!!! Talons of fun or be careful of what you wish for
June 04, 2009 - Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital
CPF Volunteer Reports:
I had been complaining for some time about not been able to get a very close
look at the falcons seen at Mt Sinai and wondered if I got higher powered
binoculars, it might make a difference. 10x 50’s I figured might allow me to see
more definition and maybe a leg band. etc..
Well, hold the Visa Grannie, today I got a very very close look and this time
“it was personal”!!!! Won’t need that bathroom break after all!!!
I had been at the viewing spot several times over the past 3-4 weeks since hearing that a pair of peregrines may have a nest on the East ledge of Mt Sinai. I agreed to have a gander whenever I had time and note behaviour.. Thus far I have seen only a single bird in one or 2 perches, mostly on ledges on the EAST side and presumably near the nest.. Last weekend I did see 2 birds but not in the nest they are presumed to occupy.
At 6;45 am today I began my watch. I saw nothing from 6-10 am. At time a friend joined me .. We chatted from a position inside a deck area and then a bird was seen flying over PMH and airborne. We followed it and kept an eye on the nest area as well
The bird flew eastward and overhead to the top of the physical plant tower on WALTON St. and sat there for some time. It seemed to be relaxed and preened itself , and perched with its back to the nest site. We approached the edge of the viewing area and after a lengthy chat and viewing as we chatted, I heard the word “RUN!!” Out of my left eye I caught sight of a blur in brown and a falcon cruised in front of our faces about 2-3 feet away. Made a swoop past us and returned. We ran for cover and the bird made a few more swoops where we had been and then perched on the SOUTH East corner and watched us intently. We could not go back to fetch our belongings. A leg band was seen from this vantage point and it appears to be the peregrine named, WIND. I fetched an old umbrella and managed to retrieve our belongings. While the falcon was perched on the eastern point of the building, a sea gull began to dodge and dart around it and eventually managed to get the falcon to move. A chase then took place when they were airborne. Falcon then went back to its perch on the physical plant tower,
It was an amazing sight at close range and I have nothing but respect for the business end of a Peregrine falcon.” Wind”, be assured I will not wear my orange jacket and hang out at far recesses for a protracted period of time, AGAIN-EVER.
So it seems we were being watched very carefully. I might have looked like
an orange bird about to leave my perch and go to my nest. Now I understand the peregrine having a large territory. Who would have thought that this bird would come this far to remind us.
My heart was still pounding an hour later. I never imagined anything exciting like this happening. Very close encounter one I will always remember.