July 01, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:
Canada Square Peregrine report Canada Day !!! July 1 2012
I had misgivings at the end of the watch about the number of peregrines seen off and on. My concern was the two fledglings. Had I seen both? After reviewing my notes and giving it some thought I believe I did see the two young ones.
It all started off very slowly and I came home for about an hour before returning to the outdoors. I had seen only one young one before going in and I think this may have been Solar but I am not sure.
On my return to the watch I found Haven on the top floor of Rio-Can. I also saw a youngster flying high over RC and 411 Duplex, then east a bit and back over RC to disappear. I think this was Simcoe. There was much flying and circling around over the buildings, Canada Square, RC, Black building and 2180 by the peregrines and in the mix I saw Stormin (his tatty feathers told on him) and Simcoe (his fancy and sure flight ID’d him).
Haven, on RC stretched her wings, changed her position and carried out a few other actions and then she flew over 411, up Duplex and over and beyond 500 Duplex and was gone. At about this time there was serious squawking and it was not coming from Rio-Can. It sounded as if it was coming from Canada Square but I could not for the life of me find the peregrine. I searched the roof top and the antenna, the north west corner and old nest ledge and even this year’s nest ledge and come up with zip. Simcoe, sitting on the top of RC was paying no attention to the squawking. When he flew down between the black building and 2180 Yonge the squawking continued and two minutes later I found Solar. She was tucked into the shady part of the ledge NEXT TO the nest ledge and was still calling when I spotted her. So I did see the two young ones. The light was just right and I saw her silver band.
Simcoe flew overhead from behind 53 Division to the east and beyond Heart and Stroke and was gone again. He appeared later on the Canada Square roof and moved right to the edge.
Haven flew around the side of RC to H&S and Stormin circled over Yonge and Eglinton intersection before going east of H&S. Simcoe flew south off the Canada Square roof and circled back onto it before flying off again and eventually ending up on 2180 antenna. He did not land on the large one but chose to perch, precariously, on one of the straight pole things to the left of the antenna, then hopped to the next one.
Haven was doing more flying around the Y/E intersection and then she silently dropped down to the ledge where the pigeons congregate on the black building at the concrete level. No luck there so she flew through the gap, up Yonge street east of Canada Square, circled in front of H&S several times and then flew onto the old nest ledge.
One of the males flew down between the black building and 2180 Yonge again which sent Solar into squawking mode again. Haven had her back to the world on the old ledge, Stormin was on RC seven floors from the top and Solar was also sitting on her same level with her back to the world. As no-one paid any attention to Solar she flapped her wings and walked her ledge then flew. She came over the old TTC bus bays, turned south and also flew between the black building and 2180 Yonge and a bit more south before turning and flying back to land on the opposite side of the wall from Haven, near the old nest ledge. Fifteen minutes later she flew off that perch, out over the bus bays and back onto the third ledge south of the concrete wall. When I left I had Haven on the old nest, Stormin on RC and Solar on the third ledge on Canada Square. I have no idea where Simcoe was at this point.
Pierre had joined me again and spent some time observing the peregrines. I saw the moon rise over the corner of the black building – it was huge, white and not quite full. Beautiful
Lyn
Posted on July 2, 2012 1:09 pm
June 29, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Frank Butson Reports:
Thanks to Lyn for her continued monitoring of Stormin, Haven and their family. Posts got behind with the craziness of fledge watching. This catches us up.
Canada Square Peregrine report 20120627
A day of lessons for the fledglings – at least that is how it appeared to me! When I arrived at 12:30pm I saw both fledglings on the Canada Square building. One was on the old nest ledge and the other was in the shade of the fifth wall, southern end at nest level. Simcoe took off west along Eglinton but returned a minute later chasing Haven who circled Rio-Can and Heart and Stroke and went back through the gap between the apartments and the RC building and on to the old nest ledge. Haven flew and Simcoe stood around debating what to do. He soon decided to fly west along Eglinton again and off he went. This time when he returned he was chasing Haven who came in from somewhere south on Duplex over the old TTC garage, over Eglinton and through the gap between the apartments and RC again!! They both disappeared.
It was about this time that Solar woke up, stretched her wings and as Haven flew into the area over the old TTC bus bays Solar went to meet her. Solar was putting as much energy into her flying as her squawking as she chased Haven who had a food parcel!!! Then right in front of my eyes an attempt was made to pass the food parcel to Solar who dropped it. Oh my word!!! I saw this little scrap falling, falling, falling and then Haven swooped round and recovered it, flew up to Solar and said for heaven’s sake grab it! By this time Haven was almost at stalling speed to allow Solar take the food and SHE DID!! Haven flew to the old nest and Solar struggled a bit, flew over Eglinton, circled around Canada Square gaining height and flew onto the roof of Canada Square from the south end. It looked like a hard landing but little Solar was fine as she dragged the food to the edge where she proceeded to eat it!
Simcoe in the meantime had flown in and was on the old nest ledge, then onto the 4th ledge over, squawking his protest at no food. Simcoe sneaked onto the 3rd ledge over and Stormin flew in and sort of bumped him off the nest height onto the lower ledge before flying to RC. Simcoe launched and mom flew into the picture and the chase was on. He chased Haven twice around the RC and H&S Block, through the gap and then he was gone. Stormin flew then and met Haven and the two of them flew high over the Bell building and Solar was still eating! I left for a while at about 1:15pm.
