning in Ottawa. A falcon is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Due to the lack of sun, it is rather difficult to determine the identity of our lone falcon guarding the nest area. It is comfortably settled on its perch and is facing east this morning.

Sunday July 30, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Today Mark Nash and I spent the full day observing the Ottawa peregrines. Over the course of the morning, Freedom visited the Crowne Plaza Hotel's west ledge three times, mostly at or near the north end. In the afternoon, his habits changed - from around 2 pm until after 6 pm, he spent most of his time on the antenna of Tower C, taking brief breaks for short flights at times. On one occasion, he followed a pigeon for a while. It would be unfair to call it a chase, since there really appeared to be no serious aggression or acceleration on the part of Freedom. Over the course of the evening, Freedom alternated between Tower C and the antenna of the Bradson Building a couple of blocks to the south. Both adults were of course seen over the course of the day, but they seemed to be mostly away from the immediate vicinity of the nest building. Horizon tended to fly west, perhaps to the area of Tunney's Pasture, while Connor often headed east, further into downtown Ottawa.

Saturday July 29, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Mark Nash and I today observed the Ottawa peregrine family from late morning through to dusk. Over the course of the day, it became apparent that all three peregrines, but especially Freedom, were perching frequently on the west (nest-level) ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. At times we also spotted Connor and Horizon on the Constitution Square towers. On the whole, the level of activity today was fairly low.

Under the cover of night, we crawled along the entire length of both the east and west ledges. Judging by the remains we found, the vast majority of the local peregrines' diet is pigeons. However, we also found the skulls of two woodcock, plus the head of a horned grebe. To our knowledge, this is the first record of this species being preyed upon by a peregrine in Ottawa, and possibly anywhere in Ontario. Given that the horned grebe is not a summer resident in the Ottawa area, this one was likely caught by Connor or Horizon during the spring migration in April or May.

Friday July 28, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:10 a.m. - ...) Horizon and Connor can be observed on the 1st and 3rd bars of the Standard Life antenna. They are both preening this morning and looking towards the west and Lebreton Flats. This vantage point has long been favored by the adults during fledgling season. Sturdy ropes used by window washers can still be seen hanging down from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Our adults can easily keep watch from their perches as work is being done near their home.

Wednesday July 26, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:08 a.m.) The sun has yet to make its presence known this morning. From this distance, the Crowne Plaza Hotel appears slightly concealed by shade. One lone falcon is perched on the SW corner of the hotel. The size and colouring would indicate that Freedom is keeping watch as the window washing equipment, more specifically the sturdy cables can be seen on the NE side, ready for the workmen to commence a day's work. Freedom is comfortably settled on the hotel and is looking towards the west and south of the city.

Tuesday July 25, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:35 p.m.) Horizon is a magnificent sight to behold on this warm and sunny afternoon. She is perched on the 3rd from the bottom NE section of Constitution Square Building. This is her favorite perch and she is taking time to preen while keeping a steady gaze towards the nest area. I cannot see Freedom or Connor at this time. Cobwebs of feathers and leftover meals can be seen attached to the perch beneath Horizon. She appears quite content to remain on her perch on this glorious Summer day.

(2:20 p.m. - ...) Connor is perched one foot away in the shade from the NE section of Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. He is facing Albert Street this afternoon and can almost be missed if one does not take a long, hard look.

(4:08 p.m. - ...) Connor is now perched on the 4th from the bottom, 3rd in, NE perch of Constitution Square Building, Tower 1 facing Kent Street. A gentle breeze is blowing his ruffled feathers. Freedom is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is looking intently towards Lebreton Flats as the sun shines brightly on his perch.

