Canadian Peregrine Foundation -- Ottawa Archives: June 2001

Thursday June 28, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:40 a.m.) Connor is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is at the moment keeping a lookout towards the north, east and west of the downtown core. He resembles a pillar of strength as he valiantly guards his empty nest. He was once again perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 10:30 a.m. and at 2:45 p.m.

Monday June 25, 2001
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Having watched Horizon and Connor for several hours yesterday and today following the loss of their two chicks, it is apparent that their behaviour is different from normal. Horizon in particular has spent a lot of time perched on the Crowne Plaza Hotel, gazing out as if waiting for the fledglings to reappear, and she has also been seen on a number of occasions flying relatively low, around the level at which her offspring suffered their collisions. Horizon otherwise rarely flies below the rooftops, so this suggests that she seems to be looking for Quest and Bailey. Connor too has been perched on or near the Crowne Plaza for most of the day, in contrast to the roaming behaviour he exhibited on many days recently.

Many people today have asked (via e-mail or in person at the Falcon Watch Centre) whether the adults are aware that the fledglings are dead, and what implications the deaths will have on the future of the peregrines at this site. The peregrines clearly have noticed that Bailey and Quest are missing, but it's unlikely they realize they are dead. Based on past experience at other sites, I would expect that Connor and Horizon will maintain their vigil for a few days, and will gradually lose interest and return to their normal post-breeding season routines. Whether this means they accept that the fledglings are gone, or simply forget about them is something only the birds know.

As for the future, there is every reason to expect that Horizon and Connor will remain downtown throughout the summer and early fall as usual. At that point, Connor will likely migrate again, and Horizon will probably stay for the winter as she has the past two years. The big question everyone has been asking is whether they will return to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for nesting next year, as some speculate that this year's lack of success may prompt them to look elsewhere. While this is certainly a possibility, the fact is that the Crowne Plaza is the only building in downtown Ottawa which provides a truly suitable nesting habitat (in terms of a gravel substrate and a shelter overhead). Having spent five years in Ottawa, it is unlikely that the pair would move a long distance, so chances are good they will be back on the Crowne Plaza next spring, and the biggest surprise should be seeing which side of the hotel they choose this time.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:45 a.m.) Horizon and Connor are perched on the SW and SE corners of the Crowne Plaza Hotel this morning. They resemble like sentinels patiently waiting. It breaks my heart to see them looking to the four corners of the wind as if searching for their precious Quest and Bailey. Life has dealt them a deadly hand. I hope that they will remain a pair and continue to raise a family.

Sunday June 24, 2001
Melanie Moore, Coordinator of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation Ottawa Chapter, and Eve Ticknor, Coordinator of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Peregrine Falcon Watch, regret to announce the tragic deaths of Ottawa's Peregrine Falcon chicks on Sunday, June 24, 2001 due to unforeseen circumstances.

The deaths occurred simultaneously at 8:30am when both chicks, Quest and Bailey, slipped off their nest ledge. They both flew briefly and observers witnessed each chick attempting to land on a nearby building. Sadly, they were too young to correct their flight path in time to avoid impacting that building. We would like to assure the public that the deaths were unavoidable and in no way due to the building.

Our sincere condolences and heartfelt thanks go out to the many sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who have been critical in helping with our Ottawa peregrines. Though the deaths of both chicks today have been a terrible loss, the care and help provided by the Ottawa area citizens is still of utmost importance and we encourage everyone to continue to participate in the future toward the many valuable peregrine falcon recovery programs and endeavours.

Saturday June 23, 2001
Phil Maillard reports: This morning we started our peregrine watch. Melanie Moore, Eve Tickor, Mark Hickman and myself were there very early this morning. There was a work crew installing a Canadian flag on Constitution Square around 7:30 and Horizon was very upset with this. She immediately started flying over the workers on the roof (at times getting very close to them) by our vantage point near the corner of Lyon and Albert. She continued this for a while then seemed to settle down (Connor was active at this time too) while this was going on, both Bailey and Quest were watching this from the south west corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.as far as i know, they haven't had any breakfast yet. Off and on during the morning Bailey was flapping his wings and at times, running along the ledge. He was being much more active than Quest who seemed to just want to sit and watch. For the longest time, none of us saw Quest, then he decided to put in an appearance, maybe wondering were his dinner was.

At one point during the day, much to our surprise, we saw Horizon fly very close to the road. She had what appeared to be a pigeon and was having some trouble holding on to it. We were all amazed to see her so close! She regained some altitude and flew off around the justice building to the north. At that point we lost sight of her. I would guess she was only flying at about 20-25 feet above the ground. I am sure Bailey and Quest will be up on the ledge tomorrow strengthening their muscles and keeping us on the ground waiting for their first flight.

Friday June 22, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 10:35 - 10:40 pm - Maybe, just maybe, because Connor had brought a morsel of food back to the nest area late yesterday afternoon and Bailey had not had the privilege of snacking on that tidbit, Connor brought home another small catch and turned it over immediately to Horizon. Horizen then turned it over to Bailey and he knew exactly what to do with it, in order to quell the hunger pangs. He ate what appeared to be the whole small bird/mouse and has since jumped up to the ledge area between pillars 3 and 4. He then waddled over to mom - Horizon - who was perched on the northwest corner and she did not want to be bothered with him, at the moment, and then flew off only to land on the ledge once again, but between pillars 3 and 4.

1:30 pm - Bailey is located on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building and appears to be just checking out the view. He is very inquisitive on trying to go elsewhere, such as an attempt to move from the northwest corner to the northeast corner and he has found out that there is minimum space (approx. 2") to walk between these corners. Mom - Horizon - just flew back from somewhere and picked up a snack from between pillars 3 and 4 and then as kind as a mother can be she waddled over to the northwest corner and put it down on the lower level of the ledge area, so that Bailey could enjoy this morsel of protein. He jumped down and then ate that tidbit and then popped back up to survey the situation once again of trying to figure out how to move between corners, without losing his balance. He is smart enough to realize he won't be able to do it, but I would hazard a guess that he will fly to the northeast corner when he is able to do so. Quest is at the opposite corner - southwest - and has not ventured to the northwest corner.

