June 24, 2014 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Marilyn Weller Reports:
Lots of activity in the nest but no one took their first flight. Still waiting for the real action to begin.
The afternoon crew took cover in cars during the storm today so BIG THANKS for keeping watch in horrible conditions!!
We could really use some extra help mid-afternoons to early evenings. We’re shorthanded from 3 to 6 weekdays so if you can break free, your assistance would be much appreciated.
The weekend is fast approaching and it would be great to pencil in some shifts. Please feel free to sign up on the grease board at the bridge or to let me know if you have time to watch this weekend. I’m pretty confident we’ll have flights to watch by the weekend.
Thanks to all who are coming out to keep watching and to help in the event of any difficulties!
Cheers,
Marilyn
Posted on June 24, 2014 8:41 pm
June 24, 2014 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Kathy Reports:
June 24th - 2014
I had to attend a meeting on the top floor which afforded me a clear view of the rooftop of the centre tower and I saw both Sunni and Skyla perched a few feet apart at the very top of the rooftop. Both quiet and just hanging out. It’s a relief to see them after last night’s storm.
Posted on June 24, 2014 6:08 am
June 24, 2014 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Marion Nash Reports:
June 24th - 2014
Marion Nash Reports:
Today was a relatively slow day. It was muggy out but every now and then we benefitted from a cool breeze. Because we did not have to search for the young peregrines it was quite a restful day at Canada Square. When I arrived at 10:30am I saw young Chinook on the very corner where we had left him last night. He was squawking. One of the other two was visible on the level below the *larder* one over from the large concrete wall. Malik was on the fourth ledge over from the concrete wall and Haven was on Rio-Can.
We were in the shade of a tree on Duplex Av and then migrated to the shade in front of the police station.
Eventually the third *child* showed himself and we had all three babies in plain view. When it became too hot for any one of them they simply lay down in a spot of shade, sometimes disappearing from view.
I think Haven thought everyone had rested enough and it was time to get going so she flew onto the *larder* level just above the Equinox and Linden. There was much squawking and wing stretching and even a bit of wing flapping. However, neither of the two babies chose to hop up to Haven’s level. When she realised the activity was only *show* she flew off that ledge and went two further along. This got one of the youngsters active and he flew onto the ledge and then up to the top of the wall above her. Haven flew and the youngster remained behind.
Before this activity, though, Equinox and Linden were bonding. They were beak to beak and rubbing beaks; it looked as if they were kissing one another. So gentle with each other using those lethal weapons!!
Everyone settled down again and for another hour it was quiet. Only one of the youngsters flew around after that and I think because of the flights and the ability to fly it must have been Linden. He flew off the wall on which he was perched, around the north end of Canada Square, gained height and then flew back to Canada Square, hesitated just a tad before fly to the antennae on top of the building and did a great landing on one of the speaker/microwave/thingies.
At some point a storm blew in and the birds all hunkered down out of the wet if possible. During a bit of a lull we went into the Y/E centre and had a bite to eat. When we came out the rain had stopped but by the time we got to our vantage point it was raining gain and so we popped into the nearby doorway and waited it out there. At this point there was still only one youngster flying. The other two popped up periodically and then ducked out of sight again. Chinook was vocal especially if he saw one of the adults doing a fly-by to check on them.
It continued to drizzle and we called it a night early. The two older fledglings had demonstrated they could fly well even if Equinox appeared a little lazy to do so. So we were not worried about them. We thought that Chinook was still a bit young and would not fly today. So we left them. Linden was on top of the south west corner of Rio-can and Equinox and Chinook were in the same place they had been all day on Canada Square.
Lyn
Posted on June 24, 2014 6:01 am
June 23, 2014 - Toronto - Don Mills
Mark Nash Reports:
June 23rd - 2014
Last nights adventures and Cosmos collision is a grim reminder that although it would appear that the fledglings are now able to hold their altitude and stay off the ground, they are still immature inexperienced juveniles with absolutely no life skills. They are solely dependant on their adult parents for food, protection and support for the next 30 to 90 days. They are still being beak fed by Quest a it will take weeks for some of the fledglings to even figure out that its actually other birds that they been eating, let alone having no clue as to how these birds actually end up on the diner table.
