June 23, 2014 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Marion Nash Reports:
June 23rd - 2014
Marion and I worked hard this morning trying to figure out where our missing bird might be. We racked our brains and pounded pavements and came up wanting ! Now this is where 17 years of Marion`s experience comes into play!
We had noted that both Haven and Malik were in the area and never flying far from Canada Square unless on a hunt. Marion said that Haven was not too far away and that meant she knew where the *missing* peregrine was and she was not concerned OR she did not know and was just waiting for him to show up after his adventure! So we decided to cool our jets a while and wait.
Haven and Malik had done a number of *fly-overs and fly-bys*`and we had two youngsters in view; one fledgling and Chinook still on the ledge. The fledgling on the southwest corner of Canada Square was either tucking into what was left of his last meal or he had been fed .
At 2:22pm we had a fledgling fly from the roof of Canada Square to the north west corner of Rio-Can and then back across the top of Canada Square and way up to the top of the short condo across Yonge street. An epic flight! We had the thought that this youngster was Linden because he maintained his height and climbed and made such a long flight!! We had three young peregrines again!
Marion noticed a window washer preparing to wash the windows on that southern condo. Haven also noticed the activity and went and sat on the railing on the second condo down extreme right. When the window washers launched himself over the edge in a bosun`s chair Haven flew to the railing around the antenna on 2180 Yonge. She watched the progress of the window washer as he made his way DOWN.
Late in the afternoon Linden flew to the roof of Canada Square and a while later he appeared on the same corner as his brother and Marion also managed to get colour from the band on the one who had stayed on that ledge – red for Equinox. This confirmed that our little flyer was indeed Linden.
One of the youngsters on the south west corner disappeared and we found a youngster down on the balcony wall! We were not able to see Chinook on the *porch* but could not at that point work out who it was on the balcony. Pieces fell into place when we saw TWO youngsters on the south west corner *porch* level AND one youngster at the north west balcony corner. Once again Marion`s experience and knowledge came to the for and it was explained to me that Chinook must have made a *mini* fledge by flying of his *porch* and immediately hooking back whence he had come but a floor lower and ended up on the balcony wall. He afforded us much entertainment with his running along the wall and jumping to the floor and then appearing back on the wall elsewhere. He appeared to be having such fun. Out of the *playpen* into the big wide world of a huge balcony and obstacle course.
Equinox flew over to the top of 2180, north west corner, making a perfect *J-up* landing. *J-up* is how an adult lands on a ledge. They dip down below the ledge and then fly up and land and the action looks just like the letter *J*. Haven flew over and sat on the railing below him. Then we noticed two heads over there. Haven took food in to one of them. Then the rain came and Haven tried to get those two to fly back to Canada Square but they had other ideas and sat it out. When the rain stopped they flew back to Canada Square at different times. Chinook continued to entertain himself, and us, throughout all the rain. Just before we left there was one more epic flight and again we assume it was Linden. He came off the roof of Canada Square, flew to Rio-Can, bumped a window and fluttered a floor or two before recovering and flying around the corner to the top of the apartment building. We left him there.
Lyn
Posted on June 23, 2014 8:18 am
June 22, 2014 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Marion Nash Reports:
I was late getting out this morning and when I looked over at the *porch level* on Canada Square I saw two little peregrines and believed all was well. So I settled down for a short watch as I had another appointment for a few hours. Mark was here to help Marion whilst I was gone. We found Haven on one of the walls south of the nest. Mark threw a spanner in the works by saying something like this * there is a peregrine on the balcony at the corner and I can’t tell if it is a young one or adult, no it is a baby. You have your first fledge*. I thought we had the same two on the *porch* as we had yesterday. Not so! Anyway, he woke up and flew again before I left and Marion saw his flight over 2190, (black building), and saw him come down on it. Until this point we had no idea who had fledged. I left and Marion will fill in the second fledging and the identity of the two peregrines.
On my return Marion and Mark had worked out who was who and where. I spotted one of the young peregrines on the roof believing it to be the first fledgling! Little did I know we had two fledglings. I saw Haven fly low over the bus bays, around the CIBC building and back around the south side of Canada Square by which time she was high enough to land on the roof with the pigeon she had. The fledgling was on top of the concrete wall and Haven landed away from him on the |north west corner of Canada Square. Linden, who was on the roof did not take long to run around to Haven and take the food from her. Later on we saw Haven back on the roof attempting to take the food from him but he prevailed. He was NOT giving up the remains!