Shortly after my return at 5:30 Simcoe showed off. He flew over the Yonge Eglinton intersection doing short loops and some sort of flip (much like pigeons when chased by peregrines) before landing on RC at the top. When Haven flew in the chase was on and then flew around Canada Square, Rio-Can and Heart and Stroke. Simcoe had had enough and he landed, first, on the north-west corner of Canada Square and then the antenna. He left the antenna and circled Canada Square twice, gaining height before landing on RC at the top near Solar.
Haven made a food drop and a *fight* ensued. one was *winging* the other out of the way. The one who lost flew over the apartment building and landed back on the top ledge. The other fledgling was plucking feathers madly and eating whilst the sibling patiently waited to the side.
I left at 7:38, very proud of my little peregrine!
Lyn
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Canada Square Peregrine report 20120628
I went west along Eglinton before returning to watch the peregrines. At that stage there was a swing stage on the north face of the black building. When I returned a half hour later, there was no-one on the swing stage. I sat and looked for Simcoe and Solar and found both of them huddled together in the shade of the fifth ledge south of the concrete wall on Canada Square. Then I spotted Haven on 2180 Yonge under the TVO sign. I wondered if there was any need to be concerned so called Marion. No need to be alarmed!
Solar became active at 3:30, exercised her wings, walked along the ledge she was on and very sportingly showed me her *no tape* band!! Then she flew all along the west side of Canada Square going north, then east a bit, gaining height and circled back and landed on the Canada Square antenna!
Simcoe too was very sporting and showed me his *yellow tape* before settling down in the shade. He then just dropped off the edge and flew more or less the same route that Solar had taken and also landed on the antenna. He walked towards Solar and then lay down, just his tail was visible. Both of them, in the right light, seem to be developing Haven’s colouring.
Two hours and ten minutes later Solar, (ID’d by size), flew around Canada Square with Haven and then went south and landed on the antenna on 2180 Yonge. A beautiful landing on the second rung down! Shortly after that Solar took off and went south and out of sight.
Simcoe appeared on the Canada Square antenna and appeared to have a little difficulty balancing out in the open as he tilted back and forth a couple of times. He decided to go back where he had been, hidden, and settled down again. Haven made a *recce* flight into the area, down to where the pigeon nests area on the black building she briefly settled on the black building. She then flew across Eglinton through the gap and around RC. Lance spotted her on the west side of RC before flying along Eglinton Ave and settling on the Bell Canada building. She was there but a minute when she launched herself and next thing we knew she was carrying a huge food parcel. She had caught a pigeon in my blink of an eye and flew to the top of the CIBC building at the corner of Yonge and Eglinton. We saw feathers fly!! We think she had something to eat before the fledglings caught up with her. Twenty three minutes later she flew to the top of Rio-Can with a food parcel and proceeded to partake of more of the pigeon. Lance spotted that.
Simcoe flew in a bit later and took the food from Haven who flew off then. A while later Solar flew onto the antenna on Canada Square, squawking madly. As no-one took any notice of her she flew to the top of RC but was not quite high enough to land so she circled back over Canada Square and finally made it to the roof near her brother. This time it was Solar’s turn to wait in the sidelines until her sibling had finished eating.
Haven made a fast entry to the area by going into a tight stoop over the old TTC bus bays, over Duplex and then swooped out of it and circled back over 53 Division and over the apartment building. By this time Simcoe had moved and Solar was tucking into the remains. Eventually she moved to the south-east corner of the roof and sat. Simcoe flew and we saw him atop the wall at the south-east corner above Solar. That was the extent of today’s activity. Caroline left just after eight and I left shortly after that.
It is very encouraging to see people looking to the skies, searching for the peregrines. We are still seeing a number of new people, almost daily, who come up and ask what we are looking at. Their interest is piqued as they drive or walk by and see our *eyes to the sky*!!
Thanks Maggie, Lance and Caroline for your company today.
Lyn
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Canada Square Peregrine report 20120629
I sat outside 53 Division this afternoon for simply ages and no peregrine was in sight. Then, thank goodness Pierre spotted movement on a ledge. Pierre has spent time at Duncan Mills checking on Quest and Kendal and thought he would pass time at this site today.
The peregrine on the ledge was Solar, who gave us a beautiful wing stretch before her hysteria when Stormin made a food drop! My word, the excitement!!! She grabbed the food parcel and ran to the back of the ledge.
Haven flew in and landed on the south face of Rio-Can, top floor. Later on Simcoe flew in and landed on RC. So I did see the whole family today, albeit at different times.
At one point we had three in the air, Stormin, Solar and Simcoe. Stormin and Solar did one talon touch and then she landed on the antenna on top of Canada Square. Simcoe flew in after her and also landed on the antenna. Solar was co-operative and showed her *tapeless band*, just the silver reflected in the light. Simcoe was not so generous and kept his band out of sight.
Haven made quite a few flights today, once the heat of the day had passed. A number of times she came in from behind 53 Division and circled Canada Square or the Yonge-Eglinton intersection or went around the RC and Heart and Stroke building. Simcoe in the mean time had flown from the antenna and temporarily disappeared but he put in another appearance and flew over 2180 Yonge, over Canada Square and landed on top of RC. Solar was still on the antenna, sometimes hidden and sometimes not. Finally she flew and went directly to RC, the south west corner and made it first go, a bit wobbly but the height was fine. Both fledglings were on the RC roof ledge at the point when I left for a break at 6:30pm.
