Linda Woods reports: 7:00p.m. Viewing from Nathan Phillips Square, Three peregrines in view, but unsure if all three are juveniles. One peregrine on north-east corner of 390 Bay St. feeding, second peregrine on south-east corner of the Simpson Tower, third peregrine on the south side of a office tower on the east side of University Ave. ( I believe this building is the same block as Business Depot)
Tuesday July 27, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
Chilly 18c. overcast and drizzling
11:30 Viewing from Queen St. looking north, male Juvenile lands on the antenna
of City Hall and is there briefly when I spot two great blue Herons flying
towards the south west from the north. Juvenile takes off and flies around
the north side of Nathan Phillips Square. The next thing I see is this juvenile
flapping with all his might to catch up with the Herons. He is right on their
tails when I loose sight of the birds behind the trees at Osgoode Hall and
don't know what happened next, but it was great fun watching the pursuit.
12:30 Viewing from the 43rd floor of the Sheraton Centre, Female juvenile
on the south-west corner of 390 Bay St., and who I think is Mandy, can be
seen on the west side ledges of #318 King St. east. No other birds are in view.
6:30p.m. An adult peregrine is on the north-west corner of the office building on
Chestnut and Dundas St.
Sunday July 25, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
11:00 Wind is on the nest ledge and has been there for a while now. Viewing into
the ledge, she spends a great deal of time "soft footing" around in the former
nesting area. It seems like she is looking for something as she checks every
little area in and around the nest box. A few times she bends her head and
stares at her feet ( Just like Ulrich's bald eagle) and then she picks debris up
with her beak and drops it again.( it almost appears she is imaging she has
chicks under her) She did this in three different areas of the actual nesting area.
Wind climbed into the nest tray ( which was unused this year) and began to
shuffle her talons, gently scraping, and then she dropped her chest down into
the gravel and shuffled again. After she jumped down out of the nest tray
and back to the actual nesting area she once again began to scrape with her
talons, drop her chest down into the dirt and then with her feet she pushed
her body through the dirt as if she were "body surfing" in snow.
This behavior was very fascinating to observe and after 1/2 hour of doing this,
she then sat quietly on the ledge, preening. I did not see Windwhistler-Spike
or the four juveniles in this area at all today. Perhaps on of the other volunteers did.
Thursday July 22, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
I have one seen one bird twice today. Early this morning one adult on the antenna of the
Zurich Building on University Ave. and again at 8:00p.m. an adult on the north
facing logo of the Zurich Building.
Wednesday July 21, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
11:30a.m. -
Two juveniles are seen chasing each other over the area of Armory St., Dundas and University Ave.
6:00p.m. - 7:30p.m. Viewing from the 43rd floor. Two Juveniles are on the north-east corner of 120
Adelaide, while another peregrine ( unable to determine if an adult or juvenile) on the north-east
corner of the Zurich building on University Ave. Male juvenile takes off towards the east in the
direction of the Scotia Tower. Its flight remained level and it appeared that it was heading for the
King St. nest site area. In the distance just beyond the peregrine in flight, I spot two more peregrines.
The larger one flying straight up and the second on its tail trying to keep up. As I try to figure out
what is happening, the larger juvenile is now heading back to the east side of the Bell building on
Adelaide St with prey. A food exchange just occurred and an adult is on the north west corner of
One Financial Place (Windwhistler- Spike) As the food appeared so did, four juveniles. One
of the female juvenile was not particularly interested in dining but did move in a little closer
and then departed towards the north-east. After the meal the large female allowed the timid
juvenile male to pick at the left-overs. It was very encouraging to see four juveniles all together.
Tuesday July 20, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
6:45p.m. -
Adult seen on the north-east corner of the office tower at Chestnut St. and Dundas.
(the exact same spot Mandy used to sit, before she and Windwhistler claimed the King St. territory)
8:45p.m. Two juveniles are on the north facing logo of the Hilton Hotel.
