July 17, 2012 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I started the watch today at 6:30am to a chorus of screams coming from the nest ledge. True to their schedule, the resident sub-adult female, Chessie, and her mate Hurricane were exchanging food and bringing it in to Ossie and Tobi. Both chicks took part in the feeding and were quite happy to play during the cool of the morning. A second feeding was in the offing at 7:30am that the male took full advantage of and finally a third feeding in the morning at 8:30am that came in to the female. With both chicks now cropped up and happy, they bounced on down to the northeast corner and around the bend to the northern “H” sign where they spent the better part of the morning. This side of the building provides ample shade during the high heat of the day. Kathy and Marion arrived at 9am to take over the watch and were joined by Mark Heaton of the OMNR and a second group of Ontario Stewardship Rangers. As the day was heating up, neither the chicks nor the parents were very motivated to move and slept through the morning. At around noon, Marion and Kathy witnessed a feeding and that further baffed out the chicks and they trundled back off to bed. Bruce arrived at 1pm to relieve Kathy and Marion and the chicks were each behind their own “H” sign napping. Very little activity was seen until at around 4pm when Hurricane flew in and woke the chicks up. He didn’t stay but instead went off the ledge, made a few excellent swoop passes and came back up to the nest ledge with a sparrow. Tobi swiped it off of Hurricane and ate a bit, but not all, as Ossie was in like a flash to steal it away and take off down the ledge. It would seem that this has now become the norm at feeding time between these two. Ossie ate what remained of the prey and very soon after… …fledged!!! His first flight off of the southeast corner took him north towards the medical center where he turned back. He flew low over the emergency room parking lot and then swung back and landed on the 4th floor window ledge on the east side. He ran the ledge a bit and stayed for about an hour. Just after I arrived, he burst off of the ledge and made for the tower. Well if the little brat didn’t stick the landing and make it!! Ossie had landed about half way up the tower on the spire closest to the hospital. He was very uncomfortable and looking to leave so it wasn’t long before flight number three. He headed for the nest building, flew right over our heads, and pumping as hard as he could, MADE IT TO THE NEST LEDGE!!! Bruce and I high fived in the parking lot while Ossie was doing the same with his sister whom he happened to land beside. Phew!! The most amusing part of all of this is that the adults were off site hunting at the time and both of them missed the whole thing. When they returned, the chicks were right where they left them and they were none the wiser. It was all over by 6pm when Winston arrived to spell of Bruce and close the watch with me. The chicks for the most part were calm and relaxed with a bit of play about. Winston and I waited for the evening feed to happen and right at 9pm, both adults flew in with food. This had the chicks on their feet and howling and in all the excitement, off goes Ossie from the southeast corner flying west along the building. He banked north at the western corner and disappeared from our sights but looked to be really high. Winston and I circled the building several times as it was now almost dark to make sure he wasn’t on the ground or low and to figure out where he had gone. Hurricane was on the southern “H” sign and Chessie was now flying circles around the building and being very vocal. As far as she was concerned, her little man had flown for the first time. She landed on the southwest corner and was looking down the ledge and as we came around to the southeast side, she flew to that corner as well. In the near dark, I could make out Chessie with one chick each to her right and left. I could also hear the vocalizations of three distinct birds. It would seem that Ossie landed on the west ledge and ran all the way down the south ledge to home. For a first day out, Ossie is fantastic and this is not the norm. As fledglings begin to explore the environment beyond their home ledge, their inexperience leads them into all kinds of dangerous situations. Even though he has done well today, Ossie still has a lot to learn and much trouble that he can still get into. We will certainly be watching him for a while yet!!
There are lots and lots of pictures to come soon!!!
Posted on July 19, 2012 7:39 am
July 16, 2012 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Today’s watch began at 6am with the two juveniles on the southeast corner and the adults sitting together in the tower. This is a distinct shift in the adults pattern of roost sites and may indicated that a fledge is close. By 6:30am, Hurricane flew into the ledge with food and Chessie was hot on his tail. She took the food off of Hurricane and then proceeded to share it with her chicks. The second feeding of the morning was right on time with Chessie coming in at just after 7:30am with a small package. Of course the two juveniles had a massive fight over it!! First the female snatched it from Chessie and took off down the ledge. Her brother was not to be fooled by this diversion and tore off after her and successfully removing the food from between her feet. He headed down the ledge in the other direction. Now faster, she was able to catch up to him and the tug o war was on!! Ross from William Osler Environmental Services came out to check up on the kids and he had a big announcement for us. The chicks have official been named!! The juvenile male is Ossie and the juvenile female is Tobi. Congratulations to the William Osler Hospital staff and your falcon family!!