When I returned twenty minutes later I saw only one fledgling on the RC roof and Haven was sitting on the Canada Square roof. Later, I heard squawking from RC and saw a peregrine flying from the south. It circled over Canada Square and then landed on the antenna. Haven flew to the roof of the black building, disappearing from sight and the fledgling on the antenna flew to RC roof. Later on I spotted one of the fledglings, whom I think was Solar (by size), flying over Rio-Can and practising her flying and some kiting! She sort of went backwards when kiting; I guess the breeze took her. It looked a bit odd until she flapped and moved forward again.
A few minutes later Haven circled the area twice and landed on the south east part of the RC roof with a food package. Solar was most excited and flew in and hit the edge of the roof, fluttered, circled back and around and this time made it onto the top of that south east part of the roof. Haven flew off. A bit later Simcoe, on the RC roof looked as if he had something to eat. I saw a few feathers fly, not many. By this time Haven was on the top of the wall on the south west side of RC, resting. Solar finished eating and flew over to her mother and almost knocked her off her perch then both flew off. Solar was high and flew south west-ish over 53 Division and back east until she was back on the south east corner of RC. Little did I know that Haven was back in that spot and when Solar appeared Haven took off with the food parcel and flew to the south west corner of RC. Simcoe made a mad dash for his mom, squawking and wing flapping to get there before Solar. He was successful! Solar flew off, circled Canada Square and the antenna and then flew back to the RC roof to await her turn.
Haven flew to the old nest wall and sat for a few minutes. Her crop was bulging nicely!
When I left at 8:06pm the two fledglings were sitting on the RC roof and Haven was also on RC six floors down from the top.
Lyn
Posted on June 30, 2012 5:59 am
June 26, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:
An interesting day for me ! I was not out early. I went shopping and at 12:35 pm I was sitting in front of 53 Division in the sun. One fledgling was sitting up on the old nest ledge and the other was on the fifth wall lying down. Shortly after I arrived the one on the old nest ledge flew west along Eglinton. From the smooth wing action, ability to climb and some speed I believed this to be Simcoe. I lost him but not for long as he soon came back chasing Haven and not quite catching her and of course squawking madly! The two circled the Rio-Can and Heart and Stroke buildings and zipped through the gap between the apartment building and RC. They both flew to the old nest and Haven took off immediately. Simcoe looked a bit surprised, gathered his thoughts and took off in the same direction again!
Haven flew back from a different direction: from south on Duplex over the old maintenance garage (brick building) up through the gap between the apartment building and RC all the while chased by a squawking Simcoe again! It was at this point that Solar awoke from her nap on the wall, stretched her wings, looked around, squawked and took flight just as Haven was returning from somewhere around the side of H & S. I had a ringside seat for the next event!!
Haven flew over the old TTC bus bays as Solar came to meet her. Both were a bit lower than usual and Haven had a food package in her talons. She turned slightly to give advantage to Solar and Solar understood what was going to happen but her reflexes were not that good this time around and the food parcel *free floated* for six or so feet before Haven swept in and caught it!!!!! Solar was still chasing her mom and squawking so they tried again. This time Haven was almost at a stalled speed to allow Solar to catch up with her and the transfer was successful!! Haven flew off to the old nest ledge and Solar flew over Eglinton to the intersection, gaining height, around Canada Square and onto the roof, from the south, where she looked as if she came in for a hard landing. But she was fine. She dragged her food to the edge and ate.
Stormin came in to see what was going on with all the noise Solar had made and landed on the antenna on top of Canada Square. Simcoe, recognised only by flight, also arrived and landed on the old nest ledge. Haven had also flown to the old nest but had flown off again.
A few minutes passed and Simcoe flew to the fourth ledge over from the nest, one level down, before flying to the third nest ledge. He was looking for scraps I think. Stormin flew onto the same ledge and in flying in sort of bumped Simcoe off to the level below. Stormin then flew to RC. Simcoe launched himself again, protesting the favouritism of Solar being fed. Haven flew in front of him and the chase was on. Haven was flying fast and Simcoe did his best but was unable to catch her. They went twice around the RC and H&S buildings again and through the gap between the apartment and RC. When next I saw Haven she was flying with Stormin and Simcoe was nowhere to be seen. I checked on Solar who was still eating and at this point, around 1:30 pm I left.
I returned at 5:30 pm to find Stormin on top of RC and no-one else visible. Five minutes later Stormin flew around to H&S and possibly beyond. Five minutes after that I spotted a fledgling on the roof ledge of RC. This youngster walked all the way along the edge to the south west corner of RC. Much later Simcoe (again identified only by what I believe his flight pattern to be) came into the YE intersection and Canada Square to show off. He did funny little tumble-turns (I don’t know how to describe them), quick turns, fast down and ups, as if on a roller coaster and a few other little tricks before landing.
Roughly 10 minutes later Haven flew in and Simcoe again gave chase, squawking of course! Once more they went, around the two towers and through the gap. Haven seems to be teaching him to go around the buildings at speed and not necessarily at height either as some of their flights have just skimmed the gold building. Simcoe had had enough of this exercise and he landed on the south west corner of Canada Square. Haven disappeared and Simcoe flew to the north west corner of the building and finally to the antenna on the top! I lost sight of Simcoe on the antenna after a few minutes but later did see him fly from there, circle over Canada Square twice, and to the top of RC next to Solar.