Monday July 19, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
7:00p.m. - This evening as I was looking out my living room window I
could hear the juveniles vocalizing. Unfortunately I did not see them. However,
Wind is seen on the antenna of new City Hall, taller tower. And way off in the
distance on the upper north-east corner of One Financial Place is Windwhistler-Spike.
He shone like a beacon against the dark sky over the lake. The sun just started to
shine again and caught his very white feathering.
Sunday July 18, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
12:30 - 6:00p.m. -
Three of the juveniles were seen having a good game of chase over University
Ave between Adelaide and Queen St. area. Clearly seen are one large female
( Monsoon) and two males. Wind is at the nest ledge and as it begins to rain out,
she moves further into the ledge. Later an adult is seen on the building on the
east side of University Ave. across from the Zurich Building. A closer look
found the juveniles on the Zurich Building. The adult is not Wind (prominent
malar stripe).
4:30 An adult peregrine falcon is seen circling high in the College and Yonge St. area. I lost track of the bird as I moved closer to the area and my view was blocked by the high rises. 6:00p.m. peregrine seen on the east side of the Zurich building.
Saturday July 17, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
3:00p.m. - Viewing from street level, an adult is seen on the nest ledge. After making my
way to the 43rd floor and looking south, One adult is seen on the south-west corner roof-top
of a building at King and York Sts. area (address unknown) (peregrine is facing west).
Second adult is seen on one of the ornamental ledges on the north side of old Commerce
Court.( peregrine is facing east) I also noticed that the nest ledge has been disturbed.
The gravel area in which the actual eggs had be laid, has been "scratched". Definite
scrape marks are visible in the dirt and some of the dirt has been pushed up along
side of the flashing. The dirt is no longer compacted but, loose and clean
( well, cleaner than it was two days ago). This is interesting as Windwhistler-Spike
still visits the ledge on a daily basis.
Friday July 16, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
6:00p.m. Viewing from the 43rd Floor, Juveniles not in view at this time.
Wind is on the sand pipe, preening. A lot of vocalizing is heard and I peer
onto the nest ledge and Windwhistler-Spike makes an appearance. Wind
does not seem to appreciate this intrusion and promptly flies off. Windwhistler
appears a little surprised by this "brush off" and takes off after her. I
saw very little activity this evening
I only had two juveniles in view at 8:50p.m.,one on the north-west corner
of the Sheraton Hotel and the other on the "t" on the north side of the
Hilton Hotel.
Thursday July 15, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
1:30 - 4:45p.m.
Viewing from Nathan Phillips Square (north side of the Sheraton Hotel). Two
Juveniles are seen flying east along Queen St. I checked the nest ledge while
in the area and it appears undisturbed ( everything is, as it was, a few days ago).
Looking south from the 43rd floor, two juveniles appear to be as far south as
Front St. flying westward. ( lost site of them behind buildings)
4:30 p.m. Viewing once again from Nathan Phillips Square. All 4 Juveniles are
on the north-east corner of 120 Adelaide. They are coming and going from this
perch in short little games of "Tag" and "chase" as Wind supervises from the
second "e" in Sheraton Centre south side signage.
It's really nice to see all four juveniles still chumming around together.
Wednesday July 14, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
8:00 p.m. All four Juveniles were on the north side of the Hilton Hotel by 8:30
three had moved to other locations. They are doing well and enjoy a good
game of tag just before bedtime. The flight skills are advancing and they are
expanding their "play" areas everyday. Already I have noticed that I am not
seeing them as frequently.
Tuesday July 13, 2004
Jan Chudy reports:
As Linda has noted before, it is getting more and more challenging to spot our family.
At 3:55 I spotted an adult on the nest ledge (looked like Windwhistler to me), a
juvenile on the SE corner of 390 Bay and a second juvenile on top of the 3 on the
west side of 390 Bay. Checking again at 5:10, I had one juvenile on the NE corner
of the Sheraton roof, one juvenile on the south side of the Sheraton roof and Wind
perched on the top of the "C". Coming home for dinner?
