The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

Wednesday May 30, 2007
(The Webmaster reports:) The date of the banding ceremony has been set for June 4th, 2007. For more information, click here.

Friday May 11, 2007
Mark Nash reports: Maybe a forth hatchling!!

With many thanks to the staff at the MEC centre, I was able to gain access this afternoon to view the small black and white monitor that carries the live camera image of the MEC nest box. While the attending adult female was not about to give much up as to a great view of her new hatchlings that she is brooding, it does look like there are four hatchlings now in the nest bowl. All of the fluffy white chicks were huddled tightly together, and it was very difficult to get good head count. The adult female was not giving much up as far as a good opportunity to see much, but on one occasion she got up and walked over to the nest box ledge and gave us a short view.

Tuesday May 8, 2007
Mark Nash reports: Three hatchlings!!

I am delighted to report that we have been able to confirm that there has been a hatch at the MEC nest site. After spending several hours watching the nest box from both the street level and finally going to the nest box monitor, we can confirm the presence of three small white fluffy hatchlings. Congratulations MEC !!!

I will check again later this week to get another peak to see if the last egg will hatch.

Friday May 4, 2007
Emma Stainton reports: Spent some additional time this afternoon after school visit to take a look at the MEC birds. Hard incubation is still underway and no sign of a hatch as yet.
The adult female was sitting tight and sleeping, and showed no restlessness at all during my watch. While the black and white TV monitor that is hooked up to the camera doesn’t give the clearest views, it does allow a very close up look at the nest bowl and the incubating adults with in the box.
Fingers crossed that we should see evidence of a hatch any time now.

Wednesday May 2, 2007
Emma Stainton reports:
At MEC today, I observed the female was incubating in the nest box. Whenever she got up to reposition herself, I was able to catch a few quick glances and was able to confirm at least 2 eggs, although it appeared that there may also be a third. No hatches as of yet. Whenever she did get up, after making herself comfortable she began to pick through the gravel. Also, she was clearly waiting for dinner as she had no visible crop and appeared to be keeping an eye out for the male. The female also preened herself and seemed for the most part, quite relaxed. Although I did also observe her vocalizing at something, perhaps other birds in the area (or the male). I went out to MEC #3 to see if I could spot the male and eventually did spot him high on the rooftop of MEC #1. He was most certainly keeping a close eye on me, but also made time to preen himself too. So, no hatches as of yet, but the pair seem to be doing very well.

Saturday March 31, 2007
Mark Nash reports: Eggs are being incubated!!
We are delighted to report that the MEC peregrines are in fact currently incubating eggs in the nest box. Congratulations MEC!!
I was able to spend the better part of the day watching the MEC adults, and observed several changing of the guards while the pair were very active in their incubation duties.While we are unsure of the actual time of egg production and when full time incubation occurred, a stepped up monitoring will commence to watch for indications of hatch.

Wednesday March 28, 2007
Lois Todd reports: It appears we have a pair residing at the nest box on MEC1. I've been happily watching from my office's windows two Peregrines flying together, performing some beautiful moves (particularly on windy days). They often perch on the "Dejsardins" sign on MEC4. I guess it's time to bring my binoculars to work and start watching them!

Sunday March 25, 2007
Dan Suess reports: Pair observed perched at #1 and #3 Robert Speck Parkway respectively. One atop the nesting area (at #1) and the other adjacent to the D of the Desjardins sign.

Thursday August 3, 2006
Mark Nash reports: Mortality - Lynnette
It is with great sadness that I must report that Lynnette’s condition has not improved at all, as she has not responded to the emergency treatment. Her entire hind end was flaccid - she was unable to use her legs and had no righting reflex in the tail. She was treated her with steroid anti-inflammatory and fluids in an effort to bring down any swelling and to re-hydrate her but sadly there has been no improvement over the last 48 hours. After much consultation with two veterinarians involved with her case both agreed that euthanasia was the most humane option given the seriousness of her condition. Sadly, Lynnette was euthanized today.

Tuesday August 1, 2006
Mark Nash reports: “Lynnette” injured
It appears that we have more tragic news from the MEC nest site regarding another juvenile fledgling from MEC. The young fledgling named “Lynnette” impacted a window today in the Hwy # 10 and 401 area. Tracy was able to retrieve her and get her to the Toronto Wildlife to their downsview facility for emergency treatment. She has suffered spinal trauma due as a result of the collision with the building windows at approx. 7:45 am in the morning. Wendy has lost the use of both her legs and can not stand upright. Treatment was administered immediately upon her arrival in an effort to bring down any swelling that might be causing some of the problem. Sadly, this type of serious injury usually spells bad news. Her prognosis is not good at all. Given that this bird is not able to stand at all, she is forced to lye on her side (or chest), and with no rib cage to support her own weight, breathing at the best of times in this position is difficult as you can imagine. With our sincere thank you to the quick action of Mr., Lubomir Dzamba and all of his staff for rescuing Lynnette from the ground after the impact, and looking after her prior to our arrival.

Saturday July 8, 2006

Thursday July 6, 2006
Bruce Massey reports: I had an opportunity to spend a few hours at the MEC nest site today to do a spot check on the three juveniles. While I was not able to clearly identify the individual birds by their name due to the distances involved, I had a delightful afternoon watching the three fledglings interact with one another as they were observed investigating many of the hi-rise building rooftops in the neighborhood. Both parents were involved at one point in the chase and pursue games that I witnessed.

Wednesday June 21, 2006
Mark Nash reports: Sadly, I was unable to get out to the MEC watch earlier, as I was out of town most of the day doing a speaking engagement in Nanticoke Ontario with both Falon and Alex. We all had a very busy day indeed after being on the road for more than six hours, fighting the constant traffic jams both to and from Nanticoke Ontario. Needless to say, despite all of the road work and distances that we have already traveled today, it was a very good day. A refreshing brake from the fledge watch, (as stressful as day it was as my thoughts were still focused on the watch and the potential havoc that could be going on) , it was nice to be with two members of our feathered family.

I am absolutely delighted to have been able to spend some quality time with Falon, and Alex of course. Falon spent most of the 3 plus hour road trip while traveling down to Nanticoke out of the carrier on the passenger seat beside me looking out of the car window at all of the scenes, and while I must admit that she is not much of a conversationalist, her body language throughout the trip down told me a huge story indeed! She roosted, preened, and periodically vocalized at me looking for a food hand out. I suspect that despite the fact that she would never have actually been interested in chocolate munchies I had, she was annoyed that I was obviously eating something, and she was not! Talk about a couch potato!!! Alex on the other hand, was more than happy to sleep in the darkness of her carrier as this time of the day is really her sleep time.

Having only just arrived in MEC at 5:00 pm, I quickly set up at my usual watch spot at MEC # 4, much to my delight, (and relief), I observed all three juveniles on the upper roof ledges of the nest building!! Over the course of the next 3 hours, I witnessed two of the three fledglings fly around the building, to the nest ledge and box, then back to the upper roof ledges. Now easily identified by their bright coloured red and white tape, it was much easier to identify who is who, (and who is missing) with the binoculars. Head counts and identification is MUCH EASIER!!

At the end of my watch, both Peter and Lynnette seem to be flying OK, and holding their altitude. They were starting to play with one another and were giving me quite a show indeed. They are learning quickly, and seem to be quite excited about their new 3-D world, as they are doing a lot of exploring!! We believe we have managed to get hem through the worst of it, and the rest is up to their parents.

The young juvenile - Julie was on the upper roof ledges of MEC #1, and although I did not see her fly, I suspect that she too may now be able to hold her altitude. The juveniles will be around the nest ledge for the next 90 plus days, as they are still very much dependant on their adult parents for food, protection, and of course MUCH training, as they are trained by their parents for the art of skilled flight, the art of pursuing, chasing, and hunting, an addition to actually catching food. The best of the best is still yet to come as far as incredible viewing and observations! This is the best stuff!!

