Canadian Peregrine Foundation

FLEDGE WATCH - Brampton Courthouse - Thursday, June 27 & Friday, June 28

Lucie reports:

THURSDAY - It was my first time fledge watching at this location and I was looking forward to seeing PERCY, who had come down the night before and landed on a low building directly across the street from the nest building.  When I arrived around lunch time, mom was on the roof of this building and then jumped down out of sight where Percy was assumed to be.

Finally, around 5 pm Percy made an appearance on the ledge!  From that time until 9 pm, I got to see and photograph him up close, whether he was being fed by mom or just looking darn cute.  I watched mom bring food for Percy .. a white pigeon .. she dropped it off in front of him and picked a few feathers to feed him.  Then she stepped away while he just looked at the pigeon and struggled with it.  It took awhile then it sunk it ..   mom started to beak feed him.  He ended up with a full crop very content.  We wondered if she might be a first-time mom .. and even if so, she’s a great mom, constantly watching out over him!

It’s always a great feeling to be able to ID a peregrine and especially wonderful to know that it’s NICO, from the Duncan Mill site, son of Quest and Mystery, and first-time dad!

Cathy posted some of my photos a couple of days ago and I’m adding a few more from that evening of mom and Percy on the roof.  And it was so nice to finally meet Toivo and spend some time on this fledge watch with him.

FRIDAY - A very noteworthy day for sure and one that will certainly be remembered by myself and Winston.  I was on my way to the courthouse when I got a call that Percy was down and needed rescuing.  Winston and Toivo thankfully were on the job and with their efficient teamwork got Percy in the crate.  Congrats to Winston on his first successful rescue!!

When I arrived, the first thing I saw was mom on the light post right in front of me with food in her talons.    With the help of the courthouse staff, we released Percy on the roof and almost instantly mom flew to the roof and Percy was grabbing the food from her!!

From his release until 9:00 pm, Percy remained on the ledge, with his parents very close by.  He had several feedings.  Dad dropped the food off in front of him, then mom came in to beak feed.  The most activity that I saw occurred after 7:30 when a pair of kestrels decided to cause a stir.  I watched as mom took the brunt of their swoops, while dad remained with Percy.  My heart went out to mom who endured this pair who were probably protecting their own young on the other side of the building, where I understand is their territory.  I left around 9 pm and all was quiet, including the kestrels.

Mom is unbanded and has no name, so we have decided to call her ROSE.  Cheers, Lucie