While it may also appear that can all now fly, (well, sort of) 
, like most young, they is still allot of opportunity for them to get into all kinds of trouble as they investigate their new world. We equate this period as the young 16 year old, one that has just got their drivers licence, and been given the keys to the family car for the very first time. Only in this case, the family car is a Ferrari!!! Speed does kill!!!
Remembering that these young fledgling peregrine falcons are still learning to fly,, with allot of learning to coordinate their tails and wings for elevation and direction, and equally as important, the tail and wing flare to slow down and break!! Landings are a real skill that is only mastered with lots and lots of practice, and as many of you have already observed, lots of bumps and grinds throughout the learning period.
The big difference with these birds compared to all others, is the speed. Peregrines are able to build up incredible speed almost from the get-go and its the speed along with the inexperience that usually leads to their many injuries and mortality. This in addition to having no life skills or fears, and we find them getting trapped behind glass balcony’s unable to understand why they can’t escape through the glass and get back into the air.
We rescue many fledglings each year that have been trapped behind balcony’s, pulled them out of chimneys, air conditioning chiller units and pools, air ducts, out of mechanical rooms of hi-rise buildings, garbage dumpsters, and a host of other things that get trapped in, some times weeks after they are actually flighted. And in Cosmo’s case, unconscious from the ground after colliding with windows.
So, the day at the Duncan Mills nest site was for the most parts uneventful today. Actually really boring with absolutely no activity for most of the day. Quest and Sky were inactive roosting on various elevations on 240 Duncan Mill building, with the fledglings lounging around on the upper roof of same all day! Very few flights and no teasing by the adults.
Sue joined me for a couple of hours today and was able to help keep me stay awake. Oh my goodness, what a boring slow day indeed,, (although very welcomed, as I was able to do some necessary recharging of my own batteries, relax and de-stress,, and I actually took a minute to eat). I’ve forgotten that you can actually eat during the daylight hours! Eating is good!!
With the support of Bob, Sally and Don, little Cosmo was examined once again before his release. Some great photos were taken by Sally with her camera phone of the examination. A feisty attitude indeed, with lots of energy and an aggressive fighting sprit! Rather nasty as a matter of fact, completely unappreciative of all of our efforts to care for him. This is such a thankless job as far as the peregrines are concerned. lol
Cosmo was again re-hydrated with some water prior to his release and cleared for release.
With Bob, Sally and Don in position at the ground level with towels and a two way radio in hand, I attended the nest building roof top and Cosmo was successfully released without innocent. See photos at roof.
Sally further writes:
RECAP: Soon after you release Cosmo on the roof, he did a lovely flight over 225 Duncan Mill, circling back to land (nice landing) on the top of 220 Duncan Mill. As he was circling back, Sky flew in and did some territorial warning dives after Cosmo landing, until Cosmo started his screeching, then Sky screeched as well and flew off to the roof of 225 to keep watch. Then you were back with Bob and I and we observed Quest bring in food to 225 roof - two of the three juvies flew over screaming for food while the other remained over at 240. As I had to leave Cosmo was doing the funny lurching run, pacing and flapping towards the east corner of the 220 roof.
It looked like Cosmo had taken flight over to 240 when I was leaving work? Or maybe 225? I saw two of the juvies on the 240 roof as I was walking down Moatfield. Hope all was OK after I left.
bye for now!
Sally
Shortly after 9pm, Bob and I were joined by Kathy K and her dog to check up on the happenings and spend a few minutes with us getting an update. By 10pm when I finally departed for the evening, all four fledglings were accounted for - (all in view), high on the rooftop of 240 and 225 and both parents were in view watching over the kids. It was so peaceful and quiet, you would have never known that anything had taken place.