Monday July 12, 2004
Linda Woods reports: 6:50p.m.
Very warm, humid, and hazy today.
For more than an hour now I have had the opportunity to observe, from my air
conditioned living-room, two of the Sheraton Juveniles on the north-west
corner of the taller tower of new city hall, and the other two juveniles on
the south west corner of the Simpson Tower.
Sunday July 11, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
09:30 - Three Juveniles are seen on the south side of the Sheraton Hotel in various
spots, on the letters, and roof-top. Vocalizing can be heard and breakfast
is delivered to the area on top of the "T" of Sheraton.
Friday July 9, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
Earlier today while looking south from my living room window, I could see
two juveniles having a great game of chase in the area south of Queen St.
and north of King St.
I have also discovered where they are spending their mornings. ( The Eaton Centre has three office towers: One Dundas St. at the north end of the mall, 250 Yonge St. is the centre of the mall, and 20 Queen St. W is near the Queen St, entrance to the Eaton Centre.) Today, I saw one juvenile on the window washing rigging of 250 Yonge St. ( Centre Tower) This is viewable from the east side of Yonge St. at Shuter or further south. The second juvenile was on the south side of the new Pantages Condominum Tower on Victoria St.( 44 Floors) I have seen them head in this direction. This evening as I look out my living room window, 2 Juveniles on the north-east corner of the Sheraton Hotel, and 2 juveniles on the north -east and north-west corners of 390 Bay St.
Thursday July 8, 2004
Jan Chudy reports:
Well I must say I am really torn. Clearly our juveniles are doing well
since they spend so much time out of sight. However, I really miss seeing
them.
At 7:25 a.m. this morning, I spotted Wind on the NE corner of 390 Bay, 1 juvenile on the top of the south wall of 390 and one on the east side of the Simpson Tower. Check at 4:30, I found 1 juvenile lying down on the NW corner of the Thompson Building and one standing on the NE corner of the Sheraton roof. As I watched, it settled down just like the other one.
I miss my viewings!
Wednesday July 7, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
Approaching the Sheraton Centre via Bay St. One juvenile was still on the
south east side of the new City Hall. As I scanned the roof tops I heard a
lot of vocalizing and found what I thought were two peregrines flying on the
north side of the Nathan Phillips square heading west towards University
Ave. Looking north from the 43rd Floor of the Sheraton Hotel, I found one
adult peregrine on the north east corner of the Zurich Building, oddly from
this angle it did not look like "Wind" one juvenile was still on the City
Hall roof. Looking south from the same area, one juvenile was on the
shoulders of 120 Adelaide. The juveniles did fly around a bit, and when I
left the area, I had seen all four juveniles at the same time and "Wind" was
supervising the activities. They are expanding horizons.
Tuesday July 6, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
Somewhat quiet day, compared to the previous week. The juveniles are
spending more and more time away from the nest ledge. They are seen
frequenting 390 Bay St. and now the Simpson Tower. They do make trips back
to 130 and 120 Adelaide St. on occasion. I always look out my living room
window in hopes that I will see and fabulous airshow.
Today I managed only to see two of the juveniles. They were sitting on the
north-east and south-west corners of the Simpson Tower around 10:00a.m.
Monday July 5, 2004
Jan Chudy reports:
Checking the usual locations at 8:20 a.m. no birds were visible.
8:35 a.m. 2 birds came in low from the east playing tag and circling.
Within 2 minutes, a third bird had joined in.
8:45 a.m. 2 juveniles were on the east side of 130 and one bird was on the
far north wall of the Bell building on Adelaide.
Shortly before 9, I spotted Wind and 2 juveniles on the SW corner of the Bell
building with a kill. Then 1 juvenile moved to the ledge below the corner.
9 a.m. 1 juvenile at the back of the Bell building had gone, 1 bird was on
the east side of 130 Adelaide.
