A belated post but a great one to start out March!
Quest and Skye have been camera shy lately but now that we are coming close to nesting season the pair have become more active around the nest box. Nice to see that the pair are more active around home!
I am the worst when it comes to reporting sad news and I can never find the right words yet this is an important update so here goes.
On Friday of last week, February 28th, I received a call from Ross with Environmental Services at the William Osler Hospital. He informed me that he had located a deceased bird on the medical centre rooftop and that the bird was banded with a solid black recovery band marked R over 55. I knew right away but confirmed it nonetheless that this was Maverick hatched last year at the William Osler nest site. I drove down and met Ross and the two of us went up to the rooftop for a look. When we exited the door I saw the bird down in the middle of the east side of the rooftop and it was without a doubt little boy blue Maverick.
After removing him from the rooftop I took a good look at him and it was evident that he’d been there for some time. How long I can’t say but certainly his passing was not recent. I was incredibly shocked by this as he was the star flyer of the family this past season being the first to fledge and returning to the nest ledge within hours of his first flight. He never once came to the ground or required a rescue and he was witnessed hunting like a pro with his father Hurricane around the hospital grounds. The last time I can confirm his presence was on July 23rd when I was able to get a photograph of Maverick and his two sisters as they sat on the western ledge. I believe that I also have pictures from later in August so what happened to him and when it occurred is truly unknown. Thank you very much to the folks at William Osler for keeping an eye on the family and supporting them so well. While this is a sad loss to report at this time, we look forward to the coming season with great anticipation.
Photos copyright of Public Works and Government Services Canada
Over the past few days there have not been too many good photo shooting days. Bill has been out almost every day but only to find Cirrus and Mackenzie hunkered down trying to stay out the wind and the cold.
However, I have some amazing photos of Mackenzie to share that were taken at the Lift Bridge. I would like to thank Public Works and Government Services Canada for allowing me to use them.
Have a look, they are beautiful photos of a beautiful Peregrine Falcon, Mackenzie.
January & February - 2014
Despite the bitter cold temperatures and what seemed to be never-ending snow events these past two months, both Tracy and I continued to brave the freezing cold temps and carried on with the manufacturing processes of the new nest boxes and nest trays needed this year to replace some of the old nest boxes and nest trays that are in much need of replacement. In addition to having to replace some of the old vintage nest boxes and nest tray that we built and installed back in the mid 1990’s, we have also built a brand new nest tray and new nest box to accommodate two new peregrine pairs nesting here in both Toronto and southern Ontario.
Unlike the older nest boxes and nest trays that we manufactured back in 1995, 1997 and 2000 at the various nest sites which were made out of only pressure treated wood and stained, newer materials are now available that are very exciting indeed!
Now, the new poly-composite marine decking material that we are using is already coloured and no longer needs to be stained. In addition, the new premium marine decking material is water-proof, UV resistant and incredibly durable that comes with a 25 plus year guarantee!
On the down side, this new premium marine decking material is very costly, very heavy, and requires special screws in addition to everything has to be pre-drilled. It is quite a challenge to work with given the detailed cuts and connections that we have to do in the manufacturing of the nest boxes and nest trays. The up-side and good news is that once constructed, this new material is incredibly strong and durable, and completely UV and water resistant. No fading or rotting!!
While the structural interior frame of all of the new nest boxes we are manufacturing are still made of 2″ and 4″ inch pre-stained pressure treated lumber, all of the outer shell of the new nest boxes are covered with this new marine poly-composite material providing a permanent colour fast UV and water resistant exterior covering.
The new nest trays are for the most parts now completely made from the new poly-composite material and once again, colour fast, completely UV and water resistant!
Stay tuned for the install updates soon to come!