Shortly after 9 pm, the cell phone was ringing again, and I was forced to leave the MEC watch to travel across the city to pick up an injured falcon in Scarborough Ontario. I dashed back to the Vaughan to the CPF raptor centre to return Falon and Alex, and proceeded to the east of the city. Upon arrival, the bird turned out to a recently fledged Kestrel, one that had Been grounded for the past 3 days. After it was examined for injuries, we fed the little guy. While although still very aggressive, he willing took the mouse meat that was offered. I advised the good folks that had been caring for the bird to return it at daylight the next day to the spot that it was found, (in a safe elevated spot) allowing its parents to find him and take over. Home early by midnight.
Stay tuned……………

Monday June 19, 2006
Mark Nash reports: A much better day to report in comparison to the tow previous days. While the wind is still relentless, the heat and humidity was much better to tolerate today, and the constant breeze was actually welcomed. Upon my arrival, I quickly focused my attention to the nest box and ledge, and please to report that Julie was still on the nest ledge hanging around nest box. It was obvious that she had not taken her first flight.

I then quickly focused my attention to the canopy rooftop at MEC # 1 to look for Peter, who I was held up on the canopy roof at darkness last night as I left. Much to my surprise, Peter was found BACK on the nest ledge elevations several ledges west of the nest box. He had obviously made it back to the ledges on his own early in the morning before I got there.

Lynnette was found on the upper roof top ledge on the west site of MEC #1. She had obviously found her way up to these ledges from the roof top where I have released her last night.

All was quiet for the most part of the day, until 8 pm. Mom was observed on flying into the south side upper ledges of MEC #2 with a food package. Looked like a white coloured pigeon, as it was a very large package. She proceeded to pluck (de-feather) it, while occasionally taking a few bites for herself. She then flew over to the southeast corner of the MEC#1 and landed. That’s when the fun started. With much vocalizing from Julie and Peter, Julie attempted to hop over to mom, and in all of the excitement, slipped off the ledge, and down she came. Not a good maiden flight as you might expect, pushed by the wind, she ended up crashing into the glass of the building while trying to get altitude and return to the nest ledge. She bounced off the windows, dropped several more floors, and again did a face plant into the windows. At this point, I though that she had been killed as her wings folded up, she dropped straight down15 plus floors to the pavement at ground level.

I rushed from the rear parking lot of MEC #4 where my vehicle as parked, abandoning everything in an effort to get to her as soon as I could. With my heart (and lungs) throbbing as I arrived at MEC #1, incredibility, Julie was located standing in and upright position on the sidewalk outside the BMO suite windows at the south west corner of MEC #1. Un-hurt, slightly scuffed over the right eye, she charged directly at me!!!! Thank god for my coat in hand that protected me, as she literally attacked me! (Like I was responsible for her fall)!!

She was quickly captured up in my coat all in the same motion as she latched on to my pant legs during her charge. Talk about being peeeeeved ! She was then carefully examined for other injuries, and was then placed in the rescue box that MEC security has been kind enough to store in the fire room for us – for this very purpose. Julie was left in the fire room in the cool quite until darkness, when she will be examined one more time before being released to the roof of the nest building.

Moments after I arrived back outside, Lynnette was observed in flight, - (sort of), with wings spread being lifted by the wind just like a kite from the nest ledge elevation where she had been roosting. Wings stretched out, wobbly and no flapping at all!! She was lifted by the wind to the upper roof ledges – northwest corner of MEC#1 and disappeared from my view atop of the roof area. I searched the north areas around MEC #1 but she was not seen again during my watch.

At darkness, MEC security assisted me with the release of Julie back to the roof of the nest building – (MEC#1). As with Lynnette the day earlier at her release, I applied a small piece of coloured tape to her USFW band, to make it easier for us to identify each of the birds without having to use a spotting scope. Julie got a WHITE PIECE OF TAPE, and Lynnette was given a RED PIECE OF TAPE on her USFW band. They both still have their solid black bands on. With at the heights that the birds are at, there is no way you can read the digits with a 75 plus power scope, and lots of time, and this coloured tape will make it MUCH easier to ID the birds.

This will make it easier to both identify and keep track of the fledgling as they are flying around. The MEC buildings are very tall indeed, and it is impossible to identify the birds without a spotting scope, and even then it is almost impossible unless you are very close. With this coloured tape being so visible with the sue of binoculars, even one person can identify the birds, making it much easier to tell if you have a missing or lost bird. Photos included with this report.

Stay tuned………

Sunday June 18, 2006
Mark Nash reports: If you like lots of sun light, 75 to 80 plus degrees, very hot humid temps, with the humid X above 30% mixed in with some smog, than I would say today was a very good day indeed! Despite the brutal heat and humidity, it was actually a very good day for peregrines today. Due to the 16 hours I have spent in the streets today, I will be very short with my report, as its after midnight, and I will be out on the streets again tomorrow by 5 am.

With the incredible day long winds from the North West, blowing all that hot air around, the two remaining juveniles survived another day. For the most parts of the day, the two juveniles were not very active at all, as they sent most of their day lounging around on the nest ledge and nest box. I guess the heat and humidity was having the same affect on us all. I spent several hours searching for the missing fledgling that disappeared from my sight line yesterday on its maiden flight. The 75 power scope proved very useful today, as I was able to clearly identify the remaining two chicks on the nest box. Peter and Julie were identified by their band numbers. Lynnette was the one missing from the day before, and is still missing.

Just as I though that the rest of the day would be quiet, around 3:10 pm, Lynette suddenly started flapping as she ran from the nest box out onto the ledge. At this very moment, a huge guest of wind literally swept him off of the ledge as if he had been shot out of a canon. Down he came, pushed by the wind, flapping as hard as he could. As he crossed over to the south of Robert Spec parkway, he managed to turn north and cross back over to the north side of Robert Spec towards MEC #1 – (the nest building). By this time he was almost at ground level, and amazingly he was able to land on the covered area in from of the entrance of MEC#1 – about 18 feet above ground level . I quickly packed up my scope and tripod, got into the car and drove to the west parking area of MEC #1, and parked. She certainly was confused as he ran back and forth the roof ledges of the over head canopy for the next few hours. Finally at 7:30, he finally ran out of steam, and settled down on the roof of the canopy.

At approx. 6:50 pm, and much to my surprise, Lynnette was observed walking towards my parked vehicle – walking on the side walk on the west site of MEC #1. As I quickly scrambled to collect the towel, take my sun glasses off, put my binoculars down and open the door to get out to the car, Lynnette had walked/ traveled literally to the base of my driver’s side door. As I sprang out of the car, she was at my feet. Needless to say, we were both quite shocked to see each other so close. As she froze, I grabbed!! Absolutely the best, quickest capture up I have ever experienced!! After a through examination, she was placed in the rescue carrier and held for release until dark. She was later examined before release and was placed back onto the nest building roof top by 10 pm.

As I packed up to leave, Peter was still laying down almost asleep on the upper canopy roof in front of MEC #1 where he had landed hours before, Lynnette was on the upper roof of the nest building, and Julie remained in position on the nest box.

A big thank you to security for assisting me to get Lynnette back to the roof! Photos of Lynnette and Peter were taken at the time, and available for your viewing on the MEC nest site photo gallery

Sunday June 18, 2006

Saturday June 17, 2006
Mark Nash reports: I had reported several days ago that one of the Etobicoke watch days was the day from hell, but I stand to be corrected. Extremely hot & humid, muggy and no place to hide from the sun! This was the best part of the day, as we had to deal with yet another death today. Paula, one of the juveniles took her first flight today and it ended up in disaster and mortality. Sadly, on her return to the nest ledge on her maiden flight, the tail wind was simply too much for her inexperience and pushed her ever so faster forward. It was simply too much for her to control her speed, and despite her mom’s efforts to steer her away, she collided with the building and fell a dozen floors down the glass to pavement at ground level. Paula was retrieved and boxed and held by MEC security out of the heat until we packed up at the end of the day.