I talked to Linda about 1 p.m. and she said she had spotted a bird on the
east side of Adelaide about 10:30 - it was still there as I was viewing.
2p.m. The bird had moved from the east side of 130 Adelaide.
2:05 p.m. A juvenile was on the south side of 130 Adelaide with a kill and
a juvenile was on the SW corner of 390 Bay.
2:30 p.m. Wind and two juveniles were eating on the north side of 130
Adelaide. It was pretty windy and all their feathers were ruffling - they
seemed to be having a good meal, though. In addition at this time, one
juvenile was on the NW corner of 390 Bay. As I watched it flew off to the
NE corner of 130 Adelaide, so 3 juveniles and Wind were in view. Shortly
after that, Wind flew off to the south west.
2:55 p.m. 1 juvenile on the east side of 1340 Adelaide.
4:15 p.m. 2 juveniles on the east side of 130 Adelaide, lying down, very
close together and 1 juvenile was on the SW side of 390 Bay.
4:35 p.m Same as 4:15.
4:40 p.m. Same as above except I found Wind on the upturn of the "e" in
centre. As I watched she took off and flew west.
End of report for today.
Sunday July 4, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
Upon arriving only one bird in sight on the north-east corner of the Hilton.
I Tried and Tried to get the band number but it just wasn't happening.
Second juvenile joined the first one and it turned out to be
"Sheraton-Chinook" Both flew off towards the east. 11:30 a.m. "Wind" makes
an appearance on the nest ledge, vocalizing. Her sounds are not that of an
alarm, nor a courtship call. Just then a juvenile arrives on the nest ledge
with prey in it's talons!! and of course it's none other than "Hurricane".
"Wind" flies off to 130 Adelaide St. and "Hurricane" is busy with his meal.
5 minutes later "Wind" reappears on the nest ledge, vocalizing once again.
"Hurricane" begins to mantel over his food. "Wind" is looking up and down
the ledge and slowly enters the nest ledge towards the nesting tray. She is
looking around as if not sure what to do. She picks up an old wing bit from
a long ago meal and carries it down the ledge towards "Hurricane".
"Hurricane" is uneasy about "Wind" approaching him, and continues to mantel
over his food while vocalizing. "Wind" slowly approaches the juvenile and
gently places the old wing bit at "Hurricane's " feet and then departs from
the ledge. A few moments later "Hurricane" continues to feed on his meal. I
wish I had a digital camera to have captured this engagement. I guess all in
the learning to survive. No other activity was noted in the south side of
the Sheraton Hotel. The others continue to favour 390 Bay St, however I was
unable to see well enough to count the number of juveniles in the area.
Hopefully tomorrow the air will be less humid.
Saturday July 3, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
After closing out last nights watch and knowing that our missing girl has
returned, I just had to be there early enough to see her fly. When I arrived
there was two juveniles on the north-east corner of the Hilton, and one on
the "shoulders" of 120 Adelaide St. and one juvenile on the "railings" of
120 Adelaide St. "Wind" brought food to our "rail" bird. ( I was unable to
confirm band numbers because of the glare from the sun) After all three had
a bite to eat. I was very curious watching the behavior of the one juvenile
on the Hilton. It was pecking at the other juvenile, aggressively as if it
was trying to rip meat. It pulled at the wing, and pecked at it's head.
Eventually the other juvenile moved away and then flew off to the east(390
Bay) Strange!
The one remaining on the Hilton and stayed there all morning was none other than "Sheraton-Chinook" I was surprised to see him there, I thought I was going to see Monsoon's leg band numbers. The remainder of the day I was only able to see 3 juveniles at a time and unable to confirm band numbers. They have been spending most of the days on 390 Bay St. south side and west side. So LOOK UP everyone!
"Wind" made a visit to the nest ledge. She examined it very well, and climbed into the nest box and began "scrapping" the gravel with here talons, and then flattened her body into the tray for a brief moment and then climbed out and sat on the edge of the ledge and then flew off. Another bird had been to the nest ledge at sometime, because "things" had been rearranged. My bet it was Hurricane, he's the only one that was always looking for food or eating.