Another typically day on the fledge watch. Back tomorrow, stay tuned………
Posted on June 24, 2014 1:59 am
June 24, 2014 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Bruce Massey Reports:
Not much to report,
0600 Hrs.-Checked Cam @ visible 1 chick Flapping.
0700 Hrs-Checked @ ledge none visible on ledge.
0720 Hrs -Started checking all the usual spots. Also keep looking up @ ledge & at least someone slept in.
0750 Hrs- Harry arrived & stayed @ Sheraton while I too a quick trip to King St.
1000 Hrs. Arrived back @ Sheraton, obviously a second bird slept in.
1100 Hrs- With Alex coming to relieve Harry, I headed back to King St.
1430 Hrs. Arrived back @ Sheraton from King St. after being relieved. Only one juvenile in Nest, moved over to Richmond & University as a Film Crew had taken over York between Adelaide & Richmond.
1700 Hrs. -Joined by new Volunteer Nancy.
1900 Hrs.- After sheltering from a hour or so long rain shower, decided to go for a Walk about. When we got to Yonge & Adelaide I saw a bird on SW Corner of 130 Adelaide looking SW. Sure enough when we went to Shepard & Temperance, first one then a 2nd Juvenile showed up on SE corner 141 Adelaide. One of those birds took flight and as Nancy glanced back to the Sheraton she there’s. a bird @ roof level. With the bird having it’s back to us & the lousy light it was hard to tell if was Adult or Juvenile.
0800 Hrs. - Confirmed above Bird indeed Juvenile.
0840 Hrs.- Confirmed above bird had joined sibling in NL.
0915 Hrs- Closed Down w/2 on ledge.
Posted on June 24, 2014 12:46 am
June 23, 2014 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Lisa Reh Reports:
Tony arrived on the watch at 5:30 a.m. and went to look for Merry on the 19th floor. Caster and Helia were on the parapet facing John & Park. Caster flew away and Helia dug into her breakfast. Tony then went down to look for Merry from the 5th floor roof and discovered the little lad was perched on the parapet to the left of the Caroline Street entrance, with Caster keeping a watchful eye on him. Rudy too arrived at 6:00 to help look out for Merry. Janice arrived at 7:00 and observed Merry flying east towards Union on the 5th floor level. Karen took up the watch shortly after 9:00 but could only view Helia lazily digesting her breakfast on the corner of the John and Park parapet. Shortly after, Tony gave us the heartbreaking news that he had found our little Merry on the 5th floor roof who had likely hit one window too many. Rest in peace, brave Merry.
On a positive note, Helia does appear to be thriving and is turning into a large, beautiful bird. At 6:15 pm she was on the 19th floor parapet on John Street overlooking the King Street balcony. At 9:00, she was perched on the railing of that balcony and then flew to the very corner of Park and John shortly after. One of the adults was on the King Street parapet, the very opposite corner of Helia. At banding, she was the baby with the most attitude. A strong and feisty fledging she is!
Photos courtesy of Tony Bergauer.
Posted on June 23, 2014 11:49 pm
June 23, 2014 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:
Oliver remains unfledged, while Buzz appears to be returning to the ledge. Tracy was able to capture a webcam image late this afternoon and caught the tape colours. Although the tape colours confirm who is on the ledge, we can’t be sure that it is indeed Oliver who remains unflighted. At night fall Bruce had sightings of all four juvies. Will post any additional information about todays coverage of the fledge watch when it comes available. Harry, Alex, Brue, Tracy and Nancy were on hand during today’s watch.
Posted on June 23, 2014 11:25 pm
June 23, 2014 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:
Lots of flapping and vocalizing from Thea today, as Erin and Windwhistler whisked by the nest ledge. Feeding was seen around 8p.m. Erin and Windwhistler have been taking up positions around the nest ledge in preparation for Thea’s first flight.
Perhaps tomorrow she’ll be ready to go. Many thanks today to Bruce, Tracy, Jullian, Nancy and Paul for attending Day one.
Posted on June 23, 2014 10:47 pm
June 22, 2014 - Toronto - Don Mills
Mark Nash Reports:
June 22rnd - 2014
Just when you though it was safe to come out of the house!! Well, during the fledge watch times, its usually not!