By 9am we were joined by Mark Heaton of the OMNR and the Ontario Stewardship Rangers who came to assist us for the morning. I conducted a training session for the Rangers on Fledge Watch protocol, equipment, safety and rescues and then we settled in for some serious action… …nothing, nada, zero. After the two feedings early on in the morning and with the mounting heat of the day, the young ones baffed out and fell asleep in the nest tray. There they stayed for the bulk of the morning until the 12:30pm feeding came in. The fought and screamed and ate but back to bed they went. They finally woke up at 2:30pm and romped around the eastern and southern ledges With lots of touch and goes being done by both parents in an effort to incite a first fledge. Food came in shortly after 4pm and was delivered directly to Tobi who lost it to Ossie who was then reprimanded by Hurricane and had the food taken away who then got in trouble from Chessie who took it and gave it back to Tobi!! And so the food merry-go-round continues with this family and is quite the spectacle to watch!!
The rest of the evening was very active with a lot of flapping, wing exercising, and running of the ledges. The last feed of the day for Ossie and Tobi came in at 8:30pm and was generous enough to send them off to bed.
I will be back on site tomorrow to follow the progress of the two young ones as the parents are indicating that the time has come and Ossie is ready for flight school!!
Posted on July 19, 2012 7:37 am
July 17, 2012 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
CPF Postmaster Reports:
July 17th- 2012
Another typical start to the fledge watch, set up by 5:10 am. Preparing for a horrendous day with the humid-X and temps. expected to set new records. Actually a good morning as there was overcast and a constant breeze.
By 6:30am, Jr. started taking his first flights again, holding his altitude around the upper top elevations of the roof. While his parents are keeping him within the physical foot print of the Sun life property, he kept his altitude making several landings, “some short quick touch-and go’s” from the upper roof elevation. At 11:50am, Statler did bring in food for Jr. and this was the only meal that we observed him getting for the balance f the day
By 12:30pm, the clouds disappeared and the sun emerged and for the most part of the rest of the day, we were all doing our best to escape the sun, - (including the three peregrines)! Hot and humid is an under statement!! Had it not been for everyone’s support bringing me water and cold drinks, I know that I would not have been able to deal with the heat and humidity. Thank you EVERYONE for keeping me hydrated and fed!! (I\m going to have to go on a diet when I get back to toronto) 
For the better part of the afternoon - all of the birds were inactive and hiding out in the shaddy spots to avoid the hot sun.
At 7:45pm, Jr.was observed in flight for the first time since 8:30am this morning, but this time is ventured beyond the physical footprint of the Sun Life property. In true fashion, after flying to the east towards the hospital he realized that he had ventured a little too far from the nest building and in a panic flight hooked back around to to the Sun Life building in an effort to get back to the upper roof top. Sadly, (but typical of the juveniles first dozen flights away from the nest building), he lost altitude and had his first experience with windows. His first face plant into the window stopped him rather abruptly, he fell several floor down the face of the Union side of the building, recovered, flew out and again tried to make the upper roof area.
Once again, (and with no chance of even coming close to the upper roof elevation), he slammed into yet another window about half way down the building. Recovering yet again and losing another several floors in height, he hooked back around and did a third face plant into the concrete wall on the Sun Life building (Union and King Street). He clung onto the wall for several seconds, (we call this the “bat manoeuver” ), and eventually wa forced to let go and glided down to the 5th floor elevation where he disappeared from our view behind the retaining wall.
Tony sprung into action, seeking an elevated position from withing the Sun Life tower and he was able to get a visual of Jr. On the 5th floor roof.
We regrouped, joined Tony on the 5th floor to better evaluate his situation. Appearing very confused and dazed, (but uninjured), it was quite obvious that the much higher retaining walls that now surrounded him in this position (at this much lower elevation), that a rescue would be needed to get him back to a safer elevation. In addition, the tradesmen and other contractors and workmen will be back on this elevation by early morning tomorrow and his position would most certainly cause other problems and liabilities. During the rescue, he did manage to get some air and was able to fly north west over the lower retaining wall. With a strong gusty head wind, he flew westerly and ended up landing on a balcony of the Bauer Loft Condos trapped behind the balcony rail and a BBQ.