2:45 pm - Quest and Bailey have relocated to in and around the camera stand area, which is located between pillars 3 and 4 on the lower part of the ledge area. Both seem to be searching for the odd tidbit as an afternoon delight, so to speak. Slim pickings it seems from this vantage point. Both are quite active and are moving about to and fro. They are most inquisitive about everything nowadays. 2:46 pm - Both have now taken up occupancy under the camera dome within the confines of the camera stand. Both are flapping their wings aggressively and therefore must move as their wing span is great now, to the point that the two of them cannot perform these flapping movements without interfering with each other's regular movements.

2:48 pm - It appears that Bailey has moved to the upper ledge area and wants some privacy away from his step-sibling. Quest has remained under the camera dome and has plunked himself down for a little snooze. Horizon during the course of these last couple of minutes has hovered near the nest area, but does not rest on any one spot for any longer that a minute or so. Connor is nowhere to be seen and possibly is out looking for their mid-afternoon or supper.

5:00 - 5:10 pm - I know I shouldn't be nervous as nature is taking its course, but these two little darlings are flapping their wings on the upper ledge area and are daring enough to elevate themselves somewhat from that ledge area to almost look like they are going to take flight. My heart is in my mouth each time they are doing so. You would wonder how they could keep their balance when they appear to be so awkward when seen waddling from one corner of the ledge area to the other. There are still quite a few down feathers to dispose of, but they are making every attempt to get rid of those as quickly as possible and then take off for their first flight. Horizon had visited about a half an hour ago and almost looked like she was beckoning Connor to return home with the dinner menu's main course, but she flew off and has not been seen since, nor has Connor.

5:16 pm - Both Quest and Bailey are now located on the southwest corner and still flapping their wings aggressively. They will be tired little birdies, getting larger by the day, tonight and should sleep well after all that muscle flexing.

Thursday June 21, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 11:07 am - Horizon is currently located on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building. She is somewhat upset at two workers fixing a problematic window on the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. Just prior to her arrival, she was seen swooping near and around the workers, so as to ensure that they have been forewarned not to go near her precious offspring, who are currently located on the ledge area of the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building.

11:55 am - One chick is quite fatigued and has sprawled itself out on the upper ledge in front of the 3rd pillar of the Crowne Plaze Hotel building. So much so that its head is dangling from the ledge area facing inward to the back wall of the ledge area. Horizon has been and is diligently looking at her tired offspring and the other one, which is located on the upper ledge of the southwest corner of the building, for approximately a half an hour now. Horizon is taking some well deserved time in pampering herself, by flexing her wings, wiggling her tail, preening herself, etc. Now's the time to do it, because in about 7 to 10 days, one or both of the chicks should be full fledged fledglings. As usual, Connor is off enjoying the warm weather and bright sunlight elsewhere. Unless his beloved screams for him, he will only return as he sees fit.

2:35 - 2:48 pm - Both chicks are hopping up and down from the ledge area and are now located right in front of the camera stand. It appears from the height of one that this one is Quest, as he had much more plumage at the banding session than his step-sibling - Bailey. Bailey was the one who had sprawled its little body on the ledge area this morning. Mom - Horizon is located on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Building and is watching her offspring, aggressively flex their wings, hopping up and down and their playful antics. Both chicks seem to still find the security and comfort in being around and near the camera stand and as long as Horizon continues to perch on the northwest side, then I am ever hopeful that the chicks will stay near this corner and the camera stand, which is in full view from my vantage point. Quest took a lunge from the lower ledge back wall area and went to the very edge of the upper ledge, to the point of having to catch himself from falling off, just now. They are now both right in the northwest corner with mom and both are just below the ledge area. No sooner had both approached mom to possibly indicate their hunger pangs are surfacing for a mid-afternoon snack, then mom took off heading in the direction of southeast. Both chicks are now looking over the northwest ledge and I can see them so clearly.

2:39 pm - Both on up on the ledge of the northwest corner. What a difference in colouring on them both. Seeing them directly across from me I can see Bailey because of the red/pink band. He is still got quite a bit of down and his colouring is more pepper than salt. The tips of his wings are still white and the rest of the wing up to the shoulder area is dark brown/black. Quest is more yellow in appearing with quite a bit of dark on his head, as well as down his back area. There is very little down left on him. They are both enjoying the view from that location and I am too enjoying them being there.

3:00 pm - Quest has decided to drop where he was and nod off for a snooze. He is located right on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building and his step-sibling - Bailey - has meandered down to between the 5th and 6th pillar nearer to the southwest corner. Bailey is upright and trying to shake off a few more down feathers. He seems to be quite amazed when he shakes a few loose and then watches them swirl in the wind. Sometimes, I wonder if he wants to take off in flight to follow them because he becomes so intense on the feathers movement. Dad - Connor - as indicated this morning is not making much effort to stand by his offspring, unless he is demanded by his beloved to do so. Therefore, I can only assume that he is still off somewhere enjoying the scenery.

3:35 pm - Connor returned from somewhere with what appeared to be a small bird or mouse. Seemed quite furry to me, so I think it is a mouse. Horizon immediately came by and took possession of it and then laid the catch down between pillars 1 and 2. Since Quest was already in that corner, Horizon relinquished it to him and then flew off. He then got back up on the upper ledge with it and sat on it for a few seconds, then decided it would be better to take it down below the ledge area, once again. Bailey is oblivious to what was brought home for dinner and has yet to
appear from the southwest corner to assist his step-brother in picking this morsel clean. Horizon has just returned to the northwest corner and is not attempting to help Quest dissect this catch. He is being totally left alone to figure it out. Possibly on the other side, Bailey had already received his mid-afternoon snack from Connor or Horizon, as he is nowhere to be seen on this northwest side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building ledge and this particular catch is not enticing him to return to the corner. I can see that Quest is making headway on devouring this bit of protein, so he will, at least, have a belly's full this evening.