Some twenty minutes later Haven flew in and made a food drop on the roof. She was, of course, mobbed! The two fledglings had *wings and words* and one came out the victor with the spoils. One of the fledglings left the ledge and flew over the apartment building and back to the ledge. I think this was Simcoe. Feathers were flying and then whoever had the food tucked in! The other fledgling, Simcoe, was off to the side but began to sneak his way forward to the food and of course Solar. There were more *wings and words* and I am not sure who was the victor but someone was eating whilst the other waited. Eventually both disappeared from the edge and I assume they were further onto the ledge.
Caroline, who had been there off and on since around 3:30 pm left at about 7 and I went shortly after that.
My timing was great today! I had listened with envy to a chappie telling me the story of a food transfer he had seen high up in the Scotia tower. Now I have seen one myself. I know he did not see the food drop and be caught by one of the peregrines involved in the transfer he saw 
Yesterday, with different players there was an unsuccessful attempt at a food drop; today a successful one.
Lyn
Posted on June 28, 2012 10:00 am
June 25, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I arrived at about 8:50 to find only Haven and Stormin and one wingtip in view. I assumed that because of the wind and possibly the coolth that the fledglings were lying down. Haven flew between Canada Square and Rio-Can several times before there was other activity. Eventually Solar was up and preening and Stormin flew between RC and Heart and Stroke. Young Simcoe finally put in an appearance and landed on Canada Square. Haven swooped down on him twice and he flew. He went to H & S and attempted to land on a window sill which did not work. He fluttered at the window for a moment or two then flew off to the southern end of Canada Square. Haven flew to Rio-Can. Haven tried to entice Simcoe into more flight by flying here and there but to no avail.
At some point Solar flew to Canada Square without my seeing her. She flew off Canada Square to RC where she brushed a window and then flew south to the southern end of Canada Square where she landed on the balcony south west corner.
After Marion left I moved up to the wall outside 53 Division where I had just settled in only to discover that Solar was not on the corner. I picked up and packed up my gear and trotted down to the end of the block and found her sitting on the same balcony wall but out of the wind! After that there was not much activity.
It was hard for the peregrines to fly in the wind, especially hard for the fledglings so everyone stayed put.
An hour and a half later Solar flew high towards RC but circled Canada Square and actually landed on the antenna on Canada Square. She almost overshot her mark, almost was tipped off by the wind BUT she landed and hung on!! Shortly after that she flew around the YE intersection, gained height and landed on RC roof ledge with one or two *tilts* but otherwise no problems!
I think Simcoe then flew off RC and took the wind south. He really sped by, down Duplex Ave, turned and headed back up Duplex. This was a struggle in the wind and he had dropped in altitude. Clever chap flew over the old TTC bus bays where there was less wind, regained his height, turned again and flew up to the roof ledge of RC!!!
Stormin flew in with a food parcel and I did not see who managed to get it but I do believe it was Solar. Stormin was MOBBED by a crowd of two hungry fledglings! After that there appeared to be a bit of a skirmish as all I saw was wings, wings and more wings!
Simcoe flew south, around Canada Square and back on to RC. Later he chased Haven when she flew. We had three in the air at one point and I was trying to figure out what was happening as there was plenty of diving and chasing. I thought, erroneously that two were hunting a pigeon (the third peregrine)!!! Not so. Maggie said *three peregrines* and we both watched carefully. Stormin had a food parcel, very visible, in his talons. Simcoe was chasing him and at one point Stormin turned and I think was attempting to transfer it to Simcoe but Simcoe was not fast enough. Haven was flying as *support team* to one or both of them. Was she there possibly to grab the food if it fell when being transferred? There was no transfer and Stormin land on the roof ledge of RC with Simcoe almost landing on top of him. Solar was not left out and charged over. I am not sure who managed to get the spoils this time but again I think it was Solar. Both Haven and Stormin flew off
When we left at 7:00 pm a very satisfied Solar was sitting digesting her meals!!!
Lyn
Posted on June 28, 2012 9:47 am
June 24, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:
A day full of surprises!
My eyes did not want to open but I eventually managed to get going in the morning.
Caroline’s report was that Solar had flown, and not just that, had flown well!! I checked the area and found Haven on Rio-Can, Stormin on the black building, one fledgling on the top of the stairwell shaft at 411 Duplex and one fledgling on antenna at 2180 Yonge. Surprise!!!
There was a flurry of activity from the two fledglings and one returned to the antenna on Canada Square and the other to the antenna at 2180 to roost.
Later on another bout of flying around was initiated by Simcoe when he went east with Haven then south on Yonge in front of the two condo`s, around the mast on 2180 Yonge, back over Canada Square to RC roof where he landed. When Haven flew he tried to catch her but he is just not fast enough yet! Solar saw all this activity and joined the fun. She however was a bit slow starting and in trying to *catch up* she flew around the antenna at 2180 Yonge and then directly to the RC roof where she *crashed* and disappeared from sight. She reappeared a few minutes later and called. She had made a long flight, made a turn and had increased her altitude whilst flying back and was high enough to land on the roof. No mean feat. Her flight was a tad fluttery but she had the stamina to climb and do the distance. T say I was astounded is to understate the case!!! I was very impressed. There was more flying to come when Haven landed on the black building. Stormin and Solar also flew to the black building which was a change in altitude for Solar.
