Madame X has laid 4 beautiful eggs this season. She has been busy watching over them. There has been reported sightings of an immature Falcon in the area. Both Madame X and Surge have been chasing him out of the area. Who knows what this season will bring??
Today, Bill and I spent a little time at the Bridge. We arrived early afternoon and started our search. We found one adult on the face of the Hamilton Tower and the other was nowhere to be seen. After a while, the bird from the face of the Hamilton Tower took off on a mission to Hamilton. We lost sight of him (assuming it was Sir) at he headed across the bay. A short time later, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a low flying Turkey Vulture approaching from under the Skyway. In a flash, we saw and heard a peregrine screaming towards it. In short order, the Turkey Vulture disappeared behind the trees. Cirrus (assuming it was she) had made her presence know and even though she appeared so tiny beside the Turkey Vulture drove him out of her territory. She immediately returned to the nest box and disappeared inside. I think it is very safe to assume that full time incubation is ongoing.
Great News, and with thanks from a peregrine fan who had been watching the camera closely, captured this image from our web cam and sent it to me.
King St. nest has four eggs!
Many Thanks everyone
Has anyone been able to confirm the number of eggs at King St. nest? I haven’t been able to capture an image from the webcam to confirm the number. Although it’s usually 4 eggs, 5 may be a surprise.
As incubation continues at all the nest sites, at this time activity remains unchanged. Handing off of the nest for incubation is routine and uneventful. The camera is a little challenging to watch this year due to the glare. The image is better late in the afternoon or evening. Expect a hatch April 28th, give or take a day or two.
Male seen flying over University Ave south of College St around the noon hour today. He may have just handed the nest over to the female. It is unconfirmed, but I think the female may still be Wind. It would be wonderful if the male is still Windwhistler. Incubation continues.
Perfect day for a spot check. Female continues to incubate while the male is in the immediate area . Best time to see the peregrines is around the noon hour, when a hand off of the nest occurs. Still have not been able to confirm the exact number of eggs, but three to four eggs is an average clutch. Anticipate a hatch near the end of April.
From March 17th-21st CPF staff,volunteers and our avain educators were at our booth at The Toronto Sportsmans Show at The Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Here is a video of our feathered educators and dedicated volunteers and staff. http://tinypic.com/r/2e1f5w7/5
Freddie and Voltaire our Peregrine couple wintered over at the Bridge site.
We have noted some vagrant traffic showing interest in the real estate. They were escorted out of the Freddie ZONE!!
As of the beginning of April Voltaire has been displaying what appears to be “cooking” eggs or seriously incubating eggs.
At this time we do not know how many she is “cooking”.
Freddie is very attentive and on the scene.
Dennis
We have just received tragic news that as of this mornings check of the nest via the small peep-hole, that both of the newly laid eggs are gone and no longer in the nest tray. While we have not seen any recent evidence of additional squabbling going on with the two adult females that were embraced in a bitter battle over the territory and nest ledge two weeks ago, we know that things can change and happen very quickly when these fights brake out. This would not be the first time that we have seen eggs trampled & crushed by two squabbling peregrines on the nest ledge.
In addition to this tragic news, it is also being reported that there has been no recent sightings of any female being seen on territory.
It is worth noting that access to the nest ledge is both under lock and key and restricted.
Stay tuned….