3:51 pm - Horizon has taken possession of the remaining morsels of Connor's catch and is moving it closer to Quest who has returned to the northwest corner between the north ledge and 1st pillar and is trying to show him how to hide the catch below the upper level of the ledge.   She leaves it with him, then pops back up to the upper ledge, then goes back down to further instruct him on positioning.    I guess, she finally got tired of demonstrating on what is the required action, as she has literally taken it and is in flight somewhere with the remaining half of the small bird or mouse.

4:51 pm - Bailey has returned to the northwest corner of the upper ledge area and mom - Horizon - is situated on the upper ledge area between pillars 4 and 5.    Connor is on the southwest corner of the building.    It seems now that both chicks can be apart from one another for lengthy periods of time now, in order for them to develop their own character and quirks, etc. I cannot see Quest at the moment.

5:01 pm - Bailey has gotten down from the ledge area on the northwest corner and low and behold who head pops up, but Quest's.     So they are both located on the lower part of the ledge area in the northwest corner of the hotel building.    I am not quite sure whether or not Bailey got to have a feed this afternoon. Mom has not moved from her previously noted location on the ledge area and is currently cleaning her talons, so maybe there is a further snack to come.

Wednesday June 20, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 11:11 am - I have just noticed that the chicks have moved to the southwest corner ledge area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Building. I can still see them, but the view is not as good as it was when they were on the northwest side of the building. Right now, one of the chicks is sitting on the southwest corner ledge and the other chick is below the ledge area. Mom and Dad still seem to like the northwest corner, but, must fly off from that spot when immediate care and nurturing must prevail.

11:47 am - Flying instruction is still ongoing for the chicks, as I see Horizon and Connor displaying their flying skills at heights beyond belief and with the total attention of the chicks. The aerial performances are geared to the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, since the chicks are watching carefully from that location. Both parents just seem to want to soar and display their talents.

3:55 pm - Good news. Both chicks have come back to the northwest corner and are now sitting on the ledge area between pillars 2 and 3. One has just jumped down to the ledge area and is practicing his jump skills to and from the ledge area, as he has just jumped back up onto the ledge area. One is flexing its wings aggressively and the other is just standby by watching his sibling. Again, one has jumped down and is waddling towards the southwest corner and now the other has decided to follow. Unfortunately, they are both about the same size now and I cannot tell one from the other. Mom and Dad have flown off about a half an hour ago and have yet to return, but I do know that the chicks must be hungry, as when Horizon momentarily perched on the northwest corner about a half an hour ago, both chicks came waddling over to seek out food and were quite disappointed, it appeared, when no offering was made by Mom.

4:40 pm - Both chicks have given up waiting on mom and dad to bring back late afternoon or mealtime snack and have fallen asleep, side by side, on the upper ledge area, between pillars 5 and 6, of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building. The wind, on occasion is lifting the wings on one as they attempt to take their nap.

Tuesday June 19, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 12:30 - 12:40 pm - The training has now begun for the chicks with regard to learning how to fly. Bailey has gotten up on the ledge area between pillars 3 and 4 and Quest is still on the lower area of the ledge. Horizon is putting on quite the aerial display in front of her trainees and both are looking enthusiastically on her manoeuvers. Connor is circling the Crowne Plaza Hotel building and is also taking part, however limited. Bailey seemed almost so sure of himself that I thought he was just about to take flight, but I guess and hope that their basic instincts click and both of them do not try and mimic mom or dad. For the longest time this morning, about 2 hours, Connor was perched on the southeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Building and Horizon was no where to be seen. She returned shortly after lunch and found that her two babies were sleeping on top of one another. I was getting concerned, since I thought I could only see one of them. And needless to say that both were sleeping near and around the camera stand, which they seem to find a great deal of security in being near. She quickly wakened them both with a possibility of a lunch time snack, but as it turned out, all she wanted to do was to start the instruction on their soon to be acquired flying skills. I should mention that both chicks have changed in appearance drastically since Friday. They are almost completely covered in the their adult plumage and very little down feathers are seen now. We may be surprised as to the first one to take flight, as it appears that Bailey is much more confident than his step-sibling.

Sunday June 17, 2001
Phil Maillard reports: 11:30am once again I see both parentsflying in front of the Crowne Plaza. I turn away for a moment and I can only see Connor flying now. He is again showing his excellent flying skills. He is using the winds and is slowly climbing higher and higher into the sky. I've never seen them fly at such a height! It is always a thrill to see both Connor and Horizon take to the skies

Saturday June 16, 2001
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Over the past four years, three of Ottawa's fledgling peregrines have collided with the C.D. Howe building at 240 Sparks, a block east of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. In an effort to prevent this problem from recurring, representatives from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation's, the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources - Kemptville District met with building management earlier this spring to discuss ways in which the young peregrines could be deterred from this building. Involved in this meeting were Melanie Moore, Coordinator of CPF's Ottawa Chapter; Eve Ticknor, Coordinator of the OFNC Peregrine Falcon Watch; Shaun Thompson, District Ecologist with OMNR; Christie Curley, Biologist with OMNR; Leslie Hunt, Species at Risk Biologist with OMNR; Antonietta Peccia and Pierre Boucher of Brookfield LePage Johnson Controls at 240 Sparks. All parties agreed to installing a network of ropes and banners over the glass walls of the building to create a visual disruption which will serve to alert the peregrines to the fact that there is in fact a solid object there.

Last weekend, volunteers gathered in Kemptville to assemble the rope structures. A total of 15 panels were created, each consisting of three or four streamers of red and white triangular banners attached to ropes, with horizontal connecting pieces consisting of a string of small Canada flags. In all, almost 7000 feet each of streamers and yellow rope were used - a total of more than 4 km worth of materials! Thanks to the Canadian Tire store at Heron & Bank in Ottawa for providing these items at a greatly reduced cost.