Just after 7:00 pm, the second juvenile took flight, flying to the south east, again pushed by the tail wind, and again with both adult parents in the air at her side. They managed to steer her around back north into the wind but she simply couldn’t hold her altitude and ended up to the north beyond our view in the tall trees down in the valley. After almost two hours of searching, we were unable to locate her position. As darkness fell, the last two juveniles were observed roosting quietly on the nest box. The one little hatchling believed to be Peter, the only male still has fluff on his head and was cautious even to come out to the nest box porch, while his remaining sister was roosting on the ledge of the nest box porch looking quite confident.

We suspect that the one will attempt it first flight tomorrow, and be back at 5 am / first light to be in position. Photos have been submitted of Paula to show you what happens when peregrines meet glass at high speed. A sad day indeed.

With thanks to Emma and her recently recruited boyfriend who toughed it out in the heat, and Marion by my side throughout the ordeal.

Saturday June 17, 2006

Thursday June 15, 2006
Mark Nash reports: Once again this afternoon, three of the hatchlings were observed out of the nest box running around and both playing and exploring on the ledges to the left and right of the nest box. The adults came in several time over the 4 hours that I was there to feed the chicks. The forth chick, believed to be the same one I observed yesterday in the nest box did not show itself until the very end of my watch. It did not show any interest at all when the parents brought in food to its other three siblings. Not much flapping going on today at all, but three of them were very active exploring the other ledges to the west of the nest ledge. They are getting bolder, and seem to really enjoy this hid and seek game with each other. Quite a sight to see these birds playing like this.

I closed the watch in the evening just before dark, as the birds had returned to the nest box. Still no flights today, but we are getting very close to a fledge. Most of their fluffy down is gone, and I suspect that we will have a fledge on the weekend.

Wednesday June 14, 2006
Mark Nash reports: Several hours were spent today at the MEC nest site spot checking the birds. Surprisingly there is very little activity at this nest site today. While three of the girls are very mobile, now out of the nest box, there is very little flapping going on. They have although learned that they can drop below the back of the nest ledge to get some shade and a cool spot from the sun. They run under the nest box and pop up onto the nest ledge on the other side of the box. It appears that they are making quite a game of it. The forth hatchling is still in the nest box and doesn’t seem very interested at all in his siblings activities, and given his/her behavior, I know that this little guy/gal may be a challenge at fledge time, and one to watch very closely.

I can’ believe at the amount of food that the parents are bring in during my observation time today, as they have been in seven times with small food packages for the hatchlings.

Tuesday June 13, 2006
Mark Nash reports: Arriving in the later afternoon, we were faced with the terrible thought that one of the hatchlings had already fledged prior to us getting there. Three of the hatchlings were very visible, two running around on the nest ledge, and a third was very active in the nest box. The juveniles have learned to jump off the nest ledge, and are able to run under the nest box to the other end of the nest ledge. Scary from our view from ground level, as they are constantly missing from view as they jump down behind the nest ledge and out of view. One second they are there in your view, and literally at the blink of your eye, one or more are missing!! Needless to say while one of us stayed glued to the nest ledge and nest box, the other searched the valley and creek area for the missing forth hatchling! After more than 5 hours of combined ground searching, and dissecting every tree and every tree branch, and every patch of ground we could get at, we were not able to locate the missing hatchling. During this entire period, mom flew in on two occasions to feed the three juveniles on the nest ledge and in the box. As darkness closed in at around 9:20 pm, we gave up hope and started to pack up the spotting scopes, tripods, and bins. Just as I was putting the last pair of bins away, I focused one more time on the darkened nest box only to see the four juveniles at the box!!

A very frustrating evening to say the least, panic stricken that we had lost one at this site, (while still mentally trying to deal with the mortality already experienced at the Etobicoke Clarica centre nest site yesterday, I can’t tell you how relieved we were to see all four juvi’s at the nest box safe and sound. While all of the juveniles were active running around, not much flapping was observed at all, and all have allot of while down still on them.. We are still s few days away from fledgling it would seem.

Thursday June 1, 2006
Mark Nash reports: Banding Day!

A great day indeed! Assembled in the lobby of MEC 1 again this year, and everyone seemed every bit as excited as I was. With many thanks to Oxford Properties, Sky Reach and our good friends at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, along with some 100 plus attendees, the banding went without a hitch again this year and was a great success. This year’s 4 hatchlings were as feisty as ever, and included 3 female hatchlings and one male. Many photos were taken by several photographers this year, and you can see them all in the 2006 MEC nest site photo gallery.

We were all delighted to have some special guests in attendance as one of the local schools attended this year with class of children to both witness and assist with the banding event this year.

For the most parts, the banding went without a twist, - with one small exception. While the banding went routinely, the adult peregrines made sure that the event was a memorable one for the crowd as they gathered outside of MEC 1 to watch the young hatchlings being removed from the nest box. With the swing stage in position, after having been lowered down from the roof to the nest box, the resident adult female showed her displeasure by stooping John, a biologist from the OMNR, and grabbing his MNR hat right off his head. The adult female then carried the hat across the courtyard over to MEC # 3, and dropped it just short of the roof top ledge. As the hat fell from the sky down the side of the building, both resident adults joined in a chase for the hat as it fell to the ground level.

I guess they vented a little of that good old peregrines attitude at Johns hat. Better the hat than his head!! The peregrines hatchlings were returned to the nest box no worse for wear, and settled down back to life as usual, much to the delight of the adult peregrine parents!

The four hatchlings were named: Peter, Lynnette, Julie and Paula.
A huge thank you to the Oxford properties management group and the MEC staff for making such a great day!

Wednesday May 10, 2006
Mark Nash reports: 4 hatchlings confirmed!!! Once again, a little stressed with the many ongoing activities of the season, (and a very busy time indeed), I am happy to report that we can confirm that there has been a hatch at the MEC nest site!!

I attended the roof area of MEC #3 this afternoon and I was able to confirm the presence of four hatchlings in the nest box. Given their size, (and with mom doing her best to conceal the four hatchlings in the nest box) I believe that they are about six days old given what I was able to see – (and photograph). This would put the hatch on or about May 3rd or 4th /2006.

Dad, or (Sal as he was named, having been produced at the Hamilton nest site in 2001) was observed in person, and up quite close, (clearly identified by his band number), as he visited me on MEC 3.

Mom, and un-banded adult female, - (different to the adult banded female from last year), also paid me a visit, and while she was not vocal, - she did stay in my face – literally, for over an hour! Sal took over brooding activities in the nest box while the adult female took up position several feet from my observation position on MEC 3. She roosted, preened, and gave me some very nasty looks for over an hour while roosting not more than 3 feet from where I was sitting. During this time, I was able to snap a close to a 100 photo’s with the digital camera.

About an hour and a half into my observations, she obviously had enough of my presence, and made it very clear that I had overstayed by welcome by flying directly at my head, grabbing and removing the CPF base ball cap from my head, and carrying it off the roof top, where she released it mid-air several feet from the edge of the roof top. At this point I packed up and made a very hasty departure!!

I was able to recover my CPF cap upon my arrival at ground level while on route back to the car. Other than a few new holes, no worse from wear.

