June 19, 2008 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:
What a day yesterday and like the weather things change. Today it’s cool and overcast. Belle is seen early on the south east corner of the shorter of the two Adelaide St. buildings. Lily remains on the ledge ( I am surprised to see her there)and Unity is still unfledged.
There is food near the Osler camera, not sure if that is left overs from the food drop in the same area last evening, or if it was fresh today.
Zoe and Harry were on hand today to see Belle return to the ledge. At first I thought I was seeing “touch and go” by the adults. But it was Rhea Mae and Belle, coming to the ledge. Way to go.
The remainder of the afternoon was uneventful, filled with flapping, sleeping, and a couple episodes of running of the ledge, in which, from ground level, one can see them get a little “airborne”.
Food went into the ledge around 9:00p.m. Rhea Mae was in the ledge for a bit and it was assumed she was feeding the youngest.
When she came out, all three were in view and looked like they were ready for sleep.
Photos by Linda Woods.
Posted on June 19, 2008 9:30 pm
June 19, 2008 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
CPF Volunteer Reports:
Three on the ledge with one of the chicks enjoying some dinner.
Reported by Attila Papp.
Photos by Attila Papp - CPF Webcam shots.
Posted on June 19, 2008 6:35 pm
June 19, 2008 - Hamilton - Sheraton Hotel
Sarah Washington Reports:
Well last night the chicks made a series of flights. Including Elstone. He finally recovered from his rescue and decided it was time to hang out with his brother and sister. He left in the evening and then Duncan (see pictures below) had the most curious look on his face, kind of like..”Now where did u go”..
In the evening, Duncan was alone most of the day and was missing his siblings. Calling out to them and mom and dad is common. So luckly Miles went back and so did Elstone to keep him company and tell him about their sky adventures. (hopefully also telling him to join them). Duncan is 2 days behind so that puts his development back when you look at the older ones. He is still quite downy. Cautious is always best.
Madame X and Surge had a visitor on the roof of where the chicks were. They were so mad, you could hear it in their screech. It was very obvious that they wanted them gone. I still find it odd that they go out there knowing what could happen.
More to come as the Tails continue…
Photos by Sarah Washington - CPF Webcam.
Posted on June 19, 2008 11:55 am
June 18, 2008 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:
I was up and out the door early. After a quick head count at the King St. site I made my way over to the Sheraton hoping to see an empty spot where Lily had a sleep over.
Nope, she’s still there but this morning she is restless and obviously is not comfortable anymore, probably hunger is becoming her main drive to leave. I also can confirm that Unity is still on the ledge. A few puffs of white still evident but she is constantly preening it out.
At street level am in a good position to see all three juvies. Belle who was on the Starbucks building is now on the balcony of the office building just west of York and Adelaide.
Belle took off and made her way to the terrace of Lombard Place. Later she will be discovered on the shoulders of 120 Adelaide st.
At around 9:00 a.m. Lily took off from her window sill at the Keg area and headed east through the pedestrian court. Knowing that’s short flight, I found her on the ground, but there was lots of open space and she immediately took off a second time flying low, heading north and towards the Richmond St. Her flight was low and flew just over the skylights of the court area.
I was thinking she may do the “bat thing on the wall of the Sheraton, she instead landed on the roof of a High- way Coach. I immediately found the driver as he was boarding passengers and told him of his stow-away.
At first they driver was not concerned, and others did not understand the situation, but after informing them of our young birds and showing them Little Lily, they immediately gave me their full support.
Mark Nash was immediately called when she landed, and he and Marion were on their way. At the same time I receive a call to report a “downed” bird at Front Street. Sue from FLAP happen to arrive on site earlier after a rescue of a Wood Duck, and had returned. She volunteered to go and help the grounded Kestrel on Front St.
With the assistance of building operators from the Oxford Properties, Tiberio Mederios who also obtained a ladder for us, and Joe Silva. We were all in place and ready to go.
Marion directed traffic around the area of the bus, I stood on the sidewalk near the front of the bus, to distract Lily. Tiberio held the ladder as Mark went up the ladder with the net and gently scooped our little “Stow-way” Lily.
With cheers from the crowd that had gathered in the pedestrian court,Lily was briefly introduced to “her” people. With oohs and awhhs, the everyone now understood why we go out of our way to protect these birds from certain dangers.
A quick examination and Lily was no worse for the wear. She is healthy, lovely and certainly a hand full, as Mark has the “marks” on his arms to prove it.
She will be put back on the ledge after dark.
The remainder of the day was generally quiet, Belle was on the lower of the Adelaide buildings at 1:00p.m. and thought to have been seen on the taller of the Adelaide buildings,at 3:45 p.m. but by the time I got to a second spotting angle, the bird had gone.
After the rains, another check and I could not see Belle, and adult was on the north east corner of Dominion Securities, a new place, while the second adult was on the Antenna of the Sheraton at 4:20 pm
Food went into the ledge at 6:15p.m.
