Canadian Peregrine Foundation -- Ottawa Archives: October 1999

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October 1999

Friday October 1, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:25 a.m.) Horizon has arrived this morning from the east. She flies over the Standard Life Building and settles on the uppermost SE rail of the Constitution Square Building.

(7:45 a.m.) Something has caught her eye and she takes off in full pursuit. She flies east of the Standard Life Building. I've lost track of her for now, but not for long. I have discovered a prime Peregrine Falcon hunting ground abundant with pigeons. She is perched on the NE top corner of the Standard Life Centre Building which is located across the street and one building over east of the Standard Life Building. Feathers are twirling upward in the sky as Horizon is consuming her meal. Her backside faces me and I can see her tail bobbing as she looks up from time to time. She takes a break from eating and is now on the ledge. Her feathers are ruffled as she looks around the area. The morning rays bathes her in an ethereal light that captures the haunting beauty of the Peregrine Falcon.

(7:55 a.m.) It appears as if she is about to fly off, but unfortunately for me she spreads her wings and flies beyond my view inside the rooftop ledge. I'll have to wait until another opportunity arises in order to take a photograph.

(9:23 a.m.) Horizon has returned to the NE top rail of the Constitution Square Building. She seems content keeping a sharp eye on the surrounding area of her nest. I hope to see the juveniles sometime soon.

(10:50 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.) Horizon and Connor have been observed on the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Constitution Square Building. It is 1:53 p.m. and they can be seen almost side by side. Horizon is facing outward near the NE first pillar of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is looking towards the east as a cool autumn breeze gathers feathers and leaves that twirl near their nest ledge. Connor is a few inches inside the NE corner facing inward. He can be seen stretching his wings from time to time and is quite content guarding his territory. This has been a quiet and restful time for the falcons.

Monday October 4, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:30 a.m./8:15 a.m.) As I was about to reach over for my binoculars, I observed a falcon hop into the SW nest area of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It is probably facing west by now and cannot be seen from my vantage point.

(5:15 p.m.) As I walk towards the Crowne Plaza Hotel, I look up and observe Horizon on the SW corner. She is preening her damp feathers. This puzzles me, since it isn't raining. I wonder if she had a quick dip in the Ottawa River before returning to the nest ledge?

(5:20 p.m.) A distinctive bird coming from the east is flying high above the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Connor lands on the NW top perch of the Constitution Square Building, Tower B. He too appears to have damp feathers. Horizon and Connor are preening as I gaze up, my fingers chilled to the bone by the cold. Still no sign of Jessie, Loft or Preston.

Tuesday October 5, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:25 a.m.) Horizon was observed on the top SE corner of the Constitution Square Building. She took off ten minutes later and was headed towards the Minto Place Suite Hotel. Swoops and dives were in full view as she was hunting towards the SW. She is now completely hidden behind the Kent/Laurier Streets buildings and might already be consuming her breakfast.

(1:10 p.m.) Horizon is facing outward on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is scanning the spectacular view towards Lebreton Flats. It has been a quiet day thus far for falcon watching. Our falcons tend to remain on the southern exposures of their favorite rooftops lately and unfortunately I cannot observe them when this occurs.

(5:55 p.m.) Horizon is on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Connor majestically glides above Horizon's perch as if to impress her with his flying skills or entice her to join him. He flies towards the north behind Place de Ville, Tower C and is no longer visible.

(6:00 p.m.) Horizon calmly remains on her perch as a hydroplane passes directly above the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I am mesmerized and concerned as I look up and see the hydroplane barely clear the rooftop of the hotel. Our peregrine mother is without a doubt fearless and an excellent role model for our juveniles. Horizon and Connor have demonstrated their nurturing parenting time and time again. We have much to learn from observing the relationship between the adult and juvenile falcons.

Wednesday October 6, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:35 a.m.) Horizon arrives from the east just as the sun starts to light up the dark and gloomy Ottawa downtown core. Small down feathers twirl in the air above her head as she settles on her perch, but she is not grasping a kill between her talons. She is perched on the second from the top SE corner of the Constitution Square Building. Connor also arrives from the east and flies above her. He is observed gliding for a few moments and then returns to the east behind the Standard Life Building.