Wednesday April 19th, 2006
Mark Nash reports for Maya Basdeo: We have Eggs!! (April 2nd)

Apologize for the lack of updates, as it has been a very busy spring indeed with peregrine season in full swing. There is much activity everywhere as you can imagine given the time of year. I am relaying Maya's observations on her behalf:

The MEC peregrine nest has been very active indeed these days, and while we are behind in getting our update into the CPF web master, we can confirm that the pair is currently down on eggs, as the pair is well into full time incubation mode. Both Maya and Bruce have been spot checking the activities of the adults, and have confirmed that full time incubation is underway as of May 9th, with the likelihood of the first egg(s) having been laid April 1st or April 2nd. Maya was able to confirm the presence of at least three eggs in the nest on April 9th, with the likelihood of there being four eggs. We are expecting a hatch date around the middle of the first week of May. Our fingers are crossed that there is a successful hatch again this year!

Tuesday April 11th, 2006
Lois Todd reports: I was coming back from lunch today when a crow flew by my building at 1 Robert Speck Parkway. A Peregrine immediately charged off the ledge at the top of the building and gave chase. They did some aerial manoeuvers around the Mississauga Executive Centre buildings before the crow flew off south. The Peregrine gave up at Burnamthorpe and returned to the ledge. I haven't heard of any nesting activity, and if the Peregrine had been after food, the crow would probably not have escaped, so I can only assume it was "fun".

Thursday September 1, 2005
Mark Nash reports: With fall just around the corner, reports have been streaming in that things have got very quiet at many of the urban nests sites, and with the absence of the juveniles, it is nice to see at least that many of the urban adults are still on territory, with reports of many of them still spending time on the nest ledges.

Now independent, and hunting on their own, it would appear that many of the juveniles have either moved on, or have dramatically expanded their hunting areas taking them farther away from the home territories. We remember years past, while very closely monitoring some of the peregrine nest sites, we witnessed the adults on more than one occasion actually chasing their offspring out of the territory as October moved in. It is believed that the adults reach a point that they will simply no longer tolerate the harassment for food from their offspring, (in addition to sharing the territory with the kids), and "encourage" their young to move on. Sooner or later, the urge move on overwhelms them, as in the peregrine release sites that we have been doing over the years, the juveniles simply stop returning to the hack boxes for the food being provided by the hack site attendants.

Saturday July 23, 2005
Bruce Massey reports: With what happened last week, with the little male taking off and not being seen, I decided to do a sweep of the area. Therefore, I walked north to Rathburn, South of Central Parkway, West on Mississauga Valley, and then north on the West side of Square One and back East along Rathburn. Over all this took about five hours, but with lunch and breaks it was probably about four hours. During this time, I saw a) An immature female kiting over Robert Speck Parkway and circling up in the clouds until I lost her, and in the Kaneff antenna, a possible hit on the missing male (however, by the time I got closer the bird flown away. ) and an adult flying in the vicinity of the nest building.

Thursday July 14, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 7 PM to 9:30 PM

As I was driving South on Hurontario street, approaching the MEC buildings, I saw a juvenile chasing a bird right above my car. It was flying N. I parked my car at MEC #3 and started my rounds. Nothing... Made my way behind MEC #2 facing South. Stayed there for quite a long time. Nothing... Walked around the buildings again and made my way to back the same spot behind MEC #2.

Around 8:30 PM, I was coming back towards MEC #3 when I finally spotted the juveniles and another bird. This other individual took off to quickly for me to be able to establish if it might have been Ox or not. I lost sight of that bird but continued watching the girls. They were at the condo's N of the MEC buildings. They were having a blast, soaring together, chasing each other. It was truly a pleasure to see them doing so well.

Suddenly, Sun flew towards me, as I was focussing on her, I lost sight of Mecca. Sun flew right between MEC #1 and MEC #3 where all hell broke loose. I was able to see 4 birds in attack mode. I thought that maybe OX was back and that they were chasing after him. From where I was standing, they flew below the tree line and I heard a horrible scream. I started running towards where the commotion took place. When I got there, I spotted an adult perched E on the CIBC building. Then a minute later, I saw Sun land on the E corner of MEC #1 with prey, she quickly took off and flew the her dinner table, MEC #1 S corner where she proceeded to eat her meal. After she finished her dinner, she flew off to MEC #3 and then took off again. I didn't see where she went. Didn't see where Mecca went either. By that time, it was getting dark, what a night!!! Sure hope that Ox is doing okay.

Wednesday July 13, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 6:15 AM to 8:45 AM

Arrived at MEC. The girls were already up and about. Took me a little bit of time to finally spot one juvenile and an adult. These two seemed to fallow each other. Perched on the same building, then, about 20 minutes later, changing location. All I saw while I was there was these two birds. I really don't think that Ox's in the area. Will try again later.

2 PM to 6 PM

Back at MEC. Upon my arrival, I immediately spotted one adult perched on the Kaneff antenna and a juvenile perched in the shade on top of a window pane facing East. The reason I decided to go at this time of the day is because it was so hot, I figured that the birds wouldn't be very active and that way, I could walk around and try to spot the other family members.

I was right, these two birds did not move for at least 3 hours. I walked around all the way to Hurontario and looked everywhere but didn't see any sign of the others. Around 5 PM, the adult took flight and landed on the adjacent window pane close to the juvenile. The juvenile took off and I lost sight of her behind the trees. Since I just couldn't take the heat anymore, I called it quits at 6 PM.

Tuesday July 12, 2005
Mark Nash reports: Little Ox has returned from OVC and is ready to go

After meeting with Mark Heaton from the Aurora district of the MNR this afternoon on the 407 to transfer "Linda" (one of the young fledgling peregrine falcons from the Toronto Sheraton nest site), we scheduled yet another meeting for later that evening, as he had some good news regarding "OX" (one of the injured juvenile peregrines from the Mississauga Executive Centre nest site). After having been treated by the Ontario Veterinary College, Small animal clinic, he was finally being released from their care and transferred back to the MEC nest site this evening. After suffering a dislocated jaw when he collided with one of the MEC office towers, he is now ready to be returned to his siblings and family.

Under the cover of darkness, at around 10 pm, I met with Guylaine and Mark Heaton at the MEC nest site, and with the help of building security, we were able to release OX back to the MEC 1 nest building roof top.

As usual, nothing with these guys happens as planned. After more than 14 other releases this season (so far), successfully using the cover of darkness for a release time (preventing the young from flying off the roof in panic - due in part to the cover of darkness) - the unexpected happened!
Ox took flight right out of the carrier, flew south east, and disappeared into the darkness!!!!
While I must admit this bird had no problem with his flight, and he gained altitude like a F-16 jet, it was a little disturbing to see this happen.

Guylaine, on the other hand, had been on site since the early evening, and had many sightings of the two siblings and both parents. Just as I arrived, at approx. 9:15 pm, she pointed out that one of the adults was in the middle of feeding the two female juveniles on the upper corner of MEC #1.

Stay tuned..........

Guylaine Drolet reports: 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Upon Ox's return/release at the MEC site, I decided to go to the watch a bit earlier to see how the girls were doing. It didn't take me long to spot them. By the time Mark Nash arrived, Mecca and Sun were perched on the S corner of MEC #1. Both very content with their full crops. They were settling for the evening.

Around 9:30 PM, Mark Heaton arrived to MEC with Ox. Shortly after, Ox was released on to the roof top of MEC #1. He took a panic flight didn't know where he was at. Shortly after, I spotted him perched on the SW corner to MEC #2. He stayed there for about 10 minutes. He then took off to an unknown location. Unfortunately, we didn't see him take flight.

Saturday July 9, 2005
Ted Perz reports: I was fortunate enough today to observe a pair of peregrines for 68 minutes at 10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle. This is the taller of the two buildings that comprise the Emerald Centre, on the west side of Hurontario, one block north of the 403. My vantage point is a 15th floor condo across the street, to the west. I use a spotting scope with a 15-40 power zoom eyepiece. The viewing distance is about 180 m (600 feet). The roof of 10 KGC is a popular roost for pigeons and starlings. The edge is bounded by a low parapet of about 25 cm (10") height. At severals places the parapet extends upwards to a total height of about 55 cm (22"). My view of most of the roof surface is obscured by this parapet.

