The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

Monday April 30, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   2:04 pm - Horizon just swooped in to be sure that Connor is still performing his nesting duties.     Needless to say that he was still covering the nest, so she very quickly flew off to the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1, where she perched momentarily.  She has since flown off in the direction of  northwest.  As for Connor I viewed him from my vantage point and he looked some perplexed that she had not taken over the nest and was moving his head in all directions hoping, I assume, that she would soon return.  Guess not, she is well out of sight now.

Thursday April 26, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   12:56 pm - It appears that Connor has taken over the responsibility of caring for the eggs and Horizon is now perched on top of the northeast corner of Tower 2, Contstitution Square Building, just enjoying the scenery and the sun.   Those two brazen pigeons are located on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

4:45 pm - I had the privilege of seeing, at least, two (2) eggs, at this hour as both Horizon and Connor put on an aerial display right outside of my office window and then ultimately Horizon returned to the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and then hopped along to her next located between the first and second pillar, so the eggs were left unattended for approximately 30 seconds.     Needless to say that I was quite excited to be able to, at least, clearly see two (2) eggs until the return of Horizon. I also want to comment on how awkward both peregrines are when bopping/hopping along the ledge area.   They look like mini-wrestlers or the like that waddle along.     Regardless, I have a privileged view.   And as I write, here comes Connor to check in on things and he is just hopping along the ledge to check things out and to be sure that Horizon is actually performing her duties, at this time.    He again is performing an aerial display outside of my window and has now landed on the north side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the area where the illuminated Skyline Hotel sign used to be.   He is taking, I guess, a break from the routine.

5:20 pm - Connor sat for the longest time enjoying the bright sunlight beating down on him in the little nook on the north wall of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.     After about 20 minutes of sunning himself and a little bit of preening he returned to the northwest corner to check on Horizon and the nest.     He seems to be doing that a lot lately, I guess to make sure that she when she needs a much needed break that he will be there to take over the responsibility of covering the nest.     However, she is quite content at the moment and he has since flown off to the first level down on the northeast corner of the Constitution Building - not sure which tower that is, but it is the one directly across from Tower B, Place de Ville. He again is sunning himself and take in the view, although he is facing inward currently, but is quite capable of viewing east, west and north from
that vantage point.

Wednesday April 25, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:  6:18 pm - Today there was minimal activity other than the changing of guard. Although one of those brazen pigeons did perched on the ledge of the Hotel between pillars three and four for the longest while.    Seems to me that bird had better smarten up real soon or either falcon will take have it for a meal time snack.   The bird seems to almost want to taunt whomever is covering the nest at the time.   This afternoon around 5:00 pm Connor had performed a wonderful aerial display in front of my office window and ultimately flew onto the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.   At that time, it was quite apparent that Horizon had had her fill for the day and wanted a break, so she very quickly flew off and that was Connor's queue to move over to the northwest corner and take responsibility for the eggs for awhile.    Horizon then flew off and landed on the southwest corner of Tower B, Place de Ville and quickly took care of her bodily functions and then did a bit of preening.     She has since disappeared from site and I am assuming that she is on the lookout for her next meal.

Tuesday April 24, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:  1:35 - It appears to be Connor covering the nest at this time and Horizon has just swooped by to be sure that he is still doing the job.  He is facing my office at the moment.  I spoke too quickly.  Horizon has just returned and is covering the nest now and she appears to have rotated at least three (3) eggs.  Connor is right now putting on an aerial display.   Spoke too quickly again, as Connor has returned is now covering the nest.

5:07 pm - Connor has flown back to the nest and relieved Horizon of her duties.    He is not as attentive to the eggs rotation as she is, so when he finally settled he did not attempt to rotate the eggs.    She seems to be the only one momentarily that performs that task.     I guess she needed that break, as she had been on the eggs for the better part of the afternoon and possibly needed a well deserved "happy" meal.  Those brazen pigeons which were taunting Horizon last Friday night are still located on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and still appear to be unconcerned on the activities at the other corner (northwest) of the hotel. 

6:16 pm - Horizon just swooped in and landed on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel to ensure that Connor was still tending to the eggs. She very quickly flew away as she had confirmed that he was still in attendance and then she flew by my office and headed northeast towards Bank Street.   Guess she is still looking for her supper.

Monday April 23, 2001
Melanie Moore reports:  We have confirmed that Horizon and Connor are incubating three eggs in the Ottawa nest site on the west side of the Crowne Plaza with a possibility of a fourth.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:19 a.m.)  Connor is keeping watch this morning from his favorite vantage point.  He is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  The east of the city is of particular interest to him at the moment.

Friday April 20, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:40 a.m.)  Connor is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel this morning.  He is facing north and keeping watch towards Lebreton Flats.