(7:45 a.m.) Connor is now flying above the buildings on Kent/Laurier Streets and might be looking for a meal. He is far off in the distance and is moving further towards the south/west.

(7:55 a.m.) After preening and adjusting her feathers, Horizon takes off towards 240 Sparks. I try to follow her, but she is hidden between the maze of buildings. I look on the rooftops of her favorite buildings, but she is either soaring in the sky or on another building.

(8:10 a.m.) I look out the window and admire Horizon as she smoothly lands between the SE and SW ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The warm sunlight upon her feathers gives us a perfect opportunity to see the striking plumage of the Peregrine Falcon. Whether she has already consumed her breakfast is a mystery.

(11:10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) Horizon and Connor have been spending quality time together on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They are side by side on the ledge between the SE and SW corners. Horizon is on the right and Connor is on the left. These falcons are very attached to one another and are devoted mates.

(1:00 p.m.) Connor stretches his wings and takes to the skies. He skillfully swoops and dives near the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Place de Ville Towers. He settles on the SW corner of Place de Ville Tower A and looks towards the north.

(1:05 p.m.) Horizon is also tempted by the strong wind and is observed flying towards the Kent/Laurier Streets. She too is a marvelous sight to behold as she glides effortlessly through the sky. Once she has re-energized herself with this flight, she returns to her favorite perch on the second from the top SE corner of the Constitution Square Building.

Thursday October 7, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:30 a.m.) An adult falcon was observed in flight as it arrived from the north heading east behind the Standard Life Building. At the speed it was traveling, I was unable to detect if it was Horizon or Connor.

(10:30 a.m.) Our Peregrine Falcon has not returned since its spectacular brief appearance this morning. This is the first day where Horizon and Connor have made themselves rather scarce. It is sunny yet nippy in Ottawa and the falcons are probably gliding in the air currents that are strong and healthy today.

(4:00 p.m.) Horizon has returned to the NE, 3rd perch from the bottom of the Constitution Square Building. I was starting to wonder if Horizon and Connor had left for warmer climates. I hope they remain in the area for awhile longer, I so enjoy admiring their majestic beauty as they swoop and dive with such precision.

Friday October 8, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:28 a.m.) As I arrive to the office on this glorious sunny morning, I am greeted by Horizon. She is on Constitution Square Building's NE, 3rd perch from the bottom. She has finished consuming her breakfast and is walking away sideways to distance herself from the carcass on the NE perch. (7:35 a.m.) Horizon takes to the skies and heads east of 240 Sparks.

(1:15 p.m.) Horizon has returned to the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This has been a rather quiet day for falcon watching. I wonder where Connor might be?

(3:20 p.m.) It is a joy to see both Horizon and Connor interacting. Horizon is on the NE, 2nd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building, while Connor is on the 3rd perch from the bottom. Horizon is preening and keeps an eye on the twirling down feathers that flutter around her. Connor is looking down at his mate amused by her silly antics. Horizon's feathers are fluffed up by now and she looks up at Connor who is relaxing as the warm sunlight filters on his perch. We are so fortunate to have such magnificent birds in the heart of our city.

Sunday October 10, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:(9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) My friend Linda Hayden tells me that Horizon and Connor were active this morning. They were observed on the NE and SE uppermost perches of the Constitution Square Building. They spent the morning together on this building and changed perches periodically. Connor made an impressive aerial show as he flew by the Standard Life Building towards the buildings behind Kent/Laurier Streets.

Monday October 11, 1999
Stephanie Carriere reports: This evening, during my sunset walk, I saw both adults perched for a
good night's sleep: Horizon in her little niche on the southside of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Connor on a southeast ledge at Constitution Square.

Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) Once again Linda Hayden was lucky enough to observe both Horizon and Connor on the 2nd and 3rd from the bottom perches of the Constitution Square Building. Our falcons spent another morning enjoying each other's company.

Tuesday October 12, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:40 a.m.) Horizon is on the uppermost NE perch of the Constitution Square Building. She is keeping an eye on her surroundings.

(7:55 a.m.) I see a pigeon flying in from the Minto Place area and it is heading towards the north. Horizon has also noticed the bird and takes off in hot pursuit towards Place de Ville Tower A. I can no longer follow the chase, but I notice Horizon returning in my direction and look up as she flies over the Standard Life Building towards the east. The pigeon might be ahead of her but I cannot say for certain.