17:59 - The calling of an adult was the first thing to catch my attention. It was flying in a northwesterly direction above the intersection of Kingsbridge GC and Tucana Court. Moments later I saw an immature on the high parapet on the west side, with dinner firmly in its talons. The pigeon must have been killed moments before, as it was still almost completely feathered. As the immature falcon alternated between plucking out feathers around the neck and pulling off pieces of flesh, strong winds were pushing them along the parapet. A couple of times, I was sure they would both be blown right off the roof.

18:12 - By luck, or perhaps by design, the falcon finally dropped its dinner onto the roof, and hopped down to continue its meal, out of the wind ... and my sight. For almost half an hour, all I could see were the tufts of feathers, that were being occasionally blown over the side.

18:40 - The immature falcon reappeared on the low parapet, without the pigeon.

18:41 - The adult landed nearby on the high parapet with much ensuing vocalizing, which I could plainly, hear, despite the traffic noise and the 180 m distance. Moments later, it had gathered the remains of the pigeon and retreated to extreme northwest corner of the parapet. The adult continued its squabbling while eating what was left of the pigeon.

18:52 - Half of the remainng carcass broke off and fell to the ground, whereupon the adult flew off and landed moments later on the north low parapet.

19:03 - The adult flew off to the north, did a clockwise "victory lap" around the building and continued out of sight to the northwest.

19:07 - The immature, who had remained quite still while the adult had been eating, departed in almost the exact same manner as the adult, complete with "victory lap".

Wednesday July 6, 2005
Ted Perz reports: At about 8AM, an immature Peregrine landed on the southwest corner of the roof of the Emerald Centre (10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle), where it was harrassed by a Ring-billed Gull. It stayed for no more than five minutes.

Thursday June 30, 2005
Bruce Massey reports: Upon arrival at Mississauga, I easily found the two adults, but it took me an hour to find only one of the immatures. That bird was on the north side of MEC Two. This was not unusual, due to the fact that hours I was around there was at about 1130Hrs to 1230 Hrs. which of course are some hottest hours of the day.

Guylaine Drolet reports: 2:15 PM
All is well at MEC. Another very hot day today. The girls are keeping in the shade, staying put. Sun was perched on top of the nest box and Mecca was around the corner perched on MEC #1 facing NE. Mecca actually had one of her legs extended with her foot sticking out...

Monday June 27, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 4:15 PM
Upon arrival, I was delighted and relieved to see Mecca and Sun right at the nest ledge. Today was another very hot day and the girls didn't move much. I only stayed for 1/2 hour and decided to come back later to see how well they both fly.

Got back around 6:30 PM, Maya and I looked around, Mecca was at the nest ledge and Sun was off with dad at their new hang out spot, the radio antenna on the Kaneff building.

See Maya's report for more details on tonight's watch. I will say this, Mecca did not move from the nest ledge. She got fed. She took a nap, flat on her belly. We did not see her fly tonight. Sun was all over, she's doing very well.

I will try to stop in again tomorrow to see how well Mecca's doing/flying.

Sunday June 26, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 7:45 PM
I was sure that MEC would be a quick check. Was I ever wrong. Upon my arrival, no-one was home. Not a "peregrine" in sight. It was so quiet. I started doing my usual rounds. Walking around the buildings. First, MEC #3 and checking everywhere, roof tops, ledges, ground, MEC # NE side. Nothing.

I then proceeded to walk around MEC #1 (N) in the back. Carefully looking everywhere to try and spot these birds. Finally after a good 1/2 hour. I was walking south on Hurontario and I saw a juvenile chasing an adult. They were flying around and above the Kaneff building. They both flew over to the large red and white radio antenna and perched. The juvenile took off, did a nice turn around and landed very close to dad making him take off. Dad then flew back and perched him self to the highest spot he could find on the antenna. I saw him stoop twice. These two were on the hunt. Trying to keep them in my view, I decided to walk around MEC #2 and MEC #4. Still no sign of the other juvenile. As I came around the corner from MEC #4, I saw mom perched on the SW corner of MEC #3. She stayed there for quite a while. At this time, I don't have a visual of the other 2 anymore.

The sun was setting, the street lights were on. I was hoping that the 2 girls would come back to the nest box for the night. Mom suddenly takes off I saw her gliding low. She perched on the corner of a smaller building not far from MEC #1. A couple of minutes later, she flew back to MEC #2 and sure thing, there was a juvenile with her. Was it the same bird I saw hunting with dad earlier? Can't tell you. This juvenile goofed around on MEC #2 for a good 10 minutes, running on the ledges... Then she flew over to the nest box and that was it for her. I never saw another juvenile. I'm not sure if the juvenile that Mark Andrew saw yesterday is the same one I saw today. So, at this time, I'm going to assume that I'm missing a juvenile. I shall go back tomorrow and hopefully, I will see both Mecca and Sun simultaneously so that I know that they are both safe and doing well.

Saturday June 25, 2005
Mark Noseworthy reports: 2:15 pm. – 3:00 pm.
As I started walking around the buildings, none of the birds were in sight. Going along the west and then north side of MEC#1, an adult, coming from the east, flew right across my field of vision and then turned south to go over the building. I continued my walk around the building, still searching for the juveniles, and was then back in front of MEC#1. The adult was on the second-from-the-left (i.e., West) bank of windows on the south side of the building. It was still there at 3 o’clock, when I left to go to Etobicoke. Except for a couple of seconds of kak-ing as I walked south along the east side of the building, I heard nothing from the adults or juveniles.

5:15 – 6:00 pm.
When I arrived, one of the juveniles was on the leftmost bank of windows on the south face of MEC#1. She stayed there the whole time. I walked around for the 45 minutes, trying to locate the second girl. Right away I had seen something out of place on the east side of MEC#1 – up against the building wall, there seemed to be a dark lump or ball of something, but I really couldn't see it very well. I presume (and hope) it was feathers I was seeing, and that this was the second juvenile, because I didn’t see anything that looked more like a bird during my stay. During this visit, neither of the adults were visible. I heard no vocalizing from any peregrine either. Perhaps the small amount of flying and little sound is because of all of the intense heat the past couple of days? I certainly paid for moving as much as I did.

Thursday June 23, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: Located mom @ MEC #1 NE - same level as the nest ledge. Shortly after I saw dad @ MEC #1 a few ledges left from the nest box. Mecca's roosting on roof top ledge of MEC #1 S side and I finally see Sun at the nest ledge. She's being very vocal.

4 PM - The male brings a small snack to Sun at the nest ledge. Mom is soaring above MEC #1. Mecca seems oblivious to the fact that Sun just go served a tasty meal. But not for long! She's on the roof top ledge and is now "walking" her way towards the nest ledge. And eventually she turns around and "walks" back towards the S corner, near her dad which is now perched below her.

4:14 PM - Sun takes off from the nest box and does a quick right turn and flies straight up to the S corner of MEC #1 where Mecca is now roosting. Sun's kacking at Mecca, does a quick "fly-by" a soar and then she flies right above where I'm at over towards MEC #2. I lose sight of her and start running/looking for her. A few minutes later, I see her - she landed on the roof top ledge of MEC #1 and the 2 sisters are re-united.

4:30 PM - Mecca gets served her late afternoon snack by mom. Not sure where Sun's at? The whole time that she's eating, mom is soaring above, doing some quick fly-by's, many touch and go's. And quite a few landings near her daughter.

4:50 PM - Both adults in view, Mecca's still on the roof top. Don't know Sun's whereabouts at this time.