She again did an about turn at the height of the black building roof and flew to RC with Stormin at her side. She gained some height while Stormin veered her away from RC. He landed and Solar continued flying, making a long turn around the east side of Canada Square and reappearing on the south end! With this flight she come full circle and just a bit lower than when she set off.
There was another flight between Canada Square and Rio-Can when the fledgling circled the intersection twice, gaining height and made a fluttery landing on RC roof. Stormin then flew to the nest ledge, flew off and was gone!
Haven flew high over RC and over 411 Duplex with Simcoe (Marion determined it was him by his flight pattern) in hot pursuit. For the next two hours there was much flying, first by Haven and then by Stormin. Any time that one of the adults appeared near the Rio-Can building Solar squawked. I think this was just a lesson for the fledglings to get out and fly. Haven flew some more and this time was *chased* by Simcoe. Haven landed and when Simcoe arrived she flew.
At 1:43 pm we had two fledglings on the ledge at the roof on RC. About two hours later the fun began again when an adult flew and Simcoe chased that adult. Solar had had enough and was staying perched. The rain came so Caroline and I dashed into the YE mall for a half hour until it was over. When we returned the fledglings were still on the roof ledge. Both Haven and Stormin were not to be seen.
Stormin dropped off a food parcel and I really think that Solar took it! The peregrine left *looking on, longingly* appeared small and I therefore assumed it was Simcoe. Once Solar had eaten, and was sitting in the corner with a bulging crop, Simcoe went over to the remains and picked at them.
Haven reappeared on the scene at Canada Square with a pigeon. She landed on the nest level but southern end where she proceeded to pluck feathers. Once this was done she began to eat. Simcoe, in the meantime, had been squawking for food whenever he saw an adult move! He even flew to the opposite end of the RC roof ledge so that if anyone did fly in to him with food he WOULD get it before Solar had managed to come all the way across. However this arrangement did not last long. He flew back close to Solar, waited and eventually was really ticked at not having any food that he flew and disappeared around the side of Heart and Stroke. After he had flown, Haven flew to the roof with a food parcel and was quite astonished to see that after all his squawking he was not there. Solar of course dived in and grabbed the food. We looked for Simcoe around the city block bounded by Yonge, Orchardview, Duplex and Eglinton to no avail.
I left at 9:30 pm and I could only see Haven and Solar. Simcoe and Stormin were not visible to me.
It was good to see Stormin fulfilling his parental duties for longer periods of time.
Lyn
Posted on June 28, 2012 9:46 am
June 24, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Marion Nash Reports:
A call came into the office voice mail from a gentlemen who works in the Yonge and Eglinton area to inform us that one of our falcons was hit by a bus on Yonge St and did not survive. We have confirmed that it was little Brisk. It was very upsetting as we had hoped that since he seemed to be flying well after his first rescue that he would be a survivor but it was not to be.
Lyn and I have so far put in about 120 hours each at the Canada Square nest site and have conducted 2 rescues. Simcoe is flying very well and Solar has very much improved her flight skills. We hope the next couple days will see her flying with Mom, Dad and Simcoe high and strong.
Posted on June 25, 2012 12:17 am
June 23, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:
After yesterday’s marathon session we spent a lot of the day just sitting and watching the peregrines watch the world.
Haven spent much of her time on Rio-Can or flying into old nest ledge looking for food and scraps I guess. Stormin was around a lot more than usual too. He even carted some food to the nest ledge and then took it off and sat on the very north west corner of the black building; this was this evening.
We saw fledglings but only one at a time so I am not sure who we saw. Marion definitely identified Simcoe by the yellow when he was on the old nest ledge. We also think we saw Brisk by the way in which he lands on the old nest ledge. We saw one of them flying, high, with Stormin and Haven joined in before the youngster called it quits and disappeared.
All in all, a lovely quiet day for me. My old bones do not take kindly to a lot of walking.
Lyn
Posted on June 24, 2012 12:58 pm
June 22, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Our watches generally begin with little activity and we sit under a handy curb side tree and chat whilst observing!
Today was different. Little did we know HOW different.
Last night when we left, the last eyas was still on the level below the nest ledge. This morning the unthinkable had happened and she had fledged without anyone witnessing it! Fortunately she was where we could see her. So when I arrived at 7:55 I sat in front of 53 Division for a while, as the sun was behind the tall condo and although I was not in shade I found the shade from a utility pole very useful, albeit a bit skinny! As the sun moved it warmed up and I then decided to change my vantage point to the corner opposite the one on which I was standing and found great relief in the shade.
As I was unsure of whether I would need to charge after the bird or not I did not unpack or set up anything.
Maggie and Lance, dedicated *peregrine folks*, were up early and watching as well. Lance pointed out Haven who was not on the railing under the nest when I arrived. When they left to continue their day I was left to watch this little mite. Solar kept me amused as she really did not know what to do with herself and the whole new world which was now opened up to her. She looked around and then looked up at her mom.
As she was on the black building there was plenty of room to explore but she stuck to the north side. Moving from the extreme western end of the building she walk/hopped along the northern edge to four areas in and then back. Once back in the original spot she stretched and looked for Haven, checked out the buildings around her - now much closer - and eventually decided a nap was in order. So she settled down and I feel sure she was fast asleep.