Arlene Williams reports: Horizon is perched on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel facing inward and she was been perched there since approximately 10:00 am this morning. Also on the northwest corner facing west is her offspring - Freedom - and he too has been perched there for the same amount of time. Both appear to be taking a well needed break from the routine, unless Horizon has decided that it is time to keep Freedom in tow and is monitoring his actions/flights, etc. As I am looking upward from their perch, I see that the window cleaners are preparing to wash windows below their perch point. As I am writing, one of the cleaners drops his rope and it seems to scare off Freedom, who has now taken flight. Mom - Horizon seems to be indifferent to the window cleaner's action. Maybe she is just being her normal territorial self and will not be scared off by something as minor as a piece of rope. Regardless, Freedom has left the roost and headed southwest.

Monday July 24, 2000
Arlene Williams reports: 10:36 am - Freedom is located this time on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is facing east. He just completed a major preening and is now ready to contemplate the rest of the day and what succulent morsel he can scrounge for himself.

(12:17 pm) Freedom has decided that he would rather completely recline at this moment in time. He is laying on his belly favouring somewhat his left side and is sprawled right out, under shade, on the northeast east corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I have never seen one of the peregrines completely recline in this fashion before. Very interesting. I guess with the temperature favouring 27 celsius + in downtown Ottawa, he needs a break from the humidity and direct sunshine.

Friday July 21, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m.) It is a rather gloomy and rainy morning in Ottawa. One falcon is perched in the section between the SE/SW corners of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Due to the weather, the falcon cannot be identified. This is a dry area of the hotel and the falcon is facing east but continues to look over its shoulder periodically.

(8:06 a.m.) The time to fly has come. The falcon literally dives off its southern perch and appears to be heading directly for street level. My heart racing, I am glued to the window and with much relief, I see another falcon arrive from the west to join our friend in the excitement of taming the wind. Both falcons are now giving me a view of their aerobatics skills as they weave in between Place de Ville Tower A and B. They are headed towards the north or east of the city. This display of synchronized flying was a breathtaking sight to behold. If there had been a transfer of food, at the speed that they were traveling, it was impossible to detect.

(4:00 p.m.) Perfect timing! I look out the window and see a falcon heading my way. It flies over Kent Street heading towards the Journal Towers. A few moments later it is coming back from the east and heading towards Place de Ville, Tower C where another falcon is observed flying above the antenna on the rooftop. The excitement continues as they perform aerobatics in the sky above me. Two falcons are high above Slater Street and I hear that distinctive bird cry as Freedom is joined by a parent and they play a hearty game of talon tag right before my eyes. Freedom's piercing cry echoes as they expertly fly above the Standard Life Building towards the east of the city. It never ceases to impress me when I see our falcons taming the wind and interacting as any other family would do.

Thursday July 20, 2000
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Tragic news from Ottawa - Eve Ticknor has just phoned me to say that Zephyr has been found dead on the roof of Tower B. A maintenance worker discovered him there this morning and called Eve to confirm the identity. No significant external injuries were visible, so it is suspected that Zephyr may have been a victim of poisoning, though it is too soon to draw any conclusions. The Ministry of Natural Resources is conducting a necropsy and toxicology tests to determine the cause of death. We will post any further news here as soon as possible.

Arlene Williams reports: (12:57 pm) I am looking across from my 20th Floor, Tower C, Place de Ville vantage point and see that Horizon has somewhat hidden herself in a cubbyhole located between the NE and NW (closer to NW) corners of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and she seems to be enjoying the shade and remoteness from most viewing points (the four corners of the Hotel). At the same time, it appears to be Connor (whom I have not seen in quite some time), but it may be a juvenile who is perched on the NE corner of the Hotel. He is facing inward and seems somewhat oblivious to the other one's presence.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (1:10 p.m.) Freedom is perched in front of the 3rd pillar from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is facing east and looking rather peaceful. Connor has been on the NE corner of the hotel facing inward since 11:50 a.m. This morning he was looking out towards the east and he is now keeping watch towards the west.

Wednesday July 19, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (11:05 a.m.- ...) The juvenile falcon remains perched near the SE, 1st pillar on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. His brother is now perched on the NE corner of the same hotel but he is facing west. It has been a quiet morning for our falcons.