Equinox, the first to fledge, was still on 2190 and exploring the edge of that roof. There was a point when it looked as if we had two birds on the short edge facing Duplex Ave. It was a sort of optical illusion because of the way that edge and the 90 degree angle wall to it reflect in one another. We could clearly see Equinox and the reflection was just as clear and looked like a second bird. Haven and Malik took to the air and flew over Canada Square and 2190 then over Duplex, all the while Haven was haranguing Malik. She told him off in no uncertain terms and then she flew west. Malik landed on the south west corner of Rio-Can.
Eventually Malik flew in and landed on the nest level and finally dropped down to the *porch* and gave a food parcel to Chinook, left there on his own. I must say it was an effective move because it put an end to his endless squawking. After leaving the food parcel Malik flew to the last wall south of the nest and landed there but it was short-lived! Linden, a little miffed at not getting any more food, flew across the roof top and onto the same ledge and knocked Malik off! Linden seems to be the *flyer*. He has maintained his height.
Finally, late in the day, Equinox took flight from 2190. He flew on the Yonge street side of Canada Square. Marion went in search and found him perched on the south side of the CIBC building. So we packed up all the gear and moved to Yonge Street. We felt that Linden was doing well and did not need us there.
Equinox kept popping out over the edge of CIBC and then would disappear for a few minutes. This went on for ages until we no longer saw him. So we went looking for him. Still no sign of him in spite of the elevated view Marion had. He may have flown off when a number of pigeons flew and we did not notice him go. Haven had circled over him earlier and had flown off in the direction of 2190 so it is possible that is where he is. Marion noted that Haven was not in this vicinity and it is quite possible she has eyes on him. We will do a search for him in the morning as it was dark when we called off the search.
Lyn
Posted on June 23, 2014 7:52 am
June 22, 2014 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Lisa Reh Reports:
At first light, Merry is still on the balcony displaying lots of vocalizations. He appears to be more motivated to get off this balcony but the reflective glass appears to be confusing him. He’s up on the brown ledge and is trying to use it as a run way to get a lift off. Mystery was on the Park and John Street parapet overlooking that balcony, she gracefully banked off that ledge westwards. At 9:10, 2 turkey vultures were flying around Park Street by the hospital and one of the adults attacked them quite a few times. They moved closer to the nest site and then got the message that they maybe should move AWAY from the nest box. A tiny bird chased the falcon. Helia flew from the right parapet to the nest box, walking along the ledge and then flew to the left parapet. She is becoming quite a graceful bird.
After consulting with Mark today it was suggested that we give Merry some food as there is no evidence that the adults are feeding him on the balcony. At 7:30 Rudy brought some quail over and fed it to him. Merry was easily caught and Rudy checked him over to make sure he wasn’t injured. He seemed only to have one slightly tender spot on his chest. He had been flying in the balcony but he kept on hitting the windows which is why it was decided to capture him and get him up to the rooftop. At 9:00, Merry was released onto the roof and went straight to the nest box where Mystery was. Mystery swooped around the building numerous times screeching the entire time. Merry appeared on the ledge below the nest box. Caster came in from the east shortly after. One of the adults came in directly on front of Merry on the ledge and enticed him off (and Helia) too! They passed the food morsel but Merry didn’t get it, it looked like Helia snatched it from him. Merry was then flying too low again and hit the windows again on the park st side. Tony, Rudy, Helen, Janice and I went up to the 5th fearing the worst. We found him right away but he was still struggling to land, he brushed the windows again. Then he flew out over the construction site and tried to land on a lower parapet on the 5th but hit the cement and slid down. We last saw him flying across park st but still at a low level. We all did a ground search until just before 10 but couldn’t find him. Mystery was still screeching and flying when we left. Let’s hope he has found a safe place to roost tonight.
Photos courtesy of Janice Newton and Lisa Reh.
Posted on June 23, 2014 1:07 am
June 20, 2014 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Lisa Reh Reports:
June 20 & 21 – While Helia is demonstrating strong flying skills already, Merry is staying put on the Park and Union balcony opposite the nest box.
More details coming soon.
Photos courtesy of Karen von Knobloch.
Posted on June 22, 2014 11:59 pm
June 22, 2014 - Toronto - Don Mills and Eglinton - Amexon
Cathy Kerr Reports:
It is with heavy heart that I have to report that we have lost our little Zee (aka Zeballos). She was found by the security guard today at the base of the ICICI building. By the look of it, she hit the building and died on impact. My team and I so enjoyed watching her grow, learning to fly and be such a good sister to her brothers. She will be missed.