Yesterday we began by decorating the west side of 240 Sparks. Despite our best laid plans, there definitely was a learning curve as we sorted out the equipment, and tried to figure out how to best place all the volunteers to make the operation as efficient as possible. We eventually developed a routine, but all the same, we only managed to hang the five panels along Kent Street before having to call it a day after 4 hours.

This morning we returned, and over the course of another 6+ hours of non-stop work, we managed to finish hanging all of the remaining 10 panels along Queen Street. The heat and sun were intense, and despite our best attempts to protect ourselves with sunblock, all of us on the roof came down at the end of the day with considerable sunburns. We finished just as a thunderstorm roared into the downtown area, just barely allowing us to collect our gear and get inside before the worst of it hit. Minor adjustments to the placement of the banners are still needed, but for the most part we are happy with how they have been hung, and we now look forward to seeing the falcons fledge and successfully avoid this building. A series of photos from the installation process have been posted in the Ottawa Photo Gallery.

This is a project which could not have been undertaken without the considerable contributions of a number of people. Special thanks to Leslie Hunt, Ryan Robson, and Ville, all from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, who spent many uncomfortable hours wearing safety harnesses on the hot and humid roof while dropping the banners down over the sides of the building. On the ground, special recognition is due to Melanie Moore, who moved tirelessly from pillar to pillar on a high ladder, securing the ropes as they were being dropped from above, while at the same time communicating to the crew on the roof on the need to adjust the positioning of each streamer. The support crew was equally important, helping to lay out and untangle the streamers and ropes on the roof, communicating between ground and roof levels, ferrying equipment, and most importantly perhaps, keeping those on the roof supplied with cold water throughout the two sweltering days - thanks to Claus Hafner, Marcel Gahbauer, and Mark Hickman who were present throughout both days, and to Phil Maillard, Nick Zeis, Jonathon Hickman, James, and Giselle Sadik, who all spent several hours helping on one or both days.

Credit is also due to all who worked on assembling the panels last weekend - Leslie Hunt, Ryan Robson, Ville, Melanie Moore, Alex Scholten, Eve Ticknor, Nick Zeis, Linda, and Claus Hafner. Special thanks to Leslie for carefully designing the entire contraption to fit the building, and for being able to keep everything straight during the installation when the rest of us on the roof became confused.

Last but certainly not least, we would like to thank Brookfield LePage Johnson Controls and all of the many supportive tenants in the C.D. Howe Building at 240 Sparks Street for agreeing to let us put up these banners for the sake of the peregrines, and for helping us throughout the installation process the past two days. Special thanks are due to Antonietta Peccia who arranged all of the logistics, and stayed late on Friday to ensure we would be able to have access to the site today, as well as to Pierre Boucher who helped with earlier arrangements. Thanks also to all in the security and maintenance departments who assisted us with equipment and access.

Phil Maillard reports: 3pm. both Horizon and Connor are circling in front of the Crowne Plaza on this warm, sunny day. They are flying in prefect unison; no doubt enjoying each other's company and keeping an eye on Bailey and Quest at the same time.

Friday June 15, 2001
Marcel Gahbauer reports: This morning the two Ottawa chicks were collected from the nest ledge for banding. The event took place in the Ottawa Falcon Watch Centre in Constitution Square, in front of an appreciative audience of close to 100 people. As usual, the banding was done by Pud Hunter of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aylmer District, with the assistance of Shaun Thompson, local area biologist for the OMNR.

The two chicks were both surprisingly lightweight (see table below), but in light of Arlene's observations from yesterday afternoon, this is likely because they had not eaten in close to a full day. They werecertainly in excellent health and full of energy - not to mention extremely vocal (more than a few people mentioned wishing they had brought ear plugs to the event!). Both chicks are known to be 26 days old, yet looked surprisingly different - the natural chick appeared to be several days further ahead in development than the foster chick. This may be partly attributable to different diets and environments for the first almost three weeks of their growth before the two were put together, but might also be related to the fact that the foster chick is a pure anatum bird, while the Ottawa adults are thought to have considerable tundrius background. The foster chick received a red leg band to indicate that it had been raised in captivity, while its step-brother was fitted with a black band signifying a wild hatch.

Once the actual banding had been completed, the two chicks were officially named. The foster chick was named Bailey, in honour of an executive on the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation board of directors, recognizing their critical importance in financially sponsoring the introduction of this chick to Ottawa earlier this month. Scott Chamberlain of FOE was present to make the announcement, and was able to hold "his" bird briefly following the banding (see the Ottawa Photo Gallery). The honour of naming the "natural" chick was given to Arlene Williams, who has dedicated herself to documenting the activities of our peregrine family this spring when nobody else had a view of them. She chose to name him Quest, and also had an opportunity to meet "her" chick in person at long last.

It was then time for the chicks to return to the nest ledge. As always, a "villain" had to be left on the nest ledge to distract the adults from realizing that their chicks had gone missing. This year the role fell to Leslie Hunt, species at risk biologist for the Ministry of Natural Resources. For the first while that she was out on the ledge, both Connor and Horizon swooped past at close range; Connor however eventually relaxed and went to observe from his perch atop Tower C. Horizon though did not diminish her attacks over time, and in fact finally hit Leslie in the back (lightly) just a few minutes before the chicks were returned. While no doubt not terribly comforting for Leslie out on the ledge, we were happy to see that the peregrines were as protective of their territory as ever.

Family life returned to normal shortly after the chicks were deposited back on the ledge, and we now await the next milestone in their lives, namely their first flights. The earliest that a peregrine has fledged in the past is at 36 days, which would be Monday June 25, but some volunteers will already begin watching for activity next weekend, just in case.

Arlene Williams reports: 9:05 am - The chicks are located in the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and all I can basically see its both their heads bobbing up and down from below the ledge area.   I am not sure if they know that they are to be banded and named this morning, but they are in perfect position for pickup and removal and relocation to the Canadian Peregrine Foundation (CPF) office on Albert Street.     Connor and Horizon are changing shifts regularly and are keeping a watchful eye of their chicks, almost in anticipation that they will be removed shortly.