(8:15 a.m.) Horizon has returned to the uppermost SE perch of the Constitution Square Building. She is empty-handed but she could have consumed a meal at another location. I have noticed that the falcons take about 10 to 15 minutes to eat their meal. Horizon is facing east and her striking plumage is glorious in the bright morning sunlight.

(11:50 a.m.) Horizon is on the NE, 2nd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building. Black and white feathers are twirling in the wind above her head as she consumes her meal. Connor is on the NE, 3rd from the bottom perch of the same building.

(1:10 p.m.) As I am walking towards Kent/Albert Streets, I notice Connor flying up ahead from the east and heading towards the west. When I reach the Standard Life Building, I cannot see him anywhere. Horizon is on the NE, 3rd perch from the bottom of the Constitution Square Building.

(1:20 p.m.) Horizon spreads her feathers and appears to be contemplating flying, but decides to literally fly and hop to the lower perch. She is observing the downtown core area while the cool breeze gently ruffles her feathers.

Wednesday October 13, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:55 a.m.) Horizon is coming from the east and passes just above our office window. She was flying with such finesse and at such a slower speed, that I was able to see her clearly. She lands on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. I observe dark feathers dancing in the wind as she consumes her breakfast. She must have left the dead bird at this location on a previous flight because she did not have anything between her talons when I saw her arrive from the east.

(8:05 a.m.) Horizon has finished eating and is digesting her meal. (8:15 a.m.) As I am observing Horizon by means of her reflection on the Constitution Square Building, I notice a movement towards her right. In a blink of an eye, a falcon swoops down on her as if arguing with her and just as quickly flies away. I wonder what that was all about?

Thursday October 14, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:25 a.m.) Horizon is preening her feathers on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Connor is on the 2nd from the top SE corner of the Constitution Square Building.

(7:30 a.m.) A bird has caught the attention of Connor and he dives down towards Kent/Slater Streets. At the speed he was diving, it looked like he was heading straight for the ground. I cannot see him anywhere. He probably headed towards the east behind the Standard Life Building.

(7:35 a.m.) A pigeon is perched on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. This is a favorite perch for both Horizon and Connor. I wonder if this is the same bird that caught the attention of Connor a few moments ago. All of a sudden another bird flies towards the pigeon with a purpose and displaces it and they both take off towards the east. This heated exchange happened so fast that I could not say for certain that it was Connor or another pigeon. Whoever attacked the pigeon did not like having it perched there.

(7:45 a.m.) Connor is now gliding over the buildings that surround the nest area on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He is heading west while Horizon continues preparing her wings for a later flight.

(10:50 a.m.) Horizon has returned to the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel after taking to the skies at (8:30 a.m.). She is facing Connor who is perched in between the SW/SE ledge facing west. Horizon's chest feathers are fluffed up and from this angle, I can only see Connor's sleek back.

Friday October 15, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:30 a.m.) As I am walking towards the Kent/Albert Streets, I look up and see Connor on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. Feathers are dancing in the wind as he consumes his breakfast.

(7:45 a.m.) Horizon arrives from the east and flies by my window. She is so close that I can see her legs tucked in tightly into her body. Once again I miss another photo opportunity as my faithful camera is not within reach. Connor follows Horizon and they take off towards the south.

(7:55 a.m.) Connor swoops and dives towards the Constitution Square Building and heads towards the back of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. There is a heavy flow of traffic in the air as peregrine falcons, pigeons, seagulls and various other birds go about their daily business.

(8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.) Connor is now comfortably settled on the NE, 2nd from the top corner of the Constitution Square Building and is facing east.

(11:00 a.m.) Connor has been sticking close to home this morning. He is on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel preening his feathers.

(1:10 p.m.) Connor is in the centre of the NE, 3rd level perch from the bottom of the Constitution Square Building. His sleek form is barely distinguishable as he blends in perfectly with the building structure.

Monday October 18, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:30 a.m.) As I walking towards Kent/Albert Streets, I look up and see Horizon perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Our falcons appear to be staying in Ottawa for the time being.

(7:55 a.m.) Horizon takes off her perch and flies towards 240 Sparks. I try to keep up with her but I'm no match for our expert flier. She is well on her way towards the east.