A pigeon was flying its normal flip flop flight through the old TTC bus bay area and it, too, decided a rest was in order and so it swooped up to the nearest ledge and came eye to eye with a peregrine which was jolted awake!! YIKES !!!!! What to do??? Both birds thought on the wing and the pigeon made a very messy recovery and flew over Solar, around behind her and came zipping back and down into the bus bay area. Solar stood up and followed the direction of the pigeon but made no effort to chase it. I could feel MY heart pounding from the surprise of the encounter so I don’t know what Solar’s was doing. Anyway as the pigeon flew, turned and dived into the parking lot so Solar’s gaze was on it. Then she looked up at Haven as if to say *what was that???* After that she was up and down for a nap and probably had nightmares.
Solar then began preparing for flight by exercising her wings, flapping and walking along the edge of the roof. She finally flew and brushed a window, fluttered and lost height. She really did not have a lot to begin with. Her flight was too short for Haven to effectively guide her and Solar landed on the Bank of Montreal roof which is at the fourth floor level of Canada Square. Haven was back on the balcony rail but could see the fledgling. After a short while Solar began the epic journey back to the centre of her world, the one she knew from the nest. She walked on the fourth floor balcony wall for a way then stopped. Then she hopped down and hopped back up to the wall and she was on the move again. Ages later she found herself in a stand-off with two pigeons, Solar was on one side of a slab of concrete wall and the pigeons on the other. They stared at one another. The pigeons were frozen to the spot. I could just imagine the one saying to the other * you go first* and the reply being * no you go, you fly much faster than I*. The stand-off was broken when a third pigeon arrived on the scene beyond Solar. The two pigeons then flew.
There was more messing around on and off the wall until she finally found herself face-to-face with herself in the same spot Haven had found herself yesterday. Solar put her head down and waddled up to the black wall and pecked at it and my word, the image did not disappear!!! Solar finally came down back to the wall level and had a snooze. There was more jumping down to the balcony floor and up to the wall. She really was getting the hang of it. I think Haven was enticed away by Stormin during one of Solar`s snoozes.
By this time Marion and I had migrated to the shade of the tree. Solar decided it was time to *solo* and she flew straight down the old bus bay ramp towards Duplex avenue. She was low and just cleared the gate, turned north, flew low over the bus bays, over the bank building and was gone. So was Marion, in hot pursuit. Hot in more ways than one as the day was hotter than expected. We thought we located her and so we moved all the gear to the front of 53 Division. By the time we arrived, there was no Solar so off Marion went again. Marion spotted a peregrine on top of the Tim Horton`s on Yonge and radioed for me to bring the stuff as there was shade and room from which to view. By the time I arrived and Marion was telling me where she had last seen Solar one of Paragon Security`s employees spotted us and told us where to find her. Solar was taking lots of lengthy flights BUT not high ones. I guess because Haven was not around to *push* her up she just did not manage it.
Anyway Solar was in the second floor of the parking lot behind 2180 Yonge. I stayed behind (to catch my breath and) to watch in case there was mistaken identity. I eventually radioed Marion and reported a whole flock of pigeons landing on the spot I was watching and asked if she wanted me to join her and the Security chap. He was so helpful and radioed to the security desk at 2180 to expect me and give me directions to join them. I did and we came up empty handed on the P2 level so Marion suggested that we needed to go to the top floor of the parking lot to continue the search. Up we went. Marion went one way and I went the other. I looked over all the rails on the Berwick end and into some deep little inaccessible spots unless one fell into them and I came up empty handed. I wandered over to the one spot which we had not examined from the lower level and there was no sign of Solar. So I checked under the *cooling towers* and again produced nothing. This was past midday heat, going on for two pm. So it was hot and there was no shade!! There was one more spot to look and I was tempted to leave it but just KNEW if I did not check it that would be the first place Marion would ask about!!! So I staggered around the towers, looked over the railing at the floor below and there was no sign of Solar. My gaze then settled on the very end of a service platform for the towers and who should be sitting there but Solar. The fun was not over. Marion was going to attempt a rescue. She thought Solar might fly and someone had to see where she went so I trotted away and positioned myself whilst Marion literally inched her way towards Solar, who LET Marion approach. Just as Marion was about to drop the towel around her she flew. Phew ! Right back from where we had come and further too. So I trotted to the end of the lot again and could not see her until I moved to the very western end of the parking spot. Then I saw her sitting on the fence in the old TTC bus bay yard!!! Poor Marion walked all the way over to see her position and then went to the security desk in 2180 and asked for access to the yard and was escorted back up to the area whilst I watched Solar, willing her NOT to move.
Fortunately she didn`t and I eventually saw Marion`s feet approach her slowly, slowly along the fence. The little minx was just toying with us by this time! She let Marion get within inches of putting the towel around her and she flew. She was sooooo low by this time that she barely cleared the roof of the current TTC shelters. She landed on the tar in the middle of the driveway. A few choice words were muttered! I could not jump down. So while I waited for Marion to come around the block I chased off two people approaching Solar, who by this time had backed herself into a corner out of the way. I had also enlisted the help of the young lad who was working for DrainStar. Bless his heart he stood ready to stop buses at my direction. A bus did come but Solar was right in the corner and out of immediate danger so I said it was okay to let it in. Then Marion came belting down the road and made an attempt to corral Solar who simply ducked low and slipped out from under the towel INTO the TTC garage now in use for the buses.
