!!! Back on the nest ledge - in the new new box with some love in the air!
October 26, 2011 - Toronto - Don Mills
Mark Nash Reports:
A big thank you to Margaret who has been watching the activities of Q & K very closely for us over the past week. For a third straight day this week, (Monday, Tuesday and today,, Wednesday), both Quest and Kendal have been very active both on the nest ledge, but also inside the nest box itself!!
Many photos and observations have been streaming in over the past three days to let us know that it is very obvious that the pair approve of their net nest box. A huge thank you to Donna Hayes for her personal support in helping us with the funding to do the nest box modifications and to get the get nest box up to the nest ledge.
It would almost appear that Kendal is trying to convince Quest that “he made the nest box himself” - “just for her”!! Funny boy!!
A big thank you to the management staff and security’s support at 220 Duncan Mill Rd. in allowing us permissions and access to get the new nest box in, and a HUGE thank-you to Solar Window washing management and staff for their support in getting the old nest tray out, and the new nest box in on a weekend!!
We also want to thank the great folks at the Genesee Valley Audubon Society for their donation of the nest box itself!! An interesting history behind this nest box, as it was originally made by them - for the CPF - way back in 2002 in memory of Pounce-Kingsley and Victoria from the Toronto downtown 18 King street nest site, and sent to the CPF.
Sadly, despite our best efforts to get the nest box installed in many different locations over the years, it sat in our inventory awaiting an ideal home. With some modifications to conform to the height and depth of the Don Mills nest ledge, and some appropriate coloured stain to blend into the building colour,,, it was and is perfect!!!
As with any nest site modification, the final celebrations are always left until the peregrines give us their sign of approval. Well, we can now officially celebrate, as it would appear that Quest and Kendal approve of their new digs indeed!! For the past three days, they have been hard pressed to get out of it!! As I type this observation report, I am watching the live video image and can still one of the peregrines roosting on the upper concrete stub to the right of the nest ledge / nest box,, keeping a very close eye on the new nest box.
A final comment. In addition to the new nest box obvious benefits, it also allows the office occupants behind the nest ledge to open up their blinds and let the sun light in, knowing that they will not be disturbing or causing the peregrines any stress during the egg laying, incubating and brooding period nest season. The new nest box has walls and a roof that will allow Quest and Kendal a stress free “go-round” while egg laying, egg incubation and early brooding of their young from human disturbances during these critical periods.
A big thank you to the great office staff and owners that kept their blinds closed / down this past season that allowed Quest and Kendal’s sucesses.