At 8;00p.m. Adult on the cooling tower railings of 120 Adelaide, Belle was on the east side shoulder of 120 Adelaide.
Unity on the nest ledge sleeping and Lily was in the departure lounge.
At 10:30p.m. Mark and I did a one last examination of Lily before placing her back on the ledge. No evident signs of any injuries, feathers were all intact. While giving her water, allowed us a chance to see the mouth cavity and it was pink and clear. Her eyes were clear and focused on us.
She was ready.
A quick look through the camera to find Unity under the night time camera, which was perfect. Just where we would like to have her.
Lily was placed back on the ledge and did not disturb Unity.
All was quiet when we left the area.
A great big thanks to Andrew Semenov, General Manager of BelCa Tours and Coach. Tiberio Medeiros,of Oxford Properties for obtaining a ladder and safely assisting Mark. Sheraton Centre Hotel, for the disruption at curb side of the motor coach area.
To all the office people that gathered around the area and gave their moral support.
What a day and another story for the book “Remember The Time”.
It seems Sheraton Birds always have the best rescues ever!
Linda.
Photos by Linda Woods.
Posted on June 18, 2008 11:30 pm
June 18, 2008 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
CPF Volunteer Reports:
At 6:30 a.m. 2 juveniles (female) sitting on nest with 2 adults on roof. Very little movement until just after 7 when male adult took off and quickly returned with pigeon which he deposited on the nest ledge to the delight of the youngsters; much flapping and “Wo, Dad, you rule!” until it became obvious that adult was not going to do any food processing and took off again. Then the female adult showed up and took the pigeon away to the top of building, I thought either to stash or process. I suspected the male juvenile was up there also and probably got a feeding. This appeared to be so because it was some time before adult returned to the nest with tasty treats for the female juveniles. About 30 minutes of inactivity again, hardly surprising given the frosty temperature. Male adult made a few attempts to get the team mobile, landing on the ledge, calling and taking off to make a small circle and back to the ledge trying to lead the young ones out but they remained reluctant. As the day started to warm a little there was more movement largely to top of building and over to the condominium roofs.
The midday was filled with some good flights. Screech made an amazing flight with both of her parents. They flew very very high,and began playing,clasping tallons and spinning then regaining their level flight and doing it again. After that,Screech went into a tuck,controling her decent and speed wonderfully,coming to rest on the Sun Life Centre roof.The highlight flight of Sunny’s day was a precision flight into the nest ledge,displacing her Mom,landing on the webcamera. Sunny then flopped out on the camera. Perry’s flight du jour was from one of the condos into the ledge one over from the nest ledge. Earlier he had made an attempt to go to the nest ledge,but overshot and did “the bat”(flattened out clinging to the building wall). A few feedings were observed.
Reported by Diana Karrandjas and Frank Butson.
Posted on June 18, 2008 11:10 pm
June 18, 2008 - Hamilton - Sheraton Hotel
Sarah Washington Reports:
Well yesterday was a great day to see some of Miles great flights. He even lands like a pro. Last night the oldest Chick Blashill decided to take her maiden flight. She then took another so far that no one could see her and then could not find her. All watchers looked and finally this early morning she was found. It is not a nice feeling when you cannot find one of them. You know that they are not quite strong enough to get through things and it makes for stressed nerves. Miles also decided to meet up with his sisters new spot and although the first attempt did not pan out great…he tried again and made it.
More to come…
Posted on June 18, 2008 4:22 pm
June 17, 2008 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
CPF Volunteer Reports:
When I arrived weather conditions were cool and very blustery and female parent was feeding 1 juvenile on nest building roof. This was probably the end of the feeding as the adult then dropped down into the nest and stood for a long time gazing out into the dawn (reminiscing perhaps about the time when all she had to worry about was 3 little balls of fluff). Anyway, her reverie was rudely interrupted when another juvenile suddenly zoomed in from the south east and buzzed her off the ledge, to take over the spot. Female adult then lifted up to the corner of the roof.
The precocious juvenile soon tired of inactivity and took off to circle the easterly condominium, eventually emerging from the back of the building closely followed by the third juvenile So there were now 1 adult and 3 juveniles clearly in view and this quiet domestic scene continued until around 7:10 when loud vocalizing announced the arrival of the male parent above the roof, rallying the gang to take to the air and there followed an enthusiastic aerial display from the 3 juveniles and both adults. At one point a juvenile came very close to a meandering gull who seemed quite unperturbed and I’m thinking to myself, “Mr. Gull, just wait until they’re qualified and you won’t be so complacent”. From my observation it seems that at least one of the female juveniles is able to maneuver in and out of the nest ledge. They are all making smoother take-offs and landings. In fact on one of my Aberfoyle walkabouts to keep track of them I spotted one large juvenile perched on one of the very narrow brackets that jut out from the window cleaning apparatus. Kudos for having been able to land there and stay holding on in the powerful wind gusts that seemed to threaten even the large Canadian flag every few moments.