(12:10 p.m. - ...) Our two juvenile falcons are still comfortably settled on the same perches of the Crowne Plaza Hotel since this morning. The juvenile on the NE corner keeps looking over his shoulder towards the east of the city. The sky is darkening and rain is threatening to fall anytime. They would be wise to remain under the shelter of the Crowne Plaza Hotel rooftop.

(3:40 p.m. - ...) Home Sweet Home! The juvenile that was perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel has now moved to the cubby hole located between the SE/SW corners of the hotel. He is facing east at the moment. His brother has chosen to continue enjoying the views from his NE perch on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon and Connor are absent from the nest area today. I have not observed any feedings but that does not necessarily mean that the juveniles did not consume any food at some point.

(12:30 p.m. - ...) A falcon is hunched inside the ledge area on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and facing south. It is impossible for me to distinguish the identity of the bird as the area is covered in shade at this time. If he or she decides to move at some point, I will have a better chance of identifying the mystery falcon.

Marcel Gahbauer reports: Over the past ten days, Mark Nash and I have made two trips to Ottawa, and have had an opportunity to observe the downtown family in some detail. Horizon and Connor are both very protective parents, and remain in the area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel much of the time, although we witnessed them make some long flights away from this site too. Last Sunday, July 16, Horizon in fact spent most of the day on the Coats Building in Tunney's Pasture, a considerable distance from downtown. Although we never were close enough to identify Zephyr or Freedom from each other, we did see both of the juveniles on numerous occasions. They are flying well, and also seem to be starting to travel a good distance away from downtown.

Arlene Williams reports: (2.50 pm) Well finally, mother - Horizon - has appeared and she was just minutes ago just sitting on the NW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Was nice to finally see her. About 10 minutes ago, I saw both babies soaring around the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and one decided to perch.    The other one went off in the direction of Nathaleigh's building - Standard Life on the corner of Kent and Slater Streets.    Guess he though he should show her up close his flying prowess.

(2:53 pm) Now I am looking back over to the NW - just in front of the second pillar heading SW - and I see Horizon has returned.   One of her babies is located on the SW corner and is facing east.      Another juvenile or possibly Connor - who has not been seen for awhile - has just taken flight from the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is heading southwest.

I noticed earlier in the day, around lunchtime, that one of the juvenile peregrines was feeding from the cache area, which is located just below the ledge on the NW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.    He did not snack for long and decided to go back to his view of the western part of the city.

Tuesday July 18, 2000
Arlene Williams reports: (4:13 pm) Both Zephyr and Freedom are located in the Northeast perch
on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. One is facing inward and the other facing outward enjoying the view to the east. Both appear to be quite fatigued and are motionless. No sighting of Connor or Horizon today.

Monday July 17, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (3:10 p.m.) Freedom or Zephyr is perched on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch of Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. The juvenile is facing west and his feathers appear to be wet as he meticulously preens. It has been an uneventful day for falcon watching. All of our positive thoughts remain with Qetesh as we pray for her safe return.

Friday July 14, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:12 a.m.) As I'm walking towards Albert Street, I look up and see a falcon leave its 3rd from the bottom, NW perch on Constitution Square Building, Tower 1 and head towards the SW side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The falcon smoothly contours the building and continues towards an unknown destination. I keep searching for a possible rooftop landing but come up empty-handed.

(2:00 p.m. - ...) Freedom or Zephyr is comfortably settled directly in front of the 3rd pillar from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. His distinctive juvenile markings can be seen as he stoically faces the east of the city.

Arlene Williams reports: 12:02 pm - Horizon has been perched on the northwest corner ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel for well over two (2) hours now and she seems to be enjoying a well earned break and rest from her babies. She has her back to me and is looking south towards the Queensway and a slight turn to the right, she is viewing Ottawa west and the Gatineaus. Swoosh, one baby just went flitting by and she seem indifferent to his flight, although she turned her head just ever so slightly. I guess she feels she has done a fine job teaching her brood to fly. Again today, Connor has yet to been seen. I hope that he is well, as I have not seen him for two or three days. There is a juvenile peregrine located on the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and he too is enjoying the view and time out. Another juvenile has just taken flight from the top of the Hotel and has moved to the top of one of the glass enclosures located near the top of the Minto Suites Hotel.