10:30 am - The chicks were removed from the ledge area and relocated to the CPF office, but both Horizon and Connor were putting on quite the aerial displays showing their anger at the intruders removing their chicks from the ledge area.    Both of them were screeching and flying aggressively and obviously showing everyone their great displeasure in the removal of their precious offspring.

10:40 - 11:00 - Weighing, banding and naming took place at the CPF office and I was so surprised to find out that the chicks were both males. The biological was and is much bigger and it was thought that it could possibly be a female, but, to our surprise it weighed less than the fostered chick who is also a male. Both birds were squawking up a storm, more so by the biological chick, and were then weighed, banded and named.   The biological chick is named Quest and the fostered chick is named Bailey.    Both chicks seem to endure the pressure of being amongst the throngs of people in attendance, as well as the media - local TV cameramen (CJOH/CTV and The New RO) - and local newspaper representatives.

11:40 am - The chicks were returned to the ledge about 11:15-11:25 am and as of this hour, Connor is watching carefully over his offspring to ensure that they have not been harmed and will not have to to through much more trauma, if he has anything to do with it. Both chicks have settled in and around the first pillar and seem almost oblivious to what just happened.

2:05 pm - Connor is flying about near the nest area and to the west of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building.    Horizon is perched atop her favourite roost on the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. The chicks have moved/waddled to their favourite area near and under the camera stand and Connor has gotten down from the ledge area to be sure that they are secure and settled.   Both chicks are sitting upright on their back ends and are facing my office.   I want to take both home with me, as they are the cutest creatures that I have had the pleasure of viewing and interacting with on a daily basis.   Once assured that they are both content, Connor has flown off in the direction of northwest - Lebreton Flats - possibly searching for a mid-afternoon snack.

4:15 pm - Connor has just come home with quite a large dead pigeon. He has dropped his catch between pillars 3 and 4 and both chicks have scurried over from under the camera stand to take possession of the dead bird.    The training has begun with regard to what is now expected of the chicks to survive re. their food supply, in future.   Connor is supervising, at a distance, at what appears to be the first time the chicks have had the privilege of trying to pluck and perform the related duties required to enjoy a morsel of this sumptuous protein treat.    Both chicks took on the duties with gusto and I am sure that they will have extremely full bellies this evening, when nodding off for the night.

4:30 - 5:00 pm - Connor has taken off for parts unknown, since he accomplished his task of ensuring the chicks were performing as they should be and then no sooner had he left, then Horizon came back to the ledge area to oversee this delicate attempt at dissection.   The chicks appear to be making some headway, but, mom and dad are both taking their turns on watching this whole training issue unfold.

5:15 - 5:45 pm - The chicks are somewhat successful and I see a flurry of feathers, but closer inspection finds that mom - Horizon - and dad - Connor - are each taking their turns in showing their offspring on how the real job is to be performed.    The chicks are attentive to their trainers and I can only assume that the next such morsel of protein brought to them for their appropriate action is taken care of in a much more timely manner. Horizon got so involved in the job of displaying her plucking capability that she ultimately tore off a big piece of fresh flesh and then flew off to land with her treasure on the second level down on the mid-northeast/northwest side of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 2. Connor was in hot pursuit, but has realized from past experiences with his beloved, that when Horizon has a catch, she does not like to share.    She has since moved away from Tower 2 and headed off, with catch in talons, for her favourite roost - atop the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1 and is now enjoying her small feast.   It's hard work being a MOM.   Back at the ranch, so to speak, the chicks are still trying to perfect their plucking skills, etc., while enjoying peeling off a tidbit or two from Connor's catch.     The training will continue and now that they have had their first exposure on that front, then I anxiously await the next instructional session, whatever that may be.

Thursday June 14, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 2:27 pm - For the longest time, the fostered chick was sitting directly under the dome shape viewer of the camera and was having a contented sleep. The other chick was sleeping on top of a grate next to the farthest wall from the ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building, between pillars 1 and 2. Shortly, thereafter, the fostered chick awkwardly moved over to the northwest corner of the ledge area and started flexing its wings. The other chick, which is the biological one is the bigger of the two and has quite the plumage surfacing now, compared to its sibling. The biological one stands about 7-9 inches in height and has quite the wing span, which shows more and more of the adult plumage appearing. The other one is obviously a little more slight in stature and has less of its adult plumage and the chick would be about 6-7 inches in height now. They are much more active and inquisitive, but it has been over an hour and a half (1-1/2 hrs) that the chicks have been alone with no adult supervision that I have noticed and it may be longer. Both parents must be off enjoying the sultry/smoggy weather and enjoying a little more freedom, as compared to a couple of weeks ago when the chicks required total supervision and attention.

2:46 pm - Horizon has just returned and is sitting on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building. She has returned without a tidbit for her chicks and one of them (fostered one) is looking at her from below the ledge, almost saying where is my snack for this afternoon. The other chick is unconcerned on whether it will be fed or not. 2:48 pm - Horizon has just flown off in the direction of Lebreton Flats and possibly she is searching out food for her chicks. The chick is still waiting patiently in hopes of a little morsel in the next while. The biological one is still sitting on top of the grate next to the wall and seems unconcerned on his sibling's activities.

4:00 pm - Both chicks seems to be capitavated and fascinated with the camera stand and spend a lot of their time in, around or under the stand. The fostered chick sleeps, on occasion, right underneath the dome and it almost reminds one of something being put under the infrared light at a fast food outlet. Thank God that this is not the case in this instance. The biological chicks is currently checking out the camera stand, while the fostered chick looks on as if to say that this is my territory. Another difference in the two chicks is that the biological one is larger, as previously stated, but its down is still quite white compared to its fostered sibling who is smaller and more grey in colour. The biological one is very quickly losing its down and as previously stated its adult plumage is surfacing. The smaller chick (fostered) has much more of its greyish down still in tact, however, the adult plumage is surfacing around the tail and edge of the wings. Both are still extremely cute and a joy to observe. They have been without adult supervision for the better part of the afternoon and are quite at ease now, in entertaining themselves - waddling to and fro from the camera stand to the northwest ledge. I am wondering when feeding will take place, as it seems that nothing has happened in that regard for three or four hours. Connor has yet to come back to the nest area for the entire afternoon.