(9:40 a.m.) My friend Linda Hayden observed Horizon coming from the south. Her talons were gripped into a heavy object that weighed her down. At first Linda thought it was a pigeon, but could not make a positive identification. Horizon tried to land on the SE, top level perch of the Constitution Square Building, but due to the excess weight, could not successfully land. She bypassed the building and continued to glide past our office window in the Standard Life Building. She was then seen heading east towards 240 Sparks.

(10:40 a.m.) Horizon and Connor are having a discussion. They both on the SE, first level perch area of the Constitution Square Building. Horizon is on the perch itself and Connor is a few inches to her right. They appear to be communicating with one another. It is a remarkable moment to see them side by side and within such close proximity to my office window.

Tuesday October 19, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:40 a.m.) Horizon is on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. (7:45 a.m.) She decides to impress me with her flying skills and takes to the skies towards the east. She is observed gliding in the cool breeze. She continues to stretch her wings and make her way towards the nest area. Albert Street is her next destination and she flies straight up the street and positions herself vertically to reach her perch on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is preening and preparing her feathers for her next flight. (8:00 a.m.) Horizon is active today and takes off again towards 240 Sparks and the open skies of the east.

(1:15 p.m.) Horizon is on the NE, 2nd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building. She decides to literally hop down the perch and get closer to the inside ledge walking foot over foot. Once there, she decides to head back in a hurry. (1:17 p.m.) She suddenly jumps off her perch, wings flapping awkwardly. I thought she had been thrown off balance by a gust of wind. This was not her typical graceful lift off. She then displays her masterful ability to control the air currents and skillfully contours the Constitution Square Building and heads behind Minto Place. Something must have caught her eye and she is in hot pursuit towards the south.

(5:50 p.m.) Horizon is on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. She is preening her ruffled feathers for her next flight. (6:00 p.m.) She has flown over to the NE, 1st level perch of the Constitution Square Building. She is amusing to watch as she hops down and walks around to the right of the perch and then repeats the same pattern on the left. I will soon find out that this maneuver is a strategic plan of attack. An unsuspecting bird has been spotted.

(6:05 p.m.) Horizon takes off with a purpose. I am mesmerized by her flying skills as I look up from street level. Knowing that my faithful camera is located two minutes away in my office is a hard pill to swallow. She flies directly above Albert Street and heads north of Bank Street. I observe a bird frantically flying towards the east of Bank Street with Horizon in hot pursuit. They are now hidden from view and I do not know for certain the outcome of this chase where one bird might not survive.

Wednesday October 20, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:35 a.m.) It is drizzling in Ottawa this morning. Horizon is on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building oblivious to the weather. (7:42 a.m.) She rises from her comfortable position on the Standard Life Building and flaps her wings a few times. She takes off towards the east and returns less than a minute later. She must have seen something and gone out to investigate.

(8:00 a.m.-8:25 a.m.) Horizon is now on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel preening and might actually stand still and in one place for awhile. Connor has made himself scarce since Monday. He is probably nearby on another building but I cannot see him.

(1:25 p.m.) I've found Connor, but now I've lost track of Horizon. Connor is on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It is a breezy and cool afternoon in Ottawa and Connor is taking the time to relax on his perch.

(5:10 p.m.) Horizon has returned from her travels. She is observed preening on the NE, 3rd level inside perch on the Constitution Square Building. Connor is nowhere to be found. His last visit was short and sweet. Horizon is faithfully protecting and defending her nest area from any potential intruders.

Thursday October 21, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:40 a.m.) It is a cool day in Ottawa and Horizon is comfortably settled on the very tip of the antenna on the Standard Life Building. (7:50 a.m.) Something has distracted her and she takes off towards the east. She returns a minute later and continues to stand guard over her territory. (8:10 a.m.) She is off towards the east again and out of site for the time being.

(11:10 a.m.) Horizon is consuming her meal on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Black, white and gray feathers are twirling in the wind around her. She alternates between eating and lifting her head to have a look around. (12:25 p.m.) Horizon is still on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is further inside the left section of the NE corner and has distanced herself from the carcass.

(12:45 p.m.) Our adventurous female falcon is no longer within sight and I'm hoping she might coax Connor into returning to the nest site area.