5 PM - Both sisters are roosting on roof top ledge of MEC #1 S side. Maya joins me.

6:10 PM - Maya and I have been watching at different posts for quite a while. The girls have been behaving themselves. I have a little snack to offer Maya, so I called her to tell her that "I'm on my way" to join her. Sure thing, as soon as I join Maya, Mecca takes off from the roof top of MEC #1 and flies all the way to the roof top of one of the Rathburn condos. She kept very good altitude and landed fairly well. A couple of minutes later, she flies right back to MEC #1, she really did well and adjusted her speed, landed on the same ledge as Sun. The girls are together again. Kisses and greetings are in order.

7 PM - Mecca's on top of the nest box. Sun's @ MEC #1 mid way N ledge. Dad s @ MEC #1 at the very NE corner and mom's @ MEC #2 on top of the building NE corner. Will they bring another snack for the babies?

7:15 PM - Mom takes off, flies over to Sun's ledge, does a quick touch & go. Mecca's gets up, she's standing really stretched out almost like she's standing on her tippy toes. Very curious of what's going on. It's really funny, I now know how to tell who's who when they are standing near each other and we can't see the red tape on Mecca's right band. Mecca's leg feathers are much lighter/paler than Sun's. It's almost like she's wearing pantyhose or something. Maybe we should nickname her "Mrs. pants." hehehe.... And to confirm all this, I finally managed to see the red tape on Mecca's leg band.

7:40 PM - Mom's back but no food. Dad, on 3 separate occasions, did stoops at birds who would fly near him.

8:30 PM - Both girls are @ the nest box. Maya saw dad fly towards Hurontario and Burnhamthorpe and Mom joined him. It must be hunting time. It's starting to get dark, the girls are patiently waiting.

9:30 PM - The street lights are on, mom and dad have not returned to the area. The girls have tucked themselves in. Maya and I concluded that mom and dad have gone out on a late dinner date together. After all, there's no need to worry, they have 2 baby sitters watching their babies. The parents must have decided to start keening their girls so that they can start hunting training very soon.

Wednesday June 22, 2005
Maya Basdeo reports: At around 3pm I received a phone call from Marion at CPF Head Office that a peregrine was down at MEC and was already in a rescue box. On arrival at MEC 1, Guylaine was waiting for me along with the lady who saved our bird. Upon my arrival, the young juvenile female was removed from its carrier, along with Guylaine's help , it was checked her over for obvious signs of injury or trauma. We are pleased to report that no serious signs of trauma was apparent at this time, but concerns regarding a very small amount of fresh blood was observed in her mouth. The young juvenile female was identified by her silver leg band as being that of the bird named "Mecca". She was put back in the rescue box and spritzed her in the mouth with a little water , and held over in a quiet cool location provided to us by MEC security until the CPF head office was again contacted to update them of the situation . I spoke to Marion, and then shortly after to Mark Nash. Although the bird did not appear to have sustained serious injuries, she seemed to be quite puffy over her breast area and I had never felt anything quite like it before.

After consultation with the Dr. Markus Luckwaldt D.V.M.,an avian vet at the Amhurst Veterinary hospital, and on his advise, it was agreed to hold Mecca over, and wait until Mark returned from the Brockville Hack Release site so that a further re-assessment of the bird could be done before she was released back to the roof.

I proceeded to the Etobicoke watch while Guylaine stayed in Mississauga to keep an eye on the last chick in the nest. Later that evening , Mark, Guylaine and myself met at MEC 1 to further assess the bird. She appeared healthy and the puffiness I was worried about turned out to be baby fat and down. No wonder she came down! Mecca was re- released back onto the nest building roof under the cover of darkness to prevent her from bolting off the roof top while being released. I'm sure the next time I go back to MEC and a bird stoops me, it will be her !!

We would like to send a very special thank you to Mary, who's calm and decisive actions saved Mecca's life. Great job!

Guylaine Drolet reports: 3:15 PM
Upon arrival, walking towards MEC #1 to go check on Mecca in the carrier, I made sure to get take a few minutes to get a visual of Sun on the nest ledge Sure thing, the "little" sister was resting right by the nest box. See Maya's post for details on Mecca's observations.

Tuesday June 21, 2005
Maya Basdeo reports: Before heading to MEC I spoke to Mark Nash. He had an update on Ox - it seems the X-Rays done at OVC show he has a dislocated jaw. His treatment is being discussed and the results of the blood work have yet to come in. It is our hope that Ox's stay at OVC be as short as possible. He does not fly well yet, which is obvious, and is still completely dependant on his parents to feed him. This is a critical time for him to be with his parents and siblings for his own sake. He is a wild bird and the less time he spends being 'observed' in captivity, the better his chances of survival.

I also got the bad news from Mark that Alba, the missing female, had a collision with one of the buildings and died as a result of her injuries. She will be missed. On a high note however, without the help of the CPF volunteers, the property managers, security personnel, and other concerned citizens, we could easily see a mortality rate of 90 percent. We still have the 2 other females and Ox.

On arrival at MEC I saw the adult male perched on MEC 1 a few sections to the left of the nest box. Neither of the juveniles were in sight. As I walked up the path between MEC 1 and MEC 3, the male flew out overhead and started kekking the alarm call. I looked around all over the horizon but no other birds were flying in the area. I put my binos on him once he'd landed, and followed his gaze to behind where I was standing. There, walking along the path under the cover of trees were two men, each walking their dogs. They stopped and chatted to me. It turns out the adults, more likely the male, HATE a particular big black Lab! No other dogs seem to bother him, just this particular dog. I explained to the dog's owner that it was nothing personal, that the young birds were fledging and it is probable this male had a bad encounter with a black Lab somewhere else and now is only being protective of his kids. The dog's owner was concerned for the safety of his pet. I advised them to stick to the trees when they walk their dogs. The two young females appeared to see what all the fuss was about, and the male continued to yell in protest and circled overhead a few times. It is unusual for peregrines to be that bothered by anything on the ground. They typically tend to defend against arial threats, although all evening various gulls were allowed safe passage as they flew by.

Around 8:15pm I saw the male take off in a definite hunting flight. I have seen both adults initiate these hunting flights but I always miss when they make the kill. So I ran after him and rounded the corner of MEC 2 to see the female ring up with something in her talons. It appeared as if the male took off to aid the female in the chase and the result was dinner for the girls. Mom flew to the nest building and spoon-fed one of the girls. The other one was very sleepy and made her way back to the nest box area. I left at 9:30 after watching the juveniles crawl into the nest box for the night.

Monday June 20, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 2 PM - Upon arrival at MEC, I immediately saw one of the juveniles "J1" perched mid way on MEC #2 facing NW. Both parents were near by. Dad was roosting to the left side of the nest box and mom was perched on the NE corner of MEC #2 I quickly scanned all the buildings. No sign of the other juveniles at this time.

Since Ox's off at Guelph University, I've got one thing on my mind, find the other 2 babies.

2:30 PM - The MEC #2 juvenile takes flight, circling around a couple of times between all four buildings. Kacking all the way. Both parents joined her. All 3 birds were flying above MEC #3. The parents were soaring a couple of times. I lost sight of them and then it got really quiet. I decided to walk around MEC #3 and scan the roof top ledge but didn't see any bird perched.

Making my way back to the MEC #3 water fountains, I discovered "J2". She was perched on MEC #1, same level ledge as the nest box, near the NW corner. One of the parents was now at the nest box. No sign of juvenile "J1" at this time.

3 PM - Mom flew in and out of the ledge were "J2" was perched and then mom flew back to her regular spot NE corner of MEC #1 in plain view of "J2" and the nest box. "J2" started making her way back towards mom but she didn't jump over the gap instead, she started doing a lot of flapping - walking back and forth on that same ledge. Dad was still at his same spot near the nest box.

3:15 PM - "J2" made her way to the NW corner edge of MEC #1. Flapping her wings for a bit, then she settled down and took a little break.

4 PM - Spotted "J1" perched on the N corner of MEC #2. At that time, I decided to take a walk around MEC #2 and MEC #4 to try and locate "J3".