4:10 pm - Horizon has returned from her and is watching both her chicks from the northwest ledge. Both chicks are currently looking at each other under the dome of the camera on its stand. Horizon checks out the situation and sees that her chicks are fine and then decides to waddle over and get down on the lower ledge between pillars 1 and 2. Both chicks hurriedly move towards her in hopes that what appeared to be a catch is on the menu and dinner has now been served. Needless to say that both chicks were extremely disappointed that there was no catch and the fostered chick just started to move around the unhatched egg. Horizon, momentarily, got back up on the ledge and was almost searching out and screeching for Connor, but she became impatient with his non-response and took off, once again. This time, I hope that she will bring home supper, since the chicks appear to be quite anxious to feed. They are now both heading back to the security of the camera stand and one has waddled well beyond the camera stand and is close approaching the southwest corner of the ledge area. The fostered chick is less enthused on going quite that far.

5:50 pm - Horizon has returned once again and still has nothing to offer her chicks. She is becoming a little desperate as she picked up a twig or an old bone from the gravel around the nest area and took it over to the chicks. Neither one seemed interested in this offering and Horizon quickly got back up on the ledge and seem to be call out for her beloved, who has not been seen all afternoon. She flew off and put on quite the aerial display and appeared to be calling out to him for his return with supper. She soared well above the west part of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, as well as the Constitution Square building, Tower 1, almost in hopes that Connor would notice her and come home to roost. She has since flown off around the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1, again I am hoping, in search of tonight's supper. There are lots of pigeons and sea gulls soaring around the Place de Ville complex, but Horizon does not seem to be too interested in them. Guess the pickings are better, elsewhere. I hope that the chicks do not have to go hungry tonight.

Monday June 11, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 2:40 pm - The chicks are quite large now and have quite the adult plumage surfacing. They are much more active, as should be, than last week. They are still very, very cute, and are so inquisitive about the nest area and surrounding area. They seem to be gaining strength in their legs on every little venture off from the nest area, even if it is only for a few seconds/minutes and within theconfines/pillars of the ledge area.

Horizon, good mother that she is, keeps a very watchful eye on her two chicks to make sure that they do not venture off too far from the nest area and too close to the ledge area, which they are attempting to climb, but have yet to succeed. They anxiously await a feeding, whenever that may occur and it appears to be much more often now, so Connor is on guard to search out, fetch, kill and bring home the goodies. Both parents venture off more often and put on quite the aerial displays and, as usual, are a magnificent sight to behold and certainly within watchful eye of the nest area, at least for Horizon. She often goes off to be alone and view the surroundings on her favourite roost - the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1.

Wednesday June 6, 2001
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon: What a delightful sight to behold. I am privileged to see an adult falcon leave its perch on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It is smoothly coasting high above Lyon Street. The other adult is also tempted my the morning breeze and follows its mate and both head off towards Lebreton Flats. The nest is momentarily left unattended but undoubtedly vigilantly monitored from the skies. A minute later both adults return and fly in unison above the nest site. They are joined by pigeons who go about their daily business. Connor's striking colours are evident as he dips and twists with precision. Horizon continues on towards Lebreton Flats while Connor does one final swoop around Constitution Square Tower 1. He lands on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and then heads towards the NW corner in search of his chicks. Horizon can be seen enjoying herself as she glides and coasts near Lebreton Flats. Hunting might just be on her mind.

Arlene Williams reports: 3:30 pm - Not much to say today about our wonderful peregrines, but the chicks are quite active and look forward to when Horizon and/or Connor return, especially with a little tidbit for an afternoon snack. Both chicks now are fairly large and complete definition, almost muscular looking, is seen from the back side of each with regard to their wings. They are still quite the balls of fluff and are still quite white (biological one) or greyish/white (fostered) in colouring and the young adult plumage is emerging, very quickly, at the tips of their wings, which they are flexing, quite a bit. They have accepted one another without reservation. They sleep, eat and then become quite inquisitive. In the interim and while away from the nest area, both Horizon and Connor put on quite the aerial displays, but obviously, keeping a watchful eye over thetroops.

Tuesday June 5, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 11:30 am - The newest chick has been fully accepted by Horizon and Connor and both chicks are nestle up against mom - Horizon - and Connor is watching from a distance further along on the ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

2:02 pm - Connor is currently overseeing the two chicks from the the ledge area and is located between pillars 1 and 2 of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The chicks are asleep side by side on the lower portion of the ledge and Horizon I can only assume has ventured off in directions unknown to enjoy the peace and quiet, as well as the view. She has been quite diligent in taking care of each chick now that she has two to contend with on the home front. The sun is beginning to shine, so I am expecting that she will return to her favourite roost within the next while, which is the area atop the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1.

2:59 pm - Both Connor and Horizon are quite agitated, as well as the two chicks, as there are two guys working on scaffolding equipment outside of my 20th floor vantage point in Tower C. The guys are checking out the birds as they are working trying to remove the sealant around the windows of Tower C. Both adult peregrines are putting on quite the aerial display guarding their territory and their two precious chicks. Horizon has since gotten down with the chicks to calm and reassure them. After the fostering incident yesterday, I guess both Connor and Horizon have become very defensive and on alert to anyone, whether it be a building apart, gets near the nest area. Things have calmed down now that Horizon is tending to the babies.

3:50 pm - I saw some feathers swirling from the nest area and thought something was amiss. Sure enough, Horizon had brought in a small catch and the chicks were patiently waiting in line to be fed. Not much of a catch, but enough to satisfy the chicks and have them calm down in their activity and possibly drop off for a short snooze. Horizon has perched on the ledge area now that her chicks bellies are full and is contemplating taking flight. And yes, she has taken flight and is touring the Place de Ville complex still watching the two men on the scaffolding equipment.