Frank Butson reports: I arrived at about 930am after the feeding Diana described,the Peregrines werent very active for a few hours. They later made many strong flights. Screech did some great flying with her Mom over the first(eastern) condo,before 2 aborted landings finally landing on the Aberfoyle side of the building. I went around to check and make sure and she was safe and sound. Kathy,Renee,Joan and Terry all joined me to watch some flying by the young. They are all doing well,though I havent seen Perry fly to far as yet.
6:27pm Mother feeds Perry a portion of pigeon. Sunny trys to steal it away and a titanic tug of war ensues. Eventually the larger Sunny wins the prize and started to walk away with it. She had a change of heart and went back and shared with Perry.
Later the final feed of the day is caught. Again the female scared a pigeon into the office tower window and caught it as it bounced off the window. Can this be planned? At the end of the day all 3 young were high and safe.
Reported by Diana Karrandjas.
Posted on June 17, 2008 11:23 pm
June 17, 2008 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Mark Nash Reports:
With many thanks to Christina Piansoni, she was kind enough to send in some great photos of the entire family on the nest ledge in Etobicoke captured on Thursday June 12th 2008. we’re not likely to see many more shots like this now that the juveniles have all fledged. Remember that the young fledglings are still solely dependant on their adult parents for food and protection for the next 30 to 90 days as they are being tought to fly and then they will be be tought what food to hunt. This process takes many weeks before the fledglings are skilled enough to actually catch their own food.
Thanks Christina for the great photos of the family!
Photos by Christina Pianosi - CPF Webcam.
Posted on June 17, 2008 11:21 pm
June 17, 2008 - Toronto - King Street
CPF Volunteer Reports:
After an escorted trip by the head of security to several windows/angles of the low roof on the King Eddy finding nothing (very nice man - who offered to go on the roof later in the afternoon when he had time); and after an escorted trip up to the roof of Dundee Place thanks to Susan of FLAP getting us in touch with their security, Paul finally spotted our girl on the low ledge where her sister had been for 3 days.
When we got back to King & Yonge we saw her flapping and sure enough she took off across King Street making us do the same. She landed on the building just east of the Press Building and out of sight within minutes. Paul and I couldn’t be sure if she was still up there so building #3 came in today. I went up to 33 Victoria and found on the 12th floor a very receptive receptionist who got me to a south facing window where I was able to spot our girl lying down close in the southeast corner of the roof - not visible from Leader Lane. The spot where she had been could only be viewed east on King near the dollar store and the Latin music place - a very tight window.
Shortly after Toshiko arrived she was able to see a yellow band. Ely finally decided to get active and after running and flapping suddenly took to the air and immediately out of our sight - heading north. We looked in the lane, a bit up Victoria and then went back to the 12th floor - with no luck. She may have been behind something on one of the roofs but we will have to wait until she makes herself visible. When it started raining again I called it a day and Toshiko went to work. At least we had all three chicks today!
Reported by Zoe Berger.
Posted on June 17, 2008 7:38 pm
June 17, 2008 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:
Arriving at the Sheraton site at 7a.m., I found Lily still on the Keg and Belle on the upper roof of the Four Seasons Performing Arts building. Belle had gained some height from last nite.
For the first two hours, large trucks moved close Lily, but that did not get her off her spot.
Later in the morning I could hear the adults Kaking, and Jan had said Belle had moved from her previous position. I walked around the entire Arts Centre and also moved back into Osgoode Hall, but did not see anything, not even Belle.
Back to The Keg, Lily did eventually fly towards the court area and sat on the cross bars of the outside eating area of the Keg.
She was there until around 6p.m. when the rains came again and she moved to a near by window ledge where is had another sleep over.
Around 3:00p.m. I recieved a call regarding a bird in a awkward area of the Four Seasons Performing Arts building.
The bird, Belle had come to sit on the glass canopy at the main entrance and a big fundraising gala for the National Ballet Company.
The staff at the Arts Centre had wondered why the bird was there.
I told them she was audtioning for the lead role in “Swan Lake”. They told me the role was filled, and then they smiled. I explained about the nest at the Sheraton and what was happening.
I assured the staff that the bird was fine and was not going to interrupt the event.
Moments later Belle took off across University Avenue and came to rest on the Adam Beck Memorial statue across from the Arts Centre.
Not comfortable there and with the rain starting, she took flight again.
Not a strong flight but she maintained altitude. This time she came to rest on the court yard south of the Hilton. More rain and not comfortable she took off again and I finally found her at ….. Starbuck’s on the corner of York St.
During all this, a quick check on Lily and she too had moved,… a little bit, to a low window sill adjacent to the Keg patio.
That is where they will spend the night. Adult seen on the tail of the “S” at night fall.
Unity was seen throughout the day sitting on the nest ledge. No feeding were seen to the fledged birds.
Linda
Photos by Linda Woods.
Posted on June 17, 2008 6:45 pm