My day started teamed up Marion down at the Canada Square fledge watch to fill in for Lyn while she had to attended to other commitments. Remembering that both Marion and Lyn have been typically doing the entire Canada Square fledge watch by themselves over the years, spending 12 to 16 hours a day in the streets, 7 days a week all by themselves for the most parts. There was no way that Marion could deal with this situation by herself this morning with two of the three young hatchlings revved up and ready to go.
We set up at the usual place on Duplex street just south of Eglinton down the street form the Metro police station where Marion and Lyn usually man the fledge watch. Finding parking is always a challenge (and very costly) and its always both a very frustrating time consuming stressful experience.
Oh god, I don’t how Marion and Lyn have been dealing with this fledge watch alone all of these years, as it became very evident as to how lucky I have been on fledge watches in suburbia!!! I have to admit, the stress was almost overwhelming, with the traffic, smog, volume of people, and the noise!!! The diesel fumes and exhausts coming out of the busses constantly coming and going from the bus terminal across the street was terrible!
The stress was all compounded by the fact that when we arrived, one young hatchling has already fledged - (and already missing), and the second chick took its first flight only minutes after we got set up!!
By the time Lyn arrived, I must admit, my nerves were fried, I was soaked with perspiration after doing 3 - 2 kms - 10 block radius walk-arounds while trying to avoid all of the traffic and volume of people while searching for one of the missing fledglings.
My stress was further compounded as I was absolutely horrified to see their resident adult female hunting pigeons a waist level in the centre of all this congestion right in the middle of Yonge Street as she weaved in and out of traffic chasing pigeons. On two occasions, I thought she was going to fly right into pedestrians walking on the side walk as she chased three groups of pigeons!!!
And this was after I had already witnessed their resident adult female fly straight into the windows of the RioCan building, bounce off the glass, lose a floor of elevation, recover, and fly back to the land on the north west corner of the Canada Square nest building across the street!!! What’s up with this??????
Marion simply fluffed this event off, siting that their resident adult female (named Haven) often flies into the windows!!!! No big deal!! She has a very hard head!
Well, I know that kids will make most parents crazzzzy nuts, but holy-cow batman, this is almost unbelievable!!! This type of event is usually followed by a not so good outcome, especially with a large heavy adult hitting windows!! I gotta get out here!!!! This watch is simply not for me!!!
Sadly, just before I left, I received a telephone call from Bruce with some bad news, in that he received a call from security at the Amexon nest site - (Don Mills and Eglinton), that there was a banded peregrine down at 150 Ferrand Drive. Unable to do much from this location, I called Kathy Kerr who was able to get down to the other Don Mills nest site much quicker than I given that she was at the Duncan Mills fledge watch and much closer. Cathy called me back after arriving at the Don Mills nest site to report that one of the young fledglings named Zeballos (nick-named Zee by the fledge watch team) was found dead on the ground below the office tower by security doing their rounds earlier. Cathy was able to recover the Zee we will be sending her off to the MNR along with the other deceased later. Very sad news indeed. See Cathy’s report on the Amexon Don Mills nest site page.
Back at Duncan Mills nest site, the fledge watch team really rallied together as they once again were on site throughout the day to be therefor their peregrines. With Bob arriving around 5:30am in the morning to focus his attention on little Stormy who was left the night before perched very low on a lower ledge elevation just over the entrance of 255 Duncan Mill. He found the fledgling lower yet again, on the lip of the glass overhead canopy only several feet from the front ground at the front entrance.
Over the course of the early part of the morning, he was joined by Sally, Cathy, Luci and Richard and Debbie, followed by Tracy and I think Bonny and her husband. When I arrived, they were all poised out on Duncan Mill waiting to spring in action for little Stormy to come to the ground. By the time I arrived in the later afternoon, there was a full fledge watch team pretty much prepared to deal with anything!!!
Throughout the morning and afternoon, the other three fledglings were observed in several short flights from various roof tops to roof tops doing not too bad. Although terrible landings for the most parts, they all were holding their altitudes and staying off the ground!