Thursday July 13, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:19 a.m. - ...) Horizon is comfortably settled on the 4th from the bottom, 1st perch section in on the NE rail facing the Place de Ville Towers on Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. It is not often that I have the opportunity to see our dedicated adult female as she is rather elusive. Horizon is keeping watch towards the north of the city. She looks rather regal in this peaceful setting atop the mirrored building. Window washers are working inside the 3rd from the bottom, SE section of Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. Horizon does not appear to be concerned or interested in their presence. I cannot see any other falcon in the area at this time but will keep trying.

(4:10 p.m. - ...) Another juvenile falcon has been spotted. Freedom or Zephyr is perched one foot away from the SW corner of Place de Ville, Tower C. His sleek body is clearly visible as the afternoon sunshine shines down on him. He is facing north this afternoon and appears content to remain on his perch for the time being. No other falcon is within view at this time.

Arlene Williams reports: (12:29 pm) - One lone juvenile peregrine falcon sited perched on the NE ledge (between the first and second pillar) of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The whereabouts of Horizon and Connor and the other sibling, not yet to be seen from my vantage point.

(1:17 pm) - One juvenile peregrine is now located on the NW ledge (between pillars 1 and 2) of the Crowne Plaza hotel. He has taken a momentary break from the routine and appears to be enjoying his view of the Ottawa River and of surrounding scenery. He just decided to toddle off (walking/bobbing) along the ledge to the third pillar and has once again perched to enjoy the view.

(3:38 pm) Again, there is another juvenile peregrine perched on the NW corner ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He appears to be somewhat bigger than the other spotted in that proximity at 1:17 pm. Even though he is somewhat bigger, he is not Connor - the father. He is preening himself and, I guess, trying to give his feather that much more lustre look, as his parents reflect. Seems to be quite the preening job taking place as he is bent out of shape preening toward his back and under and over his wings. Occasionally, he looks over to my 20th floor vantage point and we seem to be looking directly at one another, almost him asking me if his preening meets with my approval.

Eve Ticknor reports: I was up on the roof of the Constitution Square today around noon and
watched Horizon and her 2 sons, all quietly resting, or waiting for Connor...... He wasn't in sight. She was on the southwest ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. One chicklet was on the east ledge, preening most of the time, while his brother was on the top of that hotel, on a rail on the west side, definitely not visible to anyone not up that high. After waiting in vain to see tham fly, I had to leave.

I would like to mention something which has come up occasionally, and certainly recently. These birds, like many other species of birds, like to sunbathe! They can be seen lying down at times, often in strange positions, with a wing and/or a leg stretched out, and often with the head stretched backwards. They are really ok! This may be another way of getting rid of mites, or just plain feeling good in the sun. I have had a few calls about this over the past few weeks, including yesterday.

Also, we do get other raptors hitting windows, usually Sharp-shinned hawks, and this year a male merlin, probably a young bird judging from plumage (unbanded). All 3 species have brown streaky plumage in the juvenile stage. I have even been called in for a bird which turned out to be a crow!!! In almost all these instances the birds hit windows at great speed and die instantly, so no suffering.

Wednesday July 12, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:12 p.m.) I am walking towards Kent/Queen Streets and from street level I can see a falcon facing inward on the NW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Unfortunately, I cannot identify the bird without binoculars.

(12:20 p.m. - ...) A juvenile falcon is perched one foot inside the SE ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It is such a joy to see him healthy and within clear binocular range. The window washers continue their work on Place de Ville, Tower B SE/SW side.

(2:00 p.m.) The juvenile falcon previously on the SE ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel is now perched one foot from the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. He is facing east on this hot summer afternoon.