Wit the local members of the community at our side, we ventured over to the condos. By this time, several of the residents of the condo unit where Jr. Has become trapped has already seen us in the streets, and were now in the ground floor condo lobby.
With the local members of the community at our side, we ventured over to the condos just as it started to rain. By this time, several of the residents of the condo unit where Jr. has become trapped had already seen us in the streets, and were now in the ground floor condo lobby.
We were quickly shuttled to the 13th floor where we embraced by a wonderful group of people who were eager to find out more about their un-invited diner guest hiding out on their balcony.
After a rather short introduction, (oh my goodness, what are all of these people doing here and what is this all about), we were embraced by all and led out to their balcony to do the rescue.
Bird safely rescued in hand, lots of photos, and a more formal introduction and many thank-you’s to all, we were back to Sun Life to do the physical examination and quick check of Jr. before getting him back to the Sun Life roof and his parents.
Once again, a huge thank-you to all that were involved in his rescue, as it could not have been possible without you. I wasn’t able to get anyone’s name during this time frame as it we were all focussed on the task ast hand.
By 10pm, Jr. was safely back to the upper Sun Life roof top. One of his parents as there to oversee and supervise his release.
Once again, a huge thank you to both the Sun Life building management and to all that have been so supportive and involved in the fledge watch thus far!
A good day!!
Posted on July 18, 2012 9:41 am
July 17, 2012 - Toronto - King Street
Linda Woods Reports:
This morning around 09:30 am, four peregrines flying in the air, some vocalization by Aphrodite. It appears that one of the adults had food and the larger juvenile, Aphrodite was determined to get it. Two others following. Not sure if it was Windwhistler and one of the boys, or two of the juvnile males following. I lost sight of them as they flew eastward towards the St. Lawrence Market area.
Posted on July 17, 2012 10:27 am
July 17, 2012 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Mark Nash Reports:
July 17th - 2012 - AM Fledge watch report:
5:00 am arrival and a quick check of Jr. From the 19th floor and he was located on the Sun Life sign on the King Street side, once again exactly where we left him last night.
By 6:15am, Jr. Was back into the air for his second official flight - (the first flight today), and flew around the nest building with a very strong flight. As of 8am, he has taken several other very strong flights, holding his altitude and actually gaining altitude.
It would appear that Jr.is through the first critical stage of his fledge and it is not likely that he will be coming to the ground due to poor flight skills. Now, the second phase of his fledge, where he will be learning what windows are all about!
A big thank you to Wendy from Sun Life for sending in her photo of Jr. roosting on the Sunlife sign after his first flight on July 16th.
Stay tuned…………..
Posted on July 17, 2012 8:17 am
July 16, 2012 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Mark Nash Reports:
July 16th-2012
5:15 am arrival and the juvenile was located exactly where we left him at 10pm the night before, - (south side - Park Street side) on the Sun Life sign.
For the most part throughout the day it was a typical of fledge watch, watching paint dry. At three times during the day, 6:20am, 8:40am, and 9:50am, “Caster” - (the resident adult male) flew around and made several deliberate fly-byes past the juvenile on the sign to check on his position. “Statler”, - (the resident adult female) was for the most parts, also absent from our view throughout most of the day. Caster was also out of our view for the most of the day. Both adults in typical form during the heat of the day hanging out in shade avoiding the hot sun.
The parents did not feed the juvenile all day today. This is a deliberate effort to continue to lean the juvenile out into a flying weight.
Just when we thought that yet another day would pass with Jr. not going to take his first flight, at 6:24pm, without any warning, the juvenile was suddenly in the air! While only a short a sweet flight, he held his altitude , (actually gaining altitude) and flew around the south (Park Street), hooked around Union street side, up over top of the Sun Life roof top, crossed over to John Street, then north to King Street and landed on the Sun Life sign on the King Street side!
For the balance of the day, (and up until dark when we closed the watch down for the day), the juvenile had tucked himself in behind the last “a” in Financial of the sign.
Throughout the day, several spot checks were made by Tony from the 19th floor, through the window in the gals washroom to verify he was still Ok.
Hmmmm, Tony back into the woman’s washroom with camera and binoculars? Seems a place he has been frequenting allot this past week.
You will also notice in one of the photos that the the juvenile (Jr. as we have been calling him until he has been officially named), has figured out that there is a light switch on the top of each Illuminated letter of the Sun Lifes sign, so don’t be surprised if he starts learning to turn the lights off and on in the future
It would appear that in this shot, he’s working on it!!
