Toronto - Don Mills

Cathy and I arrived around 9:15am and did a drive around the buildings to spot the family. Two juvies found, on rooftops, but no third in sight. We decided to do a walkabout before settling down in our usual spot in the shade by building 225.

Both parents, and juvies were facing sort of north east. It was quiet as well, and we wondered if perhaps the third juvie was further out but within their site.

Our walkabout and patience allowed us to confirm Sydney (red) and Bluey (yellow). Great to see Sydney up high on a rooftop, as this was still only 24 hours since her first flight.

Enjoyed the juvies flying but we were distracted, as fledge watchers always are, by not seeing Nico (blue).

Watched Bluey take off and realized he intended to fly east over towards Don Mills Rd. Hmmm! Well, Mystery was not having that. He shot out after him, and then Quest followed. Both parents redirected him west and back to the cluster of buildings near the nest site. Some nice flying! An attempted “J” swoop up to a roof, missed it but recovered nicely.

Still feeling bothered by Nico’s absence, we drove around again, thinking maybe we’d drive over and up Graydon Hall drive to see if we could see where Quest, Mystery and Nico’s siblings seemed to be focusing their attention. Nothing.

The time flew, and we both had other commitments for mid-afternoon, As we were packing up, Mystery surprised us by swooping in very low, circled low around the Purolator parking lot. Very strange. Must have been a hunt (lots of birds in those trees!) and he flew back to 255 copper building (his favourite perch these days), empty-handed. Oh well, we knew Nico had been flying well and Marion was coming to watch into the evening, so we left trusting we’d either hear he had appeared, or we’d keep checking for him the next day.

A couple of hours later, Marion notified us that Nico was accounted for. Yay! He’d appeared on the very top of the copper building roof. Mystery showed up and got chased by Nico and Marion reports he’s flying great. They disappeared flying towards the condos. Mystery came back at close but no Nico. Sydney and Bluey settled down on 240 for the night. No food was delivered by the time Marion left.

Should be a good day of flying tomorrow.

Sally