Arlene Williams reports: (12:44 pm) - There is a juvenile falcon perched on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel just enjoying the view and the breeze blowing in its face. Horizon, Connor and the other juvenile falcon are yet to be seen today from this 20th Floor, Tower C, vantage point. I am able to view quite easily three (3) corners of the Crowne Plaza Hotel - NW, NE and SW and would have to move five or six workstations to view the SE corner of the Hotel. I also have clear view of the Constitution Building, Tower B - Place de Ville and the Journal Tower Buildings and quite often see one or more of the falcons perched on another building.

Tuesday July 11, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:44 a.m.) As I am walking towards Kent/Queen Streets as I hear a family bird cry. I look towards the Standard Life Building to see if Freedom or Zephyr might be perched on the rooftop. One of them flies over Albert Street and lands rather wobbly four feet near the NW corner of the Standard Life Building rooftop. I was a little concerned by the landing and thought that there might be a small bird clutched to its talons. Since I did not have my binoculars, I could not tell. A few moments later it returns to the ledge and is facing east. I doubt a meal was brought to the rooftop.

(7:54 a.m. - ...) That same juvenile falcon has moved to the SW corner of the Standard Life Building and is facing inward. I cannot detect any other falcon at this time.

(12:18 p.m. - ...) Freedom or Zephyr has been perched closer to the NE corner inside the cubby hole on the Crowne Plaza Hotel since 10:45 a.m.

Monday July 10, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m. - ...) It is a miserable looking day in Ottawa. Connor is perched in the SW section of the cubby hole on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Darkened, rain-filled skies threaten to explode at any moment as Connor keeps watch on his surroundings.

(11:05 a.m.) Connor remains in the cubby hole on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon is on the SE, 3rd from the bottom, 1st perch in on Constitution Square Building, Tower 1.

(12:10 p.m.) Horizon is now on the 2nd from the bottom SE perch on Constitution Square Building, Tower 1 and is facing east.

Friday July 7, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m.) Connor is perched on the uppermost level of the SE rooftop of Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. He is facing west this morning. Our two young falcons are nearby. One is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel facing south while his brother is perched on the SW corner of Place de Ville, Tower C facing east. It appears to be a good day for falcon watching.

(8:10 a.m.) Connor, Horizon and the young falcon from the Place de Ville, Tower C rooftop were observed in flight over 240 Sparks and Albert Street. They were swooping, diving and taming the wind high in the sky. They eventually moved on to Lebreton Flats. One chick still remains on the SW corner of Crowne Plaza Hotel. He does not appear to miss participating in the hunting and flying lessons being offered to his brother. Who knows, he might have been through the same maneuvers early on this morning.

(1:05 p.m.) One chick remains on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel since at least 11:50 a.m.

(2:10 p.m.) There is a misty rain falling this afternoon in Ottawa. Our two chicks are having a discussion on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A few moments later Freedom or Zephyr moves down one foot past the cubby hole located in between the SW and SE corner. He is closer to the SE corner and is looking towards the west. This is one of Horizon's favorite relaxation spots.

Thursday July 6, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m. - ...) Place de Ville, Tower C is the peregrine falcon observation hot spot this morning. Connor is perched on the SW corner of the building and is keeping watch towards the south. One chick is a few inches facing outward from the SE corner while his brother is 4 windows down off the SE corner and is facing inward. I've seen pigeons flying in and around that area a few times already and for the time being are left undisturbed. I assume breakfast has already been served as the falcons appear to be peacefully relaxing on this cool morning.

(8:15 a.m. - ...) Boys will be boys! Our young falcons are enjoying spending quality time together as they "run" inside the ledge area of the Place de Ville, Tower C. Connor briefly looks up from preening and resumes his grooming as the boys settle down. One chick remains inside and completely out of view. His brother on the other hand returns to the SE corner and begins to preen while facing inward.