Photos taken today are courtesy of Tony. Enjoy!
Posted on July 17, 2012 7:07 am
July 16, 2012 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:
Rhea Mae has been at the nest tray for a long time this afternoon. Late this afternoon, one of the juveniles was sitting at the nest ledge. Looking a little wet, perhaps enjoying all the puddles on the roof top from the heavy rain we had yesterday.
Posted on July 16, 2012 8:49 pm
July 16, 2012 - Toronto - Don Mills
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Thanks to the sharp eyes of Donna Hayes today for catching a view and picture of Quest and one of the juveniles, Blaze, in the nest box today. Although the young have fledged, they and the adults will continue to use the nest box for shelter from the heat and the weather. No matter where you roam, home is home. The same holds true for the peregrines as they continue to use the nest box as a safe home base.
Posted on July 16, 2012 1:49 pm
July 16, 2012 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Tracy Simpson Reports:
With a huge thanks to Tony Bergauer of Bentall Kennedy for snapping a confirmation photo, the resident male at the Waterloo Sun Life nest site has been identified and confirmed!! The male has a black over red recovery band on his left leg bearing the markings 16 over B and a purple USFW band on the right leg. This male, hatched in 2010, is known as Caster from the LTV Mittal Steel nest site in Cleveland, Ohio and is son to Flash and Jersey. Thanks again to all the watchers that have worked so hard to get this band number and put a name to a face!!
Posted on July 16, 2012 8:08 am
July 15, 2012 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I arrived to relieve Bruce at 12:30pm and we witnessed a feeding at that time. Another package at 1:30pm and then after the food fight, both kids settled down for a nap. At 2:30pm, the juvenile female woke up as Hurricane had now landed in the tower and was watching over the kids. Storms were beginning to move in and he stayed put for the time being. The rain came down but not a very substantial amount and so off to hunt went the resident male. All the while the two juvies sat on the eastern ledge and screamed and screamed and screamed. By 4pm, the sub-adult female, Chessie, was in with food and had a huge pigeon to share. She was immediately mugged by the juvenile male and robbed of her gift of food. The young female then came and stole the food from the male and the chase was on!! The two young ones now each had a foot on the prey and each refused to let the other have it. This led into a mutual chow down where they both ate each from their own side of the prey until they met in the middle. Now that was trouble. At this point, they would each take a bite and then take turns snatching out of each other’s mouths. Just ridiculous. It would appear that these chicks are really hungry but let me tell you this… …these chicks are far from starving!! They are being fed so much food!! They seem to be a really vocal and demanding bunch this year. If the adults keep feeding them like this, at migration time these kids will still be unfledged and just scream until the South American continent moves to Etobicoke!!
It took almost 45 minutes for the lunchtime ordeal to finally finish and it was about then that the rains came in full force. Both chicks were on the east side near a concrete upright so as it rained, they got a little wet. Once the rain stopped, they screamed at the parents until they were dry as “Mr. Rain touched Mr. Feathers and I’m really upset!!” Usually the chicks really enjoy their first real bath but these two weren’t into it for this rainstorm at least. The chicks did not stop their verbal harassment of the parents all afternoon. Even as she was lying down, the juvenile female continued to vocalize at poor Hurricane left to babysit in the tower. He being a seasoned male, he just turned his back and ignored them. He knows they eventually run out of pigeon power and have to stop for a while. At 8:30pm, you guessed it, food comes in! This was now the 5th feeding of the day. No weaning here. Both chicks were on the north side of the building and Hurricane flew in with a good sized bedtime package. Out of nowhere, in came Chessie and she’s now behaving like one of the chicks. She is whining at Hurricane for food and even flew over and briefly swiped the food off of the juvenile female. She squealed and Chessie relinquished. This didn’t really strike me as odd given that Chessie is just one year old now and is a mother already. She has moments here and there of a little confusion as to her role in all of this but it never seems to take long for her to figure it out. After she stood on the ledge with the chicks for a few minutes, she flew up and joined Hurricane in the tower and whined some more. A couple of starlings flew up to the tower to try and flush her off and she went at them half heartedly. I closed tonight’s watch with the adults in the tower and the two well fed and quiet juveniles sleeping on the eastern ledge.
Photos to follow shortly!!
Posted on July 16, 2012 5:50 am