Arlene Williams reports:  11:21 am - It appeared to be Connor hopping from the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza ledge to between the 1st and second pillar of the ledge, to sit on the eggs.   Horizon, had just left the nest and the last I had seen her was when she was heading east towards Bank Street. 

1:16 pm - It appears to be Connor perched on the second ledge down from the northeast corner of Tower 1, Constitution Square Building.   If there is brooding taking place, then neither bird has been on the lower ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel for a long while (at least a hour) and this would lead me to believe that they are uninterested or there is nothing there. Both Bob Boisvert and I looked  extensively during the lunch hour, to determine where the nest is and we cannot see it on either the northwest or northeast of the Hotel.

4:12 pm - Confirmed brooding, as I was somewhat mystified this morning when I could not see her there whatsoever.   Just saw the body of Horizon lying on top of her eggs and I am sure that within days, I will be able to provide a count on the number of eggs.  I am so excited that she has chosen the northwest ledge to have her babies.  

Thursday April 19, 2001
Eve Ticknor reports:  I went up to Tower 1 of Constitution Square this afternoon and was able to see Horizon in her brooding pose.  The nest is between the first and second posts on the northwest ledge of the Crowne Plaza.  My guess is that she has been brooding for about a week.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:20 a.m.)  The weather has not improved in Ottawa.  Connor is perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  He is facing north at the moment. His feathers appear slightly ruffled on this breezy morning.  No sign of Horizon at this point.

Brenda Sharpe reports:  (2:30 p.m.) I see a falcon that I am 95% sure is Horizon, sitting right now on the north-east corner of Constitution Square (second level down). She just got there and is having a rest; she isn't feeding.

Wednesday April 18, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:00 a.m.)  It is a bone chilling morning in Ottawa.  Connor has become a creature of habit and can be seen on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  He is keeping a steady watch towards the North of the city and Lebreton Flats.  I have not seen Horizon but she could be nearby.

Marcel Gahbauer comments:   The observations in recent days have been fewer than usual, and when they have been made, have typically been only of one bird.  Considering too that incubation began around mid-April last year, and most Ontario peregrines laid eggs this year at the same time or slightly earlier than last year, this suggests to me that incubation may have begun.  The question is where?  We hope to know shortly.

Tuesday April 17, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (7:45 a.m.)  Connor is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  He is preening and stretching his wings on this nippy Spring morning.

Thursday April 12, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   10:10 am - On such a dull and dreary day, it appears that Connor is finding difficulty in whether to perch on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel or the northwest corner of the Constitution Building.     I think it is Connor, as the majority of his belly area is a flecked/striped grey and white colour and above the belly area and just below the beak, it is somewhat white in colour.     I am assuming that it Connor for the reason that he is much smaller in stature than Horizon.     So if I am right, then Connor is perched currently on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza and Horizon has yet to be seen this morning.  Also, my co-worker Bob Boisvert brought to my attention yesterday that there are two rather brazen pigeons nesting on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel ledge.     Seems to me that they had better move within the next week or so, or they will become a morning feast or a mid-afternoon appetizer.   Right now the pigeons seem oblivious to the peregrines and their nesting territory, so I am hopeful that they will relocate, shortly.

Wednesday April 11, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   12:41 pm - Horizon has spent the better part of the morning perched on the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, while her beloved watched from between the northeast and northwest columns of the ledge on the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  Connor seems somewhat more adventuresome this morning by venturing off in all directions and ultimately landing on the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  

Tuesday April 10, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   11:25 am - Horizon and Connor have just completed a wonderful aerial display over the west sides of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Constitution Square Building.  Connor has since decided to light on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Horizon has just soared over the northwest corner of the Constitution Building.  It is apparent that Horizon prefers to perch and view the scenery of the Gatineau Hills, Ottawa River and Tunney's Pasture on the northwest corner of the Constitution Building.

4:20 pm - Another spectacular aerial display that resulted in Connor lighting between the northwest and southwest ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Horizon, once again, atop the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building.

Saturday April 7, 2001
Eve Ticknor reports:  Phil and I were downtown watching Horizon adn Connor during the latter part of the afternoon.  Horizon was on the northwest corner of the Constitution Square, Tower 1, her favourite roost at present.  Connor was on the inside of the west ledge, invisible unless one is fairly far away.  We watched mating, soaring, preening, flying around, etc from both.  I'm glad I had my scope as we had quite a few passers-by stop for a look and questions!

Friday April 6, 2001
Stephanie Carriere reports:   At about 11:40 a.m., I was walking northward down Lyon St., between Albert and Queen, just as Connor landed on the NW corner of Constitution Square, screeching softly to Horizon, who was on the eastern ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. After about a minute of his romantic serenade, he flew over the Delta Hotel and banked right, so our lady took off from her perch to meet him on the west side of Tower C and kite around with him briefly. I could imagine the meetings that must have been interrupted by their performance.  Both landed on the western ledge of their favourite building, one on the SW corner, the other a few metres from the NW.