By 7pm, it was quite evident that little Stormy was simply not motivated to take flight and both Quest and Sky were not giving her any incentive to get back to a safe altitude. Given the deadness of the traffic and the available fledge watch volunteers on hand, the decision was made to capture Stormy up while we had opportunity. Knowing that the automobile traffic will be back to the usually road-rally race status tomorrow morning as everyone rushes into work Monday morning, and the huge volume of people that will be coming into this building, this was an ideal safe time to capture her-up and get her back to a safe elevation on top of the nest building roof. Bob went home to get a step ladder and an incredible long extendable painters pole, and Tracy went to her vehicle to get one of the rescue nets. With the net attached to the painters pole and the fledge watch team positioned on both sides of the street to the east and west of the front entrance in anticipation that we may not be able to get her in the net and she if she came to the ground, we were all ready.
With the ladder in position only feet below her, and the super-doper net in hand, I took the first step onto the ladder, and before I cold even look up, she took flight. We watcher fly low around the west site of 255, into the back parking lot of 225 where she was able to get enough air and altitude to make a landing on the top elevation of the above ground parking lot at the rear of 225 Duncan Mill road lot. Yaaah!! At least now she has some elevation and away from traffic!
Less than 30 minutes later, and with Quest and Sky (her parents) in flight offering some motivation, Stormy flew again, this time catching some moving air and gained enough altitude to eventually land on the upper rooftop of 240 Duncan Mill road where she joined her siblings! A very good long flight indeed!!!
You could have probably heard the cheering from all of us several blocks away!
By 8:30 pm, the falcon follies were in full swing with both resident adults flying around teasing the fledglings with food and it was chaos in the streets again trying to keep track of the four, no, six peregrines bolting and flying all over the place from rooftop to rooftop, with fledglings chasing the adults, the adults teasing with food, it was incredible.
By 9:10pm all had settled, several fledglings had been fed and darkness was closing in and pretty much everyone settled down for the evening and everything got really quiet. Most of the fledge watch team departed for home after a very long day in the streets. By 9:20pm, with Sally, Don, Sue and myself saying our good-byes, there was one last flight.
Suddenly, the quiet silence was disrupted with a loud thump and our attention and eyes were each drawn overhead to the 7th floor window of 225 directly above our heads. A spread-eagle like peregrine falcon juvenile floated spiraling down thumping on the concrete literally three feet from where we all sitting. At this very same time, Sue yelled out, oh my god, it just hit the window!
It was non-other than Cosmo, the little super-star flyer! I had only to stand up, grab my towel and walk less than four feet to pick him up. Cosmo was completely unconscious, dead looking, wings spread out, legs stiff, eyes completely closed and no movement at all. I gently wrapped him in my towel, and immediately started to massage his chest with my thumbs while I held him in my lap. What seemed to be an eternity, Cosmo finally started to breath and eventually there was movement! Minutes later, there was hissing fighting ball of fire in my hands!!!
Cosmo was later examined for other injuries and other than a small minor laceration that he sustained as a result of biting his tong as a result of his impact with the window, he checked out ok. To be safer than sorry, Cosmo spent the night in the rescue carrier, in a quiet cool environment so he cold be observed and monitored more closely. He will be released tomorrow in the daylight once he has had a final examination and cleared to be released.
A huge thank you to everyone who spent a good portion of their day out in the streets on the watch,,, (when I’m sure that most everyone would have rather been with friends and family BBQ’ing somewhere enjoying this fantastic sunny day)!!!!!! What a great team!!
By 10:00pm, I must admit, I was spent, and finally departed the Duncan Mills nest site and proceeded to the Canada Square at Yonge and Eglinton nest site to pick Marion up from her watch.
Stay tuned………..
Posted on June 23, 2014 11:40 am
June 20, 2014 - Toronto - Don Mills
Mark Nash Reports:
June 20th - 2014
Thank you to Ping who was able to snap a few good shots of Quest and Stormy this past Friday. As you can see by the photo of Stormy, she’s looking pretty good, despite being on the ground. This photo of Stormy was taken just moments before she was rescued from the ground.
Nice shots Ping!
Posted on June 23, 2014 9:37 am