Soar high little one.
Posted on June 22, 2014 11:02 pm
June 22, 2014 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:
Thea was seen this afternoon, vocalizing and flapping as the adults flew past the nest ledge. She is to fly very soon. King St watch begins Monday.
Posted on June 22, 2014 10:45 pm
June 22, 2014 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:
One juvie has made it back to the nest ledge! Too bad we can’t confirm who it is, but good for him.
One is still to fly, and the other two are making short flights back and forth from building south of the nest.
Watch continues…
Posted on June 22, 2014 10:43 pm
June 22, 2014 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I just wanted to post a very quick update on our family. I stopped in on my way home from the King Street watch that started today (if anyone can help please email us) and checked up on O’Connor and the kids. All three were home with each one occupying a separate tower at the complex. Nice to see all home and safe.
Posted on June 22, 2014 10:12 pm
June 21, 2014 - Toronto - Don Mills and Eglinton - Amexon
Cathy Kerr Reports:
I arrived just after 5 pm. Cooper and Zee were having a meal, and Mac was sitting above on a letter watching them. Mac took off out of sight and the other two stayed put. Lots of beak kissing going on too. Cooper was walking back and forth along the ledge and, through the scope, it looked like he wanted to know what was on the other side of the windows (or maybe he was looking at his own reflection).
All quiet for an hour or so. Then some flying acrobatics between Zee and a parent (I couldn’t tell which). All three juvies flew to ICICI (and sat on the edge watching as a parent flew off, hunting, I assume. Cute photo moment .. gosh darn, I didn’t have the camera. Oh yes, and lots more beak kissing.
Later, Mac and Cooper flew to the top ledge of DeBeers (seems to be the favourite ledge) .. Zee was still on ICICI .. I saw my very first live catch .. wasn’t much of a chase .. Dad caught a … BUDGIE. Dad deposited it for the boys and Mac went at it while he sat on a letter and watched. I really didn’t want to see this, but looked long enough to know that Mac hogged it all and Cooper didn’t get much. As I looked over to ICICI, I saw Mom drop something off for Zee.
Around 8:00ish, Jenna flew to the top ledge of DeBeers. She stayed for at least 1/2 hour, looking around, and in the window and walked along the ledge .. maybe making sure the kids ate their meals, I don’t know. Then finally Zee flew over to her and Mom took off to the ICICI building. Zee took off after her and couldn’t land, so she flew around ICICI, where, at this moment I couldn’t see her. Then she flew back and took off eastbound, and kept going.
This is where things got confusing. The boys are on ICICI. Mom is at the top corner. I haven’t seen Dad for a bit. Everything pointed to Zee taking off but it couldn’t be?? That’s when I called you. I was ready to go home, but I couldn’t until I knew for sure.
So I waited, and around 9:00 while it’s still light out, the fun fly started. Two juvies (I’m assuming the boys) are flying all over the place having a great time. Finally, they settled on the ’s’ at DeBeers. Yay and so cute! Mom took off from the ICICI corner and went to Foresters .. yup, I see her. I’m missing two. Dad comes in from the east with a catch and goes straight to the kitchen (the east side of ICICI where he does all the prep work). So, I’m missing one…… And then, one more figure pops out on the roof of the ICICI and yes, it’s a juvie!!! Breath of relief! I don’t know who’s who at this point, but the numbers work, so I’m calling it a night at 9:15.
Happy summer solstice .. and all is well.
Cheers,
Lucie
Posted on June 22, 2014 10:04 pm
June 20, 2014 - Toronto - Don Mills and Eglinton - Amexon
Cathy Kerr Reports:
I don’t think I have mentioned before about how loving a couple Jenna & Chester are! Irma & I observed this last year–the two were rarely apart, would chirp and talk to each other from building to building and over the winter they would dine on my work building–if I found one, I would find the other. Amazing. And they have passed this on to their children. I was by the nest on Friday and was thrilled to see the boys on the R together–I had never seen siblings on the same letter together before! It was the two boys–I looked all over for our Zee but could not find her. As I was about to leave, up she popped! I was relieved, looked back at the boys then to her and she was in the air! I couldn’t believe it but she flew over to the R and landed in between her brothers!!! What a landing!! And how sweet to see all three together!! Great night!
Posted on June 22, 2014 10:00 pm