Marion says Solar just flew/ran into the dark. Marion in full pursuit, stopped a bus in its tracks and then she carried on following this headstrong little peregrine who was now heading to the entrance to subway area. When Marion arrived about fifteen people were converging on the falcon and Marion, now totally ticked off with the peregrine and perhaps the people, yelled for no-one to touch the bird and to back away. When her authority was questioned Marion went into high gear and showed what her authority was. Pint sized little Marion was like a peregrine mom protecting her young!!!
She enlisted, (hmmmm is that the right word), the help of three people and asked them to help corral the peregrine. They did and Marion had yet another rescue under her belt. She called me and asked me to get the carrier with the help of security and we actually met Marion on our way to get the carrier.
Once we had the carrier we had to give the little falcon some water as she was tired and hot too. I had left my spray bottle at home so Marion simply took a drink of water and sprayed it into the mouth of the peregrine. Amazing as this was how Marion rehydrated Solar.
I was remiss in getting the names of all who helped us today and so I apologise for that lapse. The omission`s are mine!
Canadian Peregrine Foundation, Marion and Lyn appreciate the willing help of the following people:
The Paragon Security gentleman who helped us to the P2 level.
The Security desk at 2180 Yonge and all who assisted us along the way.
Neil Armstrong who, once again, was so helpful in having the AC turned on to cool down Solar.
Max of Paragon Security who has helped more than once.
The Paragon Security person who helped Marion get into the TTC yard.
Another gentleman from Paragon Security who also assisted us.
The helpful but un-named young lad from DrainStar who stood temporary guard and who could see Solar on the ground at the entrance to the current bus bay.
The three people whose help Marion enlisted inside the TTC station.
At the end of the day we sat outside 53 Division and Marion saw both Brisk and Simcoe. The high flyer was having fun with Stormin by buzzing him. Because of the height and the flying skill we think that was Simcoe but we could not see the tape colour.
What a day it was.
Lyn
Posted on June 23, 2012 8:57 am
June 21, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Still one more fledge to go. Solar proved his metal and stuck to the level below the nest like glue today. Haven did not try and encourage him off.
I arrived at 8:45 and Stormin was high up on Rio-Can. Shortly thereafter Haven flew in from the south and landed on the antenna on top of Canada Square. Young Solar was still on the level below the nest.
Stormin flew from his perch and I was not sure where he went. There were pigeons scattered from their perches in the old bus bay area especially on the wall where black building meets concrete. There are a number of nooks and crannies and I think pigeons make their nests there. Anyway I saw Haven go for a pigeon but she came up without anything. I don’t know whether Stormin caught a pigeon or took a squab off the ledge but whatever he had he fed Solar on the lower ledge. While he was thus engaged Haven had flown to the same spot as yesterday, where wall meets higher wall on the black building, fourth floor level, and trotted towards *herself* reflected in the wall. Just the same as she had yesterday she pushed her face against the wall, then she stepped back and looked, put her head down and had another look then took off. The peregrine looking back at her was not to her liking.
Stormin spent a lot of time in the area today and I wonder if it was because his *first hatched* was having some *downtime* at home.
Simcoe, our *high flyer* had a lovely long flight. He started off from way over Heart and Stroke and flew west and back to the condos across Yonge Street. He circled high above Canada Square, east of H & S, north up Yonge and was gone. A little later he re-appeared and landed on the balcony wall below the nest, under the railing!
Stormin fed Solar again, whilst Haven was on the old nest ledge, and flew off. An hour after that feeding Haven flew from the old ledge and Simcoe and Solar remained on their spots. Simcoe wandered up and down the balcony wall under the railing. He looked up and looked down. He flew off and re-appeared on the level below this year’s nest. Solar looked pleased to see him but went down for a nap. Simcoe was a real fidget. He just could not settle and fifteen minutes later he was gone. A few minutes later our *high flyer* was flying high over H & S and Canada Square. He made several circles up there before Haven found him and dived on him. She then led him between the H&S and RC buildings and she came out alone.
Marion spotted people on the black building roof. They looked as if they may have been deciding where or how to clean the windows. They soon disappeared. Whilst they were up there Have was sitting on one of the ledges on the narrow *slit* windows at the top of the solid concrete wall before circling Canada Square.
Simcoe returned to the level below the nest and Stormin buzzed both babies. Stormin settled on the roof. He was restless though and flew to the top of the wall third from the nest. Then he hopped to the second wall. After a minute of two he rubbed his face on the edge and then hopped down onto the actual ledge next door to the youngsters. About twenty minutes later one of the adults buzzed the babies and both ducked.
Later, Haven came off the black building somewhere headed north west-ish over 53 Division and appeared to frighten off a low flying bird, maybe a juvie red-tailed hawk, not sure. Whatever it was it left. Haven did a lot of flying in the next hour or so. Marion was near the Yonge/Eglinton intersection and saw a *head* peek out from one of the ledges. The *head* appeared and disappeared several times. So I said I would trot over and see who it was if possible. Unfortunately I did not see the bird and that corner was WINDY!!! It may have been Brisk, whom we had not seen thus far!! Anyway on my return Marion pointed out Brisk on the antenna on top of 2180 Yonge Street. Then we saw Haven, as she *buzzed* him. He left the antenna and flew onto the top of a pole in the same area and Haven buzzed him again. He fluttered off the top of the pole but went back and she buzzed him again. I think she wanted him airborne!