4:50 pm - The biological chick has now become quite protective of its fostered sibling and is currently leaning on the newest chick's back, almost trying to protect it from the cold winds which swirl around that ledge area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon is located on the ledge area between pillars 1 and 2, facing west, and the chicks almost seem to be dropping off to sleep in an upright position. Connor again, is nowhere to be seen, but, he should be coming home with the supper, shortly.

FOSTERING SUCCESSFUL!

On Monday June 4, a second chick was fostered into the Ottawa nest, thanks to the generous support of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The chick was quickly adopted by Horizon and Connor, as well as its step-sibling. See the reports below for details on the fostering event, and more recent observations for details on how the newly expanded family is interacting.
--

Monday June 4, 2001
Marcel Gahbauer reports: Today marked a very significant day in the history of the Ottawa peregrines. For the second time in three years, Connor and Horizon have been provided with a foster chick (in 1999 they were given three foster chicks when none of their eggs hatched). This year, though they had been successful in producing one chick, two other eggs failed to hatch. Considering that Horizon and Connor are experienced parents, well capable of caring for multiple offspring, a decision was made to attempt to foster another chick into the nest to increase the productivity of the site in our continuing effort to help the growth of the Canadian peregrine population. To our knowledge, this marked only the second time in Ontario that a foster chick was to be added to a nest which already contained at least one other chick (the other instance being at the Hamilton nest in 1995, when only one chick hatched and two others from the CWS breeding facility in Wainwright, Alberta were added).

Yesterday, the chick was picked up by CPF Director Mark Nash from the breeder at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy near Simcoe, Ontario. This afternoon around 2:00 pm, the chick was brought to the Ottawa Falcon Watch Centre at Constitution Square. A short press conference was held to recognize the efforts of all who had cooperated to work quickly to make this fostering attempt possible. Melanie Moore, Coordinator of the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, thanked Marlene Nevins of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for providing the funding to purchase and deliver the chick. Also acknowledged for their support in this venture were Shaun Thompson of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Matthew MacNaughton of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and Ian Fisher of Constitution Square.

By shortly after 3:00 pm, Melanie Moore, Mark Nash, Matthew MacNaughton, Shaun Thompson, and I crossed the street to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in preparation for the release of the chick to the nest ledge. Following some last minute preparations in the crawl space inside the nest ledge, Mark Nash crawled out on to the ledge around 3:30. No sooner had he stepped outside, than both Horizon and Connor began their attacks. The calls of the foster chick spurred Horizon on even further, and she struck Mark on the shoulder twice as he approached the nest. He deposited the foster chick near its step-sibling, then retreated as quickly as possible and was back inside; the entire time spent on the ledge was only 5 or 6 minutes.

The initial response of the two chicks toward each other was somewhat less than friendly. The foster chick seemed to try to peck at the feet of the "natural" chick, which in turn tried to defend itself with some pecking of its own, while trying to back away from the new bird. Fortunately, at this age (15 days), both were still fairly feeble, and certainly posed no threat to each other. The foster chick soon waddled clumsily down the ledge, and took up residence underneath the camera. It was roughly an hour later that Horizon visited it for the first time; to our relief, she showed no aggression toward it. It was almost three hours until she finally fed the chick for the first time (the other one didn't receive food during this time either), but once that happened, and we saw the two chicks being fed side by side, we heaved a huge sigh of relief, knowing that the foster chick had been fully accepted into the family. See Arlene's notes below for further details on the activities of the foster chick during its first few hours on the nest ledge.

As a side note, Mark also was able to place the CPF video camera on the ledge at the same time. We are currently experiencing problems with the phone lines used to control the camera position, but expect to have the signal available on the website, as well as in the Falcon Watch Centre within days.

Arlene Williams reports: 3:40 pm - Mark Nash from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation was successful in placing the fostered baby in the nest area and both Horizon and Connor had been trying to ward him off to the point that Mark, I am sure, was hit on his back a couple of times. Neither bird at the moment is paying any attention to the new chick, but its sibling now, is acquainting itself with the new one, quite nicely. At the same time, Mark is attempting to set up the webcam, so that everyone who visits the website will be able to see the activities of the two babies. It remains to be seen whether or not the new baby will be accepted, but in the past, there has been no problem in that regard.

3:48 pm - Both birds realize that the camera has now been installed and they are still fussing over the new apparatus amongst their midst.   Connor has now rested on the ledge between pillars 1 and 2 and is overseeing the two chicks, but as yet to climb down and acquaint itself with his new offspring. Both are performing their wonderful aerial ballets and will hopefully come home to roost soon and take care of the baby which is crying for food.

3:50 pm - The fostered baby born has ventured as far as the camera area and is shielding itself just below the lens of the camera.   The other chick is watching as are Horizon and Connor.     Connor is perched on top of the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza ledge and Horizon is perched between pillars two and three on the ledge.   Off and on, they are still performing their aerial displays. Neither has gone in to introduce itself to the newest chick as yet, but Horizon is sure inquisitive as to why this other chick is at a distance from the nest area.   The baby seems to find comfort in settling in to the left of the camera lens, but it sure has the attention of mom and pop.

4:40 pm - At one point in time, Horizon hopped over from the nest area and the other baby to check on this new chick, which is still shielding itself under the camera lens.     Horizon momentarily smelled it and moved away and then perched on top of the camera stand watching over the baby. The chick then became a little more active and then moved from one leg of the stand to the other and ultimately retreated back to and under the camera lens.  Horizon is perplexed on what is going on with this chick and has sat watching the newest chick for the longest time on the ledge area between pillars 3 and 4.     She darts off for a bit and puts on an aerial display, but has yet to actually bond for more than a few seconds with the chick.   Connor is off, I am assuming trying to bring back a catch. 4:44 pm - Great news as Horizon has just started bonding with the newest chick and is inside the stand legs of the camera.     Horizon has yet to feed this new chick, but is actually staying in that confined area and keeping it company and the chick is reacting favourably to Horizon's gestures.