Thursday April 5, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   5:51 pm - Horizon has just flown onto the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and she has a catch in her talons.  Connor has just flown by, but has realized that past attempts to share a meal with her are few and far between.  He has now located himself at the southwest corner of the ledge and is watching the plucking ceremony.  He is far too smart to attempt to interfere with her preparations and will ultimately have to search out a meal of his own.  Horizon is unbelievably precise in her plucking technique.  Seems she can remove quite a few feathers at one time and therefore lesson the delay in enjoying her feast.  Connor is ever hopeful and is swooping in front of her, almost trying to show her that he would be ever so grateful for a morsel or two, once she has fully prepared the feast for consumption. Keep trying Connor, as your attempts may result in a morsel, but I wouldn't be too hopeful in that regard.

Wednesday April 4, 2001
Eve Ticknor  reports:  I was headed downtown today, first stopping near the Civic Hospital.  I passed by the Coates Building and who should I see there on the east side, but a peregrine!  It looked like Horizon.  She was on a black lamp on the 3rd column in from Scott St.  As I progressed on towards the Crowne Plaza Hotel, whom should I spy, but yet another peregrine on the west ledge, near the northern end (by the 2nd column).  It looked like Connor.  Interesting that each was facing the other.

Arlene Williams comments:  It was Connor on the Crowne Plaza Hotel as he was there the better part of yesterday afternoon.  Both seem to favour to perch between the northwest and southwest portion of the ledge in the afternoon as the shade disappears and the sun beams brightly on that side of the building.

Tuesday April 3, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   Well once again this year I was privileged to the mating of Connor and Horizon.   Not sure if there is only one mating or several, but last year Connor and Horizon were atop the northwest corner of the Constitution Building when the event occurred, while the Citizen writer and photographer was here in the office, and once again this year and just minutes ago, it happened again.  Gives new meaning to the phrase - minute man!   In this case and as was the case last year, it only took seconds and then he flew off.  Horizon is still atop the northwest corner of the Constitution Square and it appears that Connor is now performing an aerial display over the downtown core area.

12:39 pm - Both Horizon and Connor are located between the northwest and southwest portion of the Crowne Hotel Plaza building.    Connor is on the lower portion of the ledge and Horizon is perched on the upper portion of the ledge.   Some foolish pigeons are flying awfully close and could become prey.   They had better watch out and lunch does not appear to have been served, as yet.

3:01 pm - One dead pigeon being plucked to perfection by Horizon.   She is located on the north wall inset area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.    This inset area used to house the illuminated sign which identified the Skyline hotel.     I had forgotten to check this area this year until I saw a flurry of feathers swirling about.     I will be checking this area more often in future.

Monday April 2, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   11:10 - 11:30 am - Both Horizon and Connor were located, for approximately 15 minutes between the northwest and southwest portion of the ledge on the Crowne Plaza Hotel and have since departed for other areas. 

11:45 am Horizon has comeback to the viewing the scenery between the northwest and southwest ledge near the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She looks so majestic just sitting their and enjoying the viewing, while preening herself.   No sighting of Connor at the moment, so he may be off finding the next feed, as no pigeons are in site atop the Crowne Plaza Hotel, nor elsewhere in the vicinity.

4:14 pm - One lone soldier holding the fort.  Connor is perched on the ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and has been for approximately 1/2 - 3/4 of an hour.  Just as I write, here comes his beloved - Horizon.  Just her arrival has ensured that he will not be perched dormantly for long and he has since moved to the lower portion of the ledge at the northwest corner of the hotel.    She is basking in some sunlight on the lower portion of the ledge between the northwest and southwest part of the hotel building.  Enough of that Connor has indicated and has just flown away.   Guess he does not want to share his spot and the limited sunlight.

4:44 pm - Her serene highness - Horizon - has jumped up from the lower ledge between the northwest and southwest portion of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building, ruffled her feathers and has now perched on the upper portion of the ledge basking in the bright sunlight.   I can't say enough about her majestic beauty and can happily say that I am privileged to be one of many that enjoy her company on a daily basis.  

Thursday March 29, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:23 a.m.)  Horizon is perched on the SW corner of Place de Ville, Tower C. She is keeping watch towards the north and west of the city.  Pigeons can be observed going about their business on this chilly morning.  Horizon must have already hunted for her breakfast since she appears to be uninterested in the antics of the playful pigeons that fly nearby.  One never knows what our mighty huntress will do next.