Later on Simcoe was flying again and Haven flew with him.
Stormin had more food and flew past the nest level and I can’t remember if he dropped in or not. I think not. He then flew to 218i0 Yonge and landed on the side of the highest point of that building. Stormin returned to the nest ledge but misjudged everything, his altitude, the distance from the ledge, possibly even his speed and he crashed into it and fluttered to the level below.
Solar had been sleeping in the corner in which Stormin crashed so that must have been a bit of a shock for him.
Tracy called to warn us about the storm coming our way so we packed our gear but hung around. It appeared to pass over but later on we saw ominous signs in the sky, roiling clouds, dark and stormy. Marion had charged over to the mall for a coffee to sustain her and we were simply going to trot into 53 Division for the duration and hope she got back before the rain. However we decided to go to the mall as well and we met her there. Rain it did! Buckets of it. Eventually Marion decided to go home and Maggie and I continued talking. It was soon time for Maggie to leave and I walked to the exit with her and decided to check on the peregrines. We reached 53 Division and *our wall* when Maggie pointed out *someone with binoculars* looking at our birds. I recognised Caroline who had come to check on them. We had a few minutes together before it began to rain again and we all went our separate ways. We left Haven on the antenna on top of 2180 Yonge, Stormin on one of the cross pieces nearby and Simcoe and Solar on the level below the nest!
Lyn
Posted on June 22, 2012 9:05 am
June 20, 2012 - Toronto - Canada Square Building - Yonge and Eglinton
Tracy Simpson Reports:
On arrival at 8:50 this morning there was one fledgling on top of Canada Square having a wonderful feed. Poor little Solar was squawking madly AND he was on the level below the nest ledge!! His first step towards fledging!! Haven was on the balcony below the nest
I saw Haven fly but did not see where she went. Shortly after that I saw feathers flying madly from the ledge at the foot of the black building where it meets concrete. I checked but was unable to see anything. I assumed Haven was preparing a food parcel. I was wrong because I found her sitting serenely on top of the black building. She had an interesting few experiences which were different for me.
First she flew to the youngster on the black building ledge, checked on progress and then flew to the fourth floor wall on Canada Square where it meets the black building. She landed away from the wall and walked very quickly towards the wall in which I think she saw her reflection. She put her beak to the wall and then lift a talon and *scratched* the wall. She did that a number of times before flying further back along the wall on the other side of the greenery. After looking up she again flew to the fledgling which was on the black building ledge. She took away his food, flew to the top of the black building and ate it herself. Once she had finished eating she flew to the nest level and sat on the fourth wall away from the nest.
Stormin flew to the *pantry* - old nest ledge then flew north up Duplex Avenue and west and was gone from view.
Later on Haven flew to the old nest ledge and the fledgling on the roof dropped to the new nest. Haven then flew to the tall condo and was chasing pigeons but was out-manoeuvred when the pigeons land on the balcony! Some of them do learn. Haven was playing favourites today! She caught a pigeon over the bus bay area and prepared it on the Canada Square roof before feeding the fledgling who dropped into the nest, not the poor squawking and starving baby on the level below! Haven flew to the balcony below the nest then circled south before returning to the balcony below the nest ledge. Finally I identified the fledgling on the black building by his red band; Brisk. That left Solar on the level below the nest and Simcoe on the nest ledge!
Simcoe showed us what a young peregrine can do if it really decides on something. He flew high and beautifully today. He soared like a professional. He flew above Canada Square and to the top south west section of Rio-Can where he just touched the wall, recovered immediately and continued flying. He flew another circle Just as Haven flew over Heart and Stroke with a large something white in her talons. Both disappeared over RC.
Later in the afternoon Haven flew south directly over the nest and although Solar squawked madly he was so pooped he did not stand up.
The next time I saw Simcoe he was flying with his mom! Not playing tag or practising anything but flying and they were high! Simcoe landed on RC and had a rest in spite of Haven diving on him. Later on both he and Haven flew together with Stormin; lovely big lazy circles. Stormin returned to his perch on RC and both Haven and Stormin flew over him but he was having none of that! He was tired and stayed put.
The next time I spotted Brisk he was on the fourth floor balcony wall stalking pigeons who simply kept moving away from him. He slipped on the black parts of the balcony so he simply jumped to the concrete floor and walked along there out of our sight but by following the pigeons gazes and the third pigeon which arrived I could tell he was still stalking them. Sure enough when he figured he was close enough he jumped back on the wall and pigeons scattered everywhere.
A while after that Haven fled to the ledge where Brisk had been fed, looking for another juicy plump pigeon. No luck. Our intrepid little hunter flew around and then she took in a food parcel, big one, to the ledge below nest level. Both youngsters mobbed her but I believe Solar got the prize and tucked in. Brisk also managed to get some food. Haven flew to the level; below the nest ledge and was ignored by the youngsters. She was there for some time and eventually flew to the RC building, stayed a short while and flew back to the nest where she sat on the wall.
At 9:15 Haven decided it was bed time and flew to RC. At 9:33 she flew back to the nest ledge and that is where we left her.
One more fledge to go and I think it will be soon.
Lyn
Posted on June 21, 2012 9:18 am