4:15 PM - No sign of "J3" anywhere. And at this time, I don't have a visual of "J1" anymore. Both parents are calm and still perched at the same locations.

4:45 PM - "J2" took off from the MEC #1 NW corner and flew quite nicely back to the nest ledge. She kept her altitude very well and seemed to know exactly where she wanted to go. Her landing was pretty good.

5 PM - Mom took flight, circling over MEC #2 a couple of times, she was trying to encourage "J1" to take flight. Dad also took flight and also circled the MEC #2 building but he landed at the center of MEC #2 facing NW, right above the window ledge. "J1" on the roof top ledge, started flapping her wings running towards her dad. "J2" was kacking and flapping her wings, she must have gone to the roof top, I lost sight of her. Mom flew back to her regular spot on the NE corner of MEC #1.

5:15 PM - Dad flew back to MEC #1 same level as the nest ledge near the SE end of the building. Decided to take a walk around MEC #1 grounds to try and locate "J3". Looked everywhere for her. No sign of her yet.

6 PM - Both parents have taken flight, my guess is that they may have gone hunting. "J2"'s on top of the nest box, haven't seen "J1" since 5 PM.

6:20 - Both adults are back. Dad stayed put to the south of the nest ledge, mom took off again.

6:30 - Mom's back, perched on top of MEC #2 near the NW corner. She's prepping food.

6:40 - Mom carried the small game back to the nest ledge. To my surprise, J1" and "J2" got up from the top of the nest box. "J1" must have made it back to the nest box when I took a walk around the grounds. Both girls Kacking loudly, one of them immediately managed to grab her dinner from her mother's grip. The other one, stayed on top of the nest box. A couple of minutes later, she tried to steal some food away from her sister but didn't succeed. Both parents flew off again.

7 PM - Both parents doing "fly-by's". Saw mom go around the corner of MEC #2, I'm pretty sure that she was carrying another juicy meal. Yes indeed, about 5 minutes later, mom returned to the nest ledge to feed the other baby With all this commotion, all the kacking, finally I got a visual on "J3". She must have been on the roof top on MEC #1 all day. She was now on the roof top ledge, slowly making her way right above her 2 sisters.

She would look down at her sisters and they would look up at her. I really thought that "J3" would try to fly back to the nest ledge but she didn't.

8 PM - Visual of "J1", "J2" and "J3" all still at MEC #1 including both adults. "J3" still not fed at this time. I never saw "J3" take flight but she was on the roof top of MEC #1

Sunday June 19, 2005
Maya Basdeo reports: 5pm - 9pm
On arrival there was still no sign of Ox. The nest ledge only had two of the juvenile females. I did continual rounds throughout the area looking high and low. The good news is that no peregrine remains were found. I was hoping against hope that the two missing birds were okay. All evening at least one, if not both adults were in view keeping an eye on the chicks still in the nest ledge. The adults were taking turns flying around the property but were not sticking to any area in particular. Towards 9pm food was delivered to the nest for the two juveniles. It was getting dark so I headed home. Later on that night I received a call from Mark Nash. One of the birds had been spotted behind MEC 2 on the ground. I raced back to MEC and drove around back. Sure enough there was a young peregrine sitting on the rim of a flower planter. I got out of the car and slowly angled towards it. It was apparent from his size that it was Ox. I noticed even from a distance that his beak was open, and I wondered if it was stress. Ox and I played a short game of tag before I was able to scoop him up. He made not a sound, and seeing him at close range I saw that his lower mandible (jaw) was quite crooked, and he was unable to close his jaw. I checked inside his mouth and it looked normal, other than some dried blood near the opening of his beak. It looked and felt to me like his jaw was either broken, or dislocated, or possibly both. The next morning Ox was taken to OVC at Guelph by OMNR biologist Mark Heaton. The initial prognosis was that the bird had frounce - which I found odd because there was no swelling and there were no open sores inside Ox's mouth. Blood work and X-Rays were scheduled to determine the actual condition.

Saturday June 18, 2005
Maya Basdeo reports: 7:30pm - 8:45pm
I arrived to find 3 chicks visible on the nest ledge. They were sitting close enough together for me to see they were all females. I watched them for a while and noted one of the adults was perched on the west corner of MEC 4. None of the girls did any amount of flapping. They seemed content to shuffle in and out of the box, perch on the porch and preen. I decided to take a walk around since this is the second day that only 3 at a time were visible. I started to walk up the drive to MEC 2, looking at the lower level flower pots, and then up a little higher to the lower roof level. Lo and behold...there was Ox! The little guy had obviously fledged at some point since Thursday. I checked the very same area yesterday and he was not visible. Tonight as I walked towards him I stopped about 50 feet away and looked at him through my binos. He was sitting on a lower roof with his eyes closed. I made a little noise and he opened them and looked at me. He had his feathers floofed out and didn't seem to be in a hurry to go anywhere. He sat there for several minutes and when I felt comfortable he wouldn't try and take off across the road I ran to call the Oxford Property Security. I picked up the rescue box and towel, just in case. Ox however, decided he didn't want to fly again tonight. He spent some time walking the ledge, stretched a few times and even pooped. His mute was starting to get a tinge of yellow but nothing overly alarming yet. I periodically looked up to the adult, who was watching my movements very intently. A few minutes before I left, Ox had dropped down out of view, and the adult plunged off of MEC 4 travelling straight downwards in a hunting stoop. I wish I had seen the outcome. I will return tomorrow morning where I hope I will find Ox bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready to take flight and gain some altitude. There is hope for him - as he walked along the ledge tonight he didn't trip over himself once!

Friday June 17, 2005
Maya Basdeo reports: 10:00am - 11:30am
I arrived in time to see mom swoop onto the porch with food. She was carrying a bird that was black and smaller than a pigeon. I am going to guess it was a grackle or a blackbird of sorts. I saw two chicks in view initially and the adult female seemed to be dishing out portions directly to the chicks. It was cloudy, a little on the cool side and very windy. By around 10:15 the female was off the ledge and both her and the adult male started soaring around MEC 1, climbing in altitude the whole time. 3 chicks at a time were now visible and they seemed to be preoccupied with jumping up and down from the upper and lower ledge beside the nest box. The adults started soaring and circling, moving westward until they were eventually out of sight. I was a bit worried at only seeing 3 eyases, but the parents were not behaving in an agitated manner. Five minutes later the female returned and landed on the south corner of MEC 1. A few minutes after she returned, dad appeared out of the west and started making circles between MEC 1 and MEC 3. He started sounding the alarm call at something beneath him but I couldn't see what it might have been. The female took off as well and they both spent several minutes circling the green area between buildings and then making wide circling flights between MEC 3 and the CIBC building on the NW corner of Highway 10 and Robert Speck Parkway. The male seemed to disappear on the west side of the CIBC building and the female returned to her post on the south corner of MEC 1, looking westward. Since all was quiet at the nest I decided to do a walk around the area to see if anything was amiss. I checked the immediate area around MEC 1 and walked over to check around the CIBC building and parking lot. I looked in all the trees, bushes, ledges...but didn't see or hear any traces of a juvenile peregrine. Mind you, in the middle of the day with lots of traffic and construction going on it would have been hard to hear a faint scream. I checked all the roads and driveways as well. I walked back and went around MEC 2, still nothing. I went back to my own perch on the bridge opposite the nest and the juveniles were up again. The parents took to the air again and swirled around eachother in the sky over MEC 1. The then both flew to MEC 3 and landed just a few feet apart. They sat there for a few minutes and then flew back to the nest building, MEC 1, where the female took to her post at the south corner of the building and the male was perched half way between her and the kids at the nest.

I did not see all 4 juveniles at the same time while I was there. If there is one missing I hope it is okay. The parents were flying quite a bit, but not in a way that they tried to encourage the young off the ledge. Very little flapping was done by the juveniles while I was there.