In the late afternoon, a single juvenile was in view on the east side of the Hilton and it was eating. Put the scope on the bird and it was Hurricane and it looked as if he had just been hunting. The prey was not "prepared" and it was not in an area where I have seen "Wind" take food previously. "Wind" came and collected the remains after he had finished and flew off. She took the leftovers over to 390 Bay St. The remainder of the afternoon was quiet with very little activity on the south side of the Sheraton Hotel. I will return tomorrow and hopefully I will have more luck with getting a second positive sighting of Monsoon.
Friday July 2, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
Monsoon has returned?
Not a lot of activity today. The Juveniles were quiet all afternoon. Some
activity just after 3p.m. but really did not see a lot of newly acquired
flying skills on display.
3 juveniles were seen on either the roof of the Sheraton Hotel or over at 390 Bay St. The kids showed very little interest in the other hotel today, preferring the wonderful guests services at the Sheraton Centre Hotel on Queen St. and when you are a preferred guest, such as our peregrines, any request is honoured. Lunch was served by "Wind" on 120 Adelaide St. so they would have a terrific view of their wonderful accommodations. As the day closed to an end, Marion and I were looking and discovered "Wind" was sitting on 130 Adelaide St. She has not done this for a few days. A quick scan of the roof-tops and we find what we think is MONSOON! sitting on the east side of the upper level near the cooling fan units A partial band number is obtained by Marion and even without a band number, the behaviour of this bird is not standard of a bird that has been out flying for the pat couple of days. Got the scope on her and although not positive. we are sure it is Monsoon.
I had just called the Sheraton Watch "closed" at 5:p.m. I will head down to the site in the morning and hopefully I will see her take flight again so that I may monitor her flight skills.
Thursday July 1, 2004
Linda Woods reports:
CANADA DAY AND THE AIR SHOW HAS BEGUN!
09:20a.m. - 9:30p.m.
Arriving on site, 3 juveniles on the south-east corner of the hotel directly
across the street from the Sheraton, wonderful news since we only had two in
sight last night.
The sun was setting and time for the air show and we certainly got our money's worth. There were chases by the juveniles and the adult. Flying high and approaching the Sheraton Sign to land on the letters. Mark Nash was able to read the bands of the 3 juveniles. "Sheraton-Chinook"., Tornado, and Hurricane are all still with us. Monsoon, who we presume was the bird that was lost just before dark is still missing. We will search and listen in the morning and hopefully, "Wind" will point her out to us. All three are flying very well, and the hotel guests are enjoying the show outside the south side "CLUB LOUNGE" room.
Harry Crawford reports: This is a brief summary of a significant amount of activity this morning. I arrived after Bruce had been on scene for some time. He had seen 3 birds together -- assumed to be 2 juveniles and 1 adult When I arrived, there were only 2 birds visible -- 1 on the Hilton and 1 on 120 Adelaide. At 9:15am there were 3 juveniles on the south east corner of the Hilton. Another bird, presumably an adult, flew over the area from east to west. Vocalising could be heard. Four peregrines were now in view. The juveniles appear to be using the roof area as a training runway and you can see wingtips as they run and flap. At 10:01am all three were still on the Hilton although a few of them have made a number of flights over the building. A feeding took place at this time.At 10:27am, two juveniles were seen on the east ledge of 130 Adelaide, lying down. At 10:42am a bird remained on the Hilton, playing with the lightning rod on the south west corner. At the same time, a peregrine was seen on the west side of 390 Bay. I couldn`t tell if it was an adult or not. This gives us 4 in view at the same time again. The 390 Bay bird eventually moved to the top of the `3` on the west logo. At 11:09am, there was an immature on the nest ledge, 1 on 390 Bay and 2 on the south side of the Hilton, again 4 in view. At 11:35am nothing had changed.