(8:46 a.m. - ...) Horizon returns to an empty nest. She is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Connor and the boys are no longer on the Place de Ville, Tower C rooftop. Connor might have tempted Freedom and Zephyr into going for some flying lessons over Lebreton Flats.

(10:02 a.m. - ...) The Crowne Plaza Hotel is the place to be today if you're a peregrine falcon. Connor has been given guarding duties and is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Freedom or Zephyr is comfortably settled on the SE corner of the same hotel.

(12:45 p.m.) Connor is perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is facing SW and is spending quality time with one of his sons who is perched near the 1st SE pillar.

(1:08 p.m. - ...) Connor has taken off to an unknown destination. Our young falcon has chosen to remain perched facing east on the SE corner of the Plaza Hotel.

Wednesday July 5, 2000
Arlene Williams reports: 9:57 am - Looking across to the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel from my 20th Floor vantage point in Tower C, I have noticed two of the junior peregrines just perched on the ledge between the first and second pillars. It appears that they have taken a momentary break from the routine and are just enjoying the view. They are such majestic creatures and we are so very lucky to be able to watch their growth and progress. Mom and dad are nowhere to be seen as I have complete view of the Constitution Building, Towers A and B, as well as the Journal Towers.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m.) One of our young falcons is proudly perched facing outward on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on this sunny yet windy morning. He is looking intently towards the SW of the city and every once in awhile looks over towards the North as if in search of something or someone. He might be getting hungry or looking to have a challenging game of talon tag with his brother.

(8:06 a.m.) As I return to the window to have another look at our falcon, he is no longer on the Crowne Plaza Hotel and I cannot see him anywhere.

(8:58 a.m.) Connor is perched facing outward on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. One young falcon (maybe the same one as earlier this morning) is perched on the rail atop Place de Ville, Tower A. He is facing north and is near the SW section of the building. Both are relaxing during this breezy morning.

(12:10 p.m. - ...) Our two young falcons can be seen on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. One is in the shady SE corner of the hotel facing outward while his brother is having a grand time playing in the SW corner ledge area. I can see the falcon near the SW area pop back in and out of view as he entertains himself with something in the gravel. From this angle I cannot decipher the object of interest.

Arlene Williams reports: It is now 1:56 pm and I can account for three (3) peregrines at the moment - one on the southeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, one in between the north/southwest corners of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the other one on the third level down from the top of the Constitution Building.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (2:36 pm) We've received a phone call from a woman who saw a "peregrine falcon" chasing a pigeon and presumably crashing on the Delta Hotel rooftop. One of our volunteers has graciously offered to go and investigate. He will be contacting me upon his return. Once I know the situation at hand, I will forward any news to all of you. We cannot be certain that there was a falcon chasing the bird, after all the Delta Hotel is a low building and without the aid of binoculars, it is tricky to identify any bird from a distance.

(3:37 pm) The "bird" on the Delta Hotel has been identified as a Peregrine Falcon kill and none other than a pigeon. It is quite possible that the woman did indeed see an adult hunting in than area and eventually, although she could not see this, the adult did consume the bird. It was partially eaten and has seen been removed.

We feel better knowing that it was not a falcon. Many thanks to Bernie Ladouceur for taking the time during his busy day at work to investigate. I'd also like to thank Arlene Williams and Bob Boisvert for their help is locating the falcons during this frustrating search.

At the present time, here is an update given to me by Bernie Ladouceur: (3:20 p.m.) Two chicks are clearly visible on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. An adult is perched on the SW corner of the same hotel keeping watch.

Arlene Williams reports: 5:32 pm - Horizon is perched atop the window cleaners hoist on the top northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.    It appears that the two offspring are located on the southeast corner of the Hotel, as well - one resting on the ledge and the other upright and surveying the city.   I have not seen Connor (Dad) for sometime now. I guess this is considered their down time and they are just enjoying the beautiful and warm sunshine.