Friday October 22, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:20 p.m.) Unfortunately I have not seen Horizon since 11:10 a.m. yesterday morning. This is very unusual since I usually observe our falcons interacting during the wee hours of the morning. Connor might have been waiting for Horizon at some pre-determined location. Time will tell if they have chosen to migrate south.

Monday October 25, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:20 a.m.-9:00 a.m.) Horizon is not ready to leave Ottawa just yet. I instinctively looked out the window and saw Horizon in flight as she left her perch on the Standard Life Building antenna. She headed east and a few moments later she landed on the 4th level perch from the bottom of the Constitution Square Building. She is keeping an eye on her surroundings and she is observed preening. Horizon was out of sight all day Friday, October 22nd and I cannot say for certain if she was here this past weekend. Where she has been is a mystery. Connor has remained absent from the nest area since Monday, October 18th. I can only hope that he is not injured.

Tuesday October 26, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (10:35 a.m.) Horizon is on the 3rd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building. Her feathers are ruffled as she scans her surroundings. She is spending less time near the nest area since late last week. I miss seeing her impressive flying skills early in the morning.

(12:35 p.m.) Horizon has not moved an inch since this morning. She is still on the 3rd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building. It was raining about an hour ago and our falcon chose to remain on her perch. The sun is now shining bright and a light misty rain is falling.

Wednesday October 27, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:40 a.m.) Horizon is observed preening on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Sunlight is barely filtering through this gloomy looking morning in Ottawa. Seagulls are flying undisturbed above and around Horizon's nest, even a pigeon is safe for the time being. (8:15 a.m.) Horizon continues to guard her nest and keep a lookout towards Lebreton Flats.

(4:30 p.m.) Horizon has returned to her favorite perch on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She resumes scanning the west of Ottawa towards Lebreton Flats. She appears to be keeping a predictable routine this week. It has been a rather uneventful time for falcon watching. (4:45 p.m.) I am passing by the nest area and I observe Horizon preening as the sunlight warms her feathered body.

Thursday October 28, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:30 a.m.) I am walking towards Kent/Queen Streets on this chilly morning. I look up towards the nest area and see a welcoming sight. Horizon is on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Her feathers are ruffled and her head is tucked in her neck as she is resting. The sun is solely illuminating that section of the hotel and Horizon proudly stands guard in the sunlight.

(7:52 a.m.) I have this feeling that she is preparing to take off and she does with such gracefulness and speed. She heads behind the Constitution Square Building towards Minto Place. She keeps to the south her wings fully expanded as she hunts with such precision and skill.

(7:53 a.m.) Horizon is victorious and is observed returning from behind the Constitution Square Building. She flies towards the nest area and settles herself on the NE corner of the Constitution Square Building with her kill. The familiar sight of twirling feathers is evident as she begins to consume her meal. She takes a few bites and walks away and turns her back to the carcass. She is now facing east with the sun warm and bright on her feathers. Horizon is back to her old self again since Connor's departure.

(4:30 p.m.) I am walking towards Kent Street and as I look towards the Constitution Square Building, I notice Horizon on the NE, 3rd level from the bottom perch of that building. She appears quite content to scan the surrounding area. (5:45 p.m.) Horizon is no longer on the Constitution Square Building or anywhere near her nest.

Friday October 29, 1999
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (9:09 a.m.) It is a cool and sunny day in Ottawa. As I look out the window, I see dark feathers dancing in the wind. Horizon is on the NE corner of the Standard Life Building consuming her meal. Large patches of feathers are captured in the wind and are carried away towards the south. Unlike yesterday, she appears to be hungry and is taking her time to eat the bird she's killed.

(12:10 p.m.) On the sidewalk underneath the NE corner of the Standard Life Building is part of the bird that Horizon consumed this morning. Black feathers with white circles towards the edge have fallen to the ground. Everyone passing by this area must unfortunately witness the gruesome sight of a bird's head lifelessly lying on the pavement. It is a striking bird with a black/white head and a bright red slash of color on his cheek. This is a harsh scene to witness. Nonetheless people passing by make it a point to stop and take a closer look at the dead carcass. How tragic that one bird must give its life to sustain another. Life in the animal kingdom is without a doubt based on the survival of the fittest.

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