5:30 pm - The newest chick has finally decided to come out from under the camera stand and Horizon was there to greet it, as well as the other chick who waddled over to between pillars 3 and 4.     Both chicks are apart at the moment, but I am sure that Horizon will make sure that they become better acquainted shortly.    They are now waddling, the both of them towards the nest area and to momma, hopefully for a feed, soon.

6:00 pm - The two chicks are now bonding and are anxiously awaiting Connor to come home with a catch.     Horizon is somewhat confused that there is another chick in the nest, so she has decided to brood on one or two of the remaining eggs, yet to hatch and will not hatch now.       The chicks are somewhat cool with each other and the bigger of the two, which is the one born here in Ottawa, seems to want to be off on her own and not socialize much yet with the other.    Horizon is overseeing these interactions while sitting on the egg(s). Seems to me that Connor had better come home with something soon, or he will pay the pay with Horizon.   The babies are hungry.

6:25 pm - Horizon became impatient waiting for Connor to come home with the dinner, so she went off and came back with a little something and started feeding both babies. A successful feed. No sooner had Horizon started feeding the chicks, then Connor drops by with a small bird, probably a starling, so he is enjoying a wee tidbit of his catch before Horizon will take over and feed the remaining morsels to the chicks. The chicks will sleep well with a fully belly tonight.

Marcel Gahbauer comments: The behaviour of the adults this afternoon/evening was very interesting to observe. Horizon had barely paid any attention to the eggs over the past week, and in fact the two remaining eggs had over time been pushed almost one metre apart as the adults and chick moved about the nest area. However, after acquainting herself with the foster chick this afternoon, Horizon gathered the two eggs together again, and conscientiously settled down to incubate them. It seemed as if the arrival of a second chick triggered some response in her to resume incubation, as if she suddenly thought that she might be able to produce a third and fourth chick too if she just tried a bit harder!

Also of note was the behaviour of Connor when he returned with food around 6:30. It's unusual for the two adults to both come in with food around the same time. It's not really fair to ascribe human emotions to these birds, but to all of us watching at the time, it certainly looked like Connor was rather bewildered. He kept lifting up the prey as if to bring it to Horizon for feeding, then hesitated when he saw that there were two chicks instead of just one. Each time, he again put the prey down and watched for a few moments before grabbing it with his beak again. After at least a couple of minutes of standing on the ledge undecided like this, he finally got up the nerve to hop down beside the newcomer, dropped the food off for Horizon, and took off toward Constitution Square. Throughout the feeding, Horizon was very fair in feeding both chicks equally, to our delight.

Friday June 1, 2001
Arlene Williams reports: 12:22 pm - Connor has been perched on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel ledge for approximately 4 hours now and does not seem to be in any great hurry to leave. Only hunger will prevail and that could be as a result of Horizon indicating that he should fetch a catch or his own hunger pangs surfacing. The baby is fast asleep between the unhatched eggs and within pillars 1 and 2 of the ledge area. Mom - Horizon - is on her favourite roost - northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1 - and she also has been there for a good two hours or so. The baby has enough down feathers to keep it warm and somewhat protected from the elements and by leaving it alone for so long, I can only assume that this is one of the first stages of training the chick to become more inquisitive and independent. Horizon, as of this writing, as just flown off her favourite roost and has gone behind the building and headed east. Possibly she will be the one to make the kill and bring home the bacon, so to speak.

1:20 - Connor is attempting to make a catch and is not too successful at the moment. He goes back to the nest area during breaks in attempts and the baby comes right to the ledge, almost saying to him, where is my lunch. He has flown off, once again and will return, I assume, shortly with a kill and then the chick should be happy. It is quite active and verbal at the moment and is flapping its wings, bobbing up and down, walking to and fro between the pillars, in anticipation of his father's return with the kill. Needless to say, that the chick has some of the characteristics of his mother with regard to chomping at the bit when things are not going her way.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (1:10 p.m.) I was at street level when all the action took place. It all began when Horizon flew in from the west and gave a magnificent aerial ballet above the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She soon disappeared out of view to parts unknown. I was mesmerized by the opportunity to see our falcons in their element. A dimwitted pigeon decided to try and land between the NW and SW section of the hotel. Connor was not impressed and started the chase that would lead towards the apartment buildings south of Lyon Street. It was a spectacular sight. Connor and the pigeon weaved high above me. Connor in all his splendour was a hunter primed to kill his prey with skill and precision. As they reached the apartment building, Connor flew into the pigeon and momentarily stunned him, but the pigeon quickly recovered and landed on a balcony. Connor was determined to bring food home to his chick and was goading the pigeon to take flight. No such luck! The pigeon was lucky this time. Let's hope lunch is brought over soon and that our chick let is fed. Being a baby is hard enough without having an empty belly.

Arlene Williams reports: 2:35 pm - There is always a little cache nearby the nest area, whether in whole or part and the baby has had a bit of whatever and has then dropped off to sleep. It is sprawled between the 1st and 2nd pillars and is facing west. Momma - Horizon - was watching over things for about a half an hour or so from the northwest corner of the ledge area and has since decided to check in on her offspring. Not for long though, as she has jumped back up on the ledge and is on the verge of flying off, which she has just done. I think she has gone off in hopes of replenishing the stock for when the baby awakes and wants another tidbit.

4:30 pm - The baby is becoming so inquisitive and adventuresome as it has waddled its way to between pillars 3 and 4 on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Horizon has been monitoring the chick's activities from the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building, Tower 1. She has sensed now that the baby is becoming a little more active and has just returned to keep a closer eye on it. Horizon is now resting on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel ledge and is facing my vantage point in Tower C. Again, I am assuming that this is another training issue which could appear to be the baby as indifference, but, she is ultimately monitoring the baby's overall activities to ensure that it will not endanger itself. Connor is nowhere to be seen, but, I am sure that if Horizon beckons, he will be there in a minute's notice.

NAME	SEX	AGE	WEIGHT
Quest	male	26 days	448 grams
Bailey	male	26 days	520 grams

| Archive Index | Previous period | Next period |