Tuesday July 4, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m. - ...) What an exciting morning to view falcons in their element! As I look out my office window, two falcon are flying in from the west and one of them passes by my window. I can easily see its glorious underbelly colours and curse the camera snuggled in my backpack and unreachable at this moment. The falcon flies towards Laurier Street behind Minto Place. A few moments later a falcon leaves its perch on Constitution Square Building, Tower 1 (facing Albert Street) and takes to the skies. Two falcons are observed flying above Queen Street near Place de Ville, Tower C. Horizon arrives with her breakfast and is attacked by a chick. She settles peacefully on the SW corner of the Place de Ville, Tower C and consumes her meal.

(8:20 a.m. - ...) Freedom or Zephyr is perched facing outward inside the middle ledge area of the SE corner of Place de Ville, Tower C. He is looking intently at his brother who is perched facing inward, on the rooftop, just outside the metal track located near the NE section of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I cannot identify an adult within sight but that means nothing as they probably are nearby.

(12:16 p.m. - ...) It is a tremendous relief to see Freedom and Zephyr on the Crowne Plaza Hotel this afternoon. One falcon is perched on the SW corner of the hotel while the other is perched near the 6th pillar from the NE corner.

We had a phone call earlier this morning from a kind woman named Holly who had seen a "peregrine falcon" on a downtown sidewalk outside her office building. Upon a more thorough investigation, the bird was identified as a Merlin who had sadly died on impact after crashing into a window and luckily for us not Freedom or Zephyr.Windracer's loss is still felt by the dedicated volunteers and this phone call brought back painful memories. Let's keep on thinking good thoughts and wish our falcons all the best!

(1:53 p.m. - ...) Connor is perched on the NE, 3rd from the bottom, 3rd in perch of Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. He is facing nearly sideways and is looking towards the NE of the city. One chick is picking at something one foot away from the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He appears to be preoccupied with this object. I assume it is a leftover carcass from a previous meal. From this distance it is challenging to distinguish.

(4:27 p.m. - ...) Connor remains on his Constitution Square Building, Tower 1 perch while Freedom or Zephyr is still comfortably settled on the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

(4:40 p.m. - ...) One of our young falcon brothers has taken over Connor's guarding duties and is now on the NE corner of Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. His brother is perched facing outward near the 1st, SE pillar on the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Connor arrives from the east, flies over Albert Street and is heading towards the SW corner perch on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. After a few brief moments he enters the ledge area on the west side and is
completely out of sight. Strange enough, Horizon also arrives shortly after him and lands on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and also heads inside the ledge area. There must be something interesting on that side of the hotel. The young falcons are totally oblivious to their parents and remain comfortably perched in shaded areas on this steamy hot afternoon.

Saturday July 1, 2000
Robyn Carlson reports: Mark Nash of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, and two trained-to-the-glove peregrine falcons, will be visiting the Falcon Watch Centre on July 14 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Everyone is welcome. Excepting the July 14th visit, the Falcon Watch Centre will be closed for the remainder of the season.

Two of the chicks, Freedom and Zephyr, have successfully fledged. For the remainder of the summer, they can be observed from street level, flying around Constitution Square. The two chicks will be learning to hunt, and will be accompanied by thier mother on hunting expeditions to the Ottawa River. Freedom and Zephyr will also be seen playing "talon tag", and performing stunts such as gliding, stooping, hovering, and barrel-rolling. Unfortunately, their brother Windracer collided with the 240 Sparks building on June 27th, and died upon impact. Despite the misfortune of the death, the site was an overall success, with two strong male peregrines to add to the slowly increasing peregrine population.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year's success. Thank you to Ottawa Field Naturalist's Falcon Watch Volunteers, who kept the fledglings from harm during their dangerous first flights. Thank you to Yvon Morin and the Constitution Square staff, who provided office space and equipment, as well as taped footage of the falcon family on the nest ledge. Thank you Daryl Seip of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, for overseeing the project and helping decrease the danger of 240 Sparks.

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