Sante and Ashley Both Home at MEC
July 25, 2013 - Mississauga - Executive Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Yesterday after visiting Holcim, I stopped in at MEC on my way back to the raptor center to check in on Ashley and Sante. When I arrived, I found a dark bird hanging out in the lower loop of the E in Desjardins on the south side. I snapped a couple of pictures and was able to confirm that this was Ashley. I scanned around for the resident male, Sante, and found him in the lower loop of the S of Desjardins on the west side of MEC 3. I found it odd that on a cool day that both birds were inside the letters and not roosting anywhere in the open. I am so used to finding them on the corners and the top of the letters that this struck me as strange. They were both focussed on Square One and watching the skies above the plaza. Since the loss of Cass, Sante has been much more vigilant as he is now the sole provider and defender of the territory. He is no stranger to this as he accomplished the same great task last year with his daughter Janet. He’s a great male and is doing a wonderful job.
I must thank Katherine and Shannon for continuing to spot check and keep an eye on the family, especially now after the tragic loss of Cass. This is the fourth female that Sante has lost as this site over the years, given that it is such prime peregrine real estate. It is so highly sought after by breeding adult females. Sante has continued to carry on and show what an incredible resident male and father he really is. He has our full support and we will continue to monitor the site closely as we progress towards the fall migration.