Banding Day at 18 King Street East
June 04, 2013 - Toronto - King Street
Tracy Simpson Reports:
On June 4th two lovely girls were banded at the 18 King Street East nest site in front of a huge crowd of tenants and building management staff. This site is such a treat to band and has been continuously part of the recovery and monitoring efforts for peregrines in southern Ontario since 1996. What makes this an even more outstanding feat is that the resident adults, Erin from Wisconsin and Windwhistler from Etobicoke Sun Life, both turned 15 years old this season making them the oldest peregrine falcons on record in Ontario that are still breeding. With the room ready and the crowd anxious to meet the new kids, our fearless window washing team from Solar Window Washing and CPF staff member Kathy Smith ascended the 19 stories to the nest ledge for the extraction. The chicks were sent to the rooftop and met by Mark Heaton from the Aurora District OMNR and brought down to the suite for banding. Each chick was weighed, sexed, named and banded and the 42nd and 43rdchick produced by Windwhistler are;
Cosmina 25 day old female 855 grams Y/64 Blue tape
Anastasia 23 day old female 855 grams Y/65 Red tape
The room, the crowd and the access were all graciously provided by Dundee Property Management Group who host this historic and record setting pair at 18 King Street East. The OMNR’s Mark Heaton not only banded these two gorgeous girls today but was also a part of the rescue and release of Windwhistler in 1998 at Etobicoke Sun Life and we were grateful for his help to band today. Were it not for the CPF Fledge Watch team of 1998, Windwhistler wouldn’t be with us today. He has not only smashed longevity records in the province for a breeding male but also has created a legacy that is outstanding. Not including 2013, this male has produced 41 offspring, has 43 grand children and 4 great grandchildren making him the most prolific male in Ontario. His and Erin’s contribution to the recovery of his species is awe inspiring. We also need to thank the Fledge Watch volunteers ready to help Cosmina and Anastasia today for it is these folks that will help this legend continue. Thanks to Linda, Paul, Zoe, Marion, Bruce, Mark, Harry and a host of others that have made this all such a success. Congratulations 18 King Street East for yet another awesome banding event!!
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