Wednesday March 28, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:15 a.m.)  Horizon remains close to home this morning and can be seen near the 3rd pillar from the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Tuesday March 27, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:05 a.m.)  Horizon is perched facing inward near the first pillar on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Monday March 26, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:08 a.m.)  It is a chilly morning in Ottawa.  Horizon is perched on the SE corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 2.  She is keeping watch towards the west of the city.  Attempts at locating Connor have been unsuccessful thus far.

Saturday March 24, 2001
Eve Ticknor reports:   Around 3:15pm both peregrines were on the west ledge.  After a bit Horizon flew around to the south face and Connor flew around and disappeared.  After taking a break, we returned around 4:30 and saw her on the southeast corner of the ledge, with no spouse in sight.  However about 15 minutes later we spied Connor soaring overhead.  What a wonderful sight that was. He headed straight up Albert eastwards and then veered southwards out of sight.  We occasionally caught sight of him flying around, but he didn't return to the hotel while we were there.  All the while, Horizon was on her corner, preening and acting as he weren't around at all...

Thursday March 22, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   3:02 pm - Horizon is perched atop the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building and Connor has been perched for the better part of the day between the northwest and southwest ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, ensuring that he would not get wet from the rain/snow. Well, after all that time Connor has now decided to move as the weather is not too too bad currently, but Horizon is still atop the Constitution Square Building.

Wednesday March 21, 2001
Arlene Williams reports:   12:29 pm - It appears to be Connor sitting between the northwest and southwest ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and overlooking him from the northwest corner of the Constitution Square building is Horizon. I may have mixed them up, but they are both in plain view from my vantage point.  Not too much activity other than the two just enjoying the view and awaiting the mini-blizzard, I suspect.  Connor just took off for parts unknown.    Maybe it is time for the luncheon special - pigeon in flight.  Horizon has now just moved, to the first tier from the top of the Constitution Square building, which is located midway between the northeast and northwest of said building.

Tuesday March 20, 2001
Brenda Sharpe reports:  Saw both peregrines on Constitution Square having lunch together just now.Connor has since left (I hope he paid the cheque first!) and Horizon is still finishing her meal.

Arlene Williams reports:   4:43 pm - Connor and Horizon are below the ledge on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel across from my 20th Floor, Tower C, vantage point. They are scrounging around for morsels of food but pickings are slim.  Horizon has just taken off in search of their suppertime feast and Connor has decided to follow suit and look on his own.   There is a flurry of activity re. the pigeons in the area and no successful catch, as yet, but, I would guess within minutes supper will be served. 

Monday March 19, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (7:50 a.m.)  It is a mild day in Ottawa.  Horizon and Connor are spending quality time together on the rooftop of Place de Ville, Tower C.  Horizon is on the SE corner facing east while Connor is on the SE section of the next pillar and he is facing west.  (8:10 a.m.)  Connor has moved to the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He can be seen preening on his urban cliff as the sun begins to rise.

Saturday March 17, 2001
Eve Ticknor reports:  I went downtown today around 12:30pm and saw both Horizon and Connor.  She was on the northeast corner of the Constitution Square Tower 1 (shorter one) and he was on the southwest ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Friday March 16, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (7:50 a.m.)  At first glance all appears quiet as I walk towards Albert Street.  I notice a familiar sight on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building rooftop.  Without my faithful binoculars, I cannot tell if it is Horizon or Connor.  The adult falcon is enjoying an early breakfast and can be seen eating near the NW corner.  The falcon is facing east and is content to consume its meal in peace.  Pigeons can be seen flying nearby as if grateful to still be alive.

Thursday March 15, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (7:50 a.m.)  Horizon is coming in from the east and lands near the NE corner of Constitution Square Building, Tower 2.  She takes a few steps to reach the NE corner and proceeds to keep watch towards the west of the city. I've observed pigeons flying over Albert Street unharmed, breakfast must not be on Horizon's agenda.  She begins to preen as I walk away.

Wednesday March 14, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:   (8:00 a.m.)  Horizon is perched on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  At the present time, she is keeping a steady look towards the east of the city.  Within seconds she gracefully leaves her perch and travels high above Albert Street.  Out of nowhere Connor follows in hot pursuit. It is a glorious sight to behold.  They can now be seen weaving and diving in the direction of Bank Street and beyond.  (8:10 a.m.)  Connor has taken over Horizon's vantage point on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  He is keeping watch towards the north.

Brenda Sharpe reports:  I just saw one of the falcons (presumably Horizon) light on the south-east corner of the hotel and then hop inside to the older nest site. I wonder if they've relocated this year again?

Wednesday March 7, 2001
Brenda Sharpe reports:   I see Horizon right now on the north-east of Constitution Square; she's been there for at least an hour having a pigeon hors-d'oeuvre...

Connor swooped gracefully past our window a couple of times about 40 minutes ago and now seems to be perched on the north-east corner of the Minto Tower. In other words, they both ease at ease and are going about their business.

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