Thursday June 16, 2005
Maya Basdeo reports: 4:45pm - 6:15pm
I arrived on site to find only 2 juveniles on the nest ledge. One was on the front porch, the other one was beside the nest box. I couldn't see the adults either so I decided to take a walk around the buildings to see if I noticed anything out of sorts. I walked to the corner of Robert Speck Parkway and Highway 10, and was heading south on Hwy 10 when I looked up in time to see an adult peregrine fly directly above me, carrying a very juicy looking black and white pigeon in it's grip. The adult headed in the direction of MEC 4 so I turned around and ran to see where it went. By the time I got back around the corner and opposite the nest site, the adult had perched on the north corner of MEC 4. I turned my binos to the nest and saw 4 juvenile peregrines all in a row. Within moments the other adult appeared and soared to south area of MEC 2. I watched the juveniles for a while. They seemed to be mostly preoccupied with jumping down to the lower ledge that runs beneath the nest box. Only one of the birds, the male Ox, did any amount of flapping. I could tell it was him because he looks 'mini' in comparison to his sisters. He started to flap a little and walk along the nest ledge. He hopped up on the porch and was bobbing his head as he eyed the roof of the box. With a great deal of flapping he jumped up onto the roof of the nest box and immediately looked very pleased with himself. Finally he was looking down on his sisters, rather than the other way around! The three girls seemed to stick close together, even in play. At about 5:20pm one of the adults took off towards the nest ledge with food. The other adult saw this and also took off for home base. The chicks saw this and all got very excited. They began flapping and screaming in their famous food-begging manner. The male landed with the pigeon and the female landed a moment later. He presented her with the prize and she promptly grabbed the kill and flew out to MEC 2 where she began the task of defeathering and quartering dinner. The chicks looked a little shocked, even speechless, as if they were asking themselves if food really did come in and then go out, or if they had just imagined the whole thing.

Once mother had peeled and plucked to her satisfaction, she flew back to the nest and deposited the food directly into the nest box. All three girls screamed and gobbled. I could see one of their tail feathers sticking out of the opening, but that's it. Ox remained on the roof of the nest box and peered down at them. The girls continued to eat and Ox stared out at the world that lay beneath his talons. He started to flap more regularly and made a huge step in flapping from the roof of the box to the edge of the window section that holds their family home. Dad was perched on the south corner of MEC 1 and Mom had flown to MEC 3 to watch her kids from a distance. Ox flapped back and forth along his portion of the ledge and then finally half jumped, half flew over the small gap between glass sections. He landed (barely) on the next section of ledge. I hope when it comes time for him to fledge that he flies better than he runs, as he is constantly tripping over his own feet.

When mom saw this she promptly swooped into the box, grabbed the remaining tidbit of food from the girls and dropped it off for Ox. The food must have fallen to the lower ledge because Ox couldn't jump down below fast enough. Mom sat on the ledge while the 3 girls stood on the porch of the box, all heads turned in the direction of where the food went. Dad took off and landed on the roof of the building while Ox jumped back onto the visible ledge beside his mom. It was a beautiful family portrait of all 6 birds.

It didn't last long though. Ox started to run towards his mother in begging posture so she took off and landed on the east corner of MEC 1. Dad circled around and then headed south out of sight, and the 3 sisters remained close to the nest. Dark clouds were starting to roll in and thunder shook the sky. Ox was focused on preening and during the time I was there, neither of the parents were doing fly-bys trying to coax the young off the ledge. I also noticed that Ox, although he will likely be the first to go, still had down visible on either side of the base of his tail. Tomorrow is another day.

Guylaine Drolet reports: 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM
Quick check on the babies. Upon arrival, we saw all 4 little ones safe on the nest ledge. The parents did do a few "fly by's" to encourage them to take their first flights. We did see a lot of wing flapping. But for the most part, the babies stayed put.

One of the adults was keeping watch perched on MEC #1 at the same level as the nest box, just a few ledges away.

Tuesday June 14, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: Upon arrival I was able to see 3 of the chicks. 2 were up, sitting on the left side of the nest box. Preening, alert and the other one I could see was taking a snooze in the back right corner of the nest ledge. I'm pretty sure that the one resting was OX. When he woke-up, he preened for a bit and then he started flapping his wings. On several occasions, he would start flapping his wings and start running from the nest box along the edge of the ledge, running all the way to the gap between ledges.

One of the parents was perched on MEC #1 @ at the same level as the nest box all the way to the last set of windows near the SW corner. The other adult brought some food to the nest ledge at 4 PM. I did see it take 3 or 4 little bites but I didn't see any of the babies rushing towards it... One might have been in that corner and I just didn't see it. This adult then flew to the NW corner of MEC #1 perched at the same level of the nest ledge and stayed put to keep watch.

2 of the babies, (one of then being OX) were doing a lot of flapping. I was never able to see all four babies at one time. And considering that the girls are all pretty much the same size, it's very difficult to tell who's who?

Both parents stayed perched at each end of MEC #1 pretty much the entire time I was there. I stayed for several hours. Just before I decided to leave, I did manage to see 3 of the babies.

Friday June 10, 2005
Webmaster's note: Although it had to be rescheduled for Monday, the 6th of June, the banding ceremony went very well. We are happy to report that the three 900g females and the one 660g male were successfully banded and are in excellent condition. The adults were very territorial and protective (both of which are good things for the peregrines), as evidenced by some of the pictures.

Friday May 27, 2005
Webmaster's note: The date and location of the banding of the chicks has been confirmed. The four young ones at the MEC will be banded on June the 3rd in the lobby of the MEC building at 1 Robert Speck Parkway. The ceremony will take place at 3 pm., and, we are happy to say, will be open to the public! Please feel encouraged to come out to see the chicks and the banding process.

Wednesday May 18, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 2:15 PM
All is well with our happy little family. As I turned the monitor on, mommy was in the process of cleaning house. So I got a plain view of the 4 adorable little fluff balls.

I saw 3 of them (the bigger ones) casually waking up, preening, yawning. The 4th little one did move a couple of times but for the most part was snoozing away.

Tuesday May 10, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 1:20 PM
We have babies...
Upon arrival, I did see on of the adults perched on MEC #4. Turned on the monitor, the other adult was incubating... I got lucky, again, as the adult got up to do a bit of housekeeping. There's at least 3 babies for sure. It's very difficult to distinguish the little fluff balls all cuddled up together. Didn't see the last egg, then again, there's a very good chance that they've all hatched.
In my opinion, the first hatch must have happened on Friday May 6th, sometime after my quick check.

Friday May 6, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 2 PM
Upon arrival, I observed the 2 adults perched on top of MEC #4 NW corner. I ran inside to try to get to the monitor before the female would return to incubate her eggs.

Sadly for me, she made it back to the nest site about 30 seconds before I turned the monitor on. I thought for sure that I'd have to sit for a while, but within a couple of minutes, she got up to re-arrange her eggs.

I'm happy to report that all looks well with all 4 eggs!!!

Thursday April 21, 2005

Tuesday April 19, 2005
Guylaine Drolet reports: 2:45 PM - MEC nest site, confirmation: We have 4 eggs!!!

Upon our arrival, the female was resting, incubating her eggs. 15 minutes later, she slightly got up and proceeded to turn her eggs. At that time, we were only able to see 2 eggs. About ten minutes later, she got a visit from the male. She got up and left the nest. That's when Wendy and I clearly counted 4 eggs!!! The male immediately got comfortable and took over the female's duties.

As we were leaving, we saw the female perched on MEC 4 preening her feathers

Tuesday April 5, 2005
Mark Nash reports: Today I attended the MEC nest site location to get a handle on the current peregrine activity at the nest box, and it would appear that my visit was just in time.