July 10, 2012 - International, National and Local News
Kathy Smith Reports:
I was called by Mark Nash and informed that two juvenile peregrine falcons were on the ground at the ICICI building in the Don Mills and Eglinton area and that a local resident was standing watch over the little ones. I quickly got into my car and called Bruce Massey so that we could coordinate and together help these two fledglings. Bruce and Randy had already worked together to gather up the chicks and they were now safe from traffic and it was time to work on where we go from here. Mark Nash put in a call to Mark Heaton of the OMNR about banding the two juveniles and arrangements were put in motion. I contacted Mr. Heaton and we agreed to meet at the CPF Raptor Centre once he was done with field work and band the two birds. I can’t say enough how important the banding of the juvenile peregrines is as a part of the continued recovery and monitoring of the species. It identifies these birds as a part of recovery program, protects them as they migrate south in the fall and supplies us with a wealth of information such as where they go, survival rates and migration routes.
I met Mark Heaton at the centre and we began the process of banding, sexing and ageing the juveniles and we are pleased to report that we have two healthy and hissy boys!! With the banding complete, the boys were then packed up and ready to go home to their parents. I met Bruce Massey at the site to prepare for the release. The building management at ICICI had been contacted and informed of the successful peregrine nest on their building and that their two fledglings required release on the roof. A few phone calls later and we were set to go!!
At dusk we headed up to the roof with the two now banded juveniles that have been named by a worker at the ICICI building Ben and Len. We noted that Ben is wearing yellow tape on his USFW band and Len is wearing blue tape; this tape being so important for Fledge Watchers identifying them from a distance. ( A full report on the banding information to come!! ) Bruce Massey, security, building maintenance and myself made our way to the roof under the cover of darkness for the release. At first the two boys were reluctant to exit the rescue boxes as they had no idea where they were. Once out, Ben and Len found a good roosting spot for the night and were content to be home. Bruce and I left the two rescue carriers with security and it was time to head home and share my days adventures with my family!
This is the first year that this nest has seen success that we know of. Reports of peregrines in the area have come in over the last few years but investigations in the field have always turned up empty. This was a wonderful day of coordinated efforts to save a species at risk and is what the CPF is all about! This wouldn’t have been the success story that is was were it not for Randy, a local resident and falcon enthusiast that initially saved these two boys from making a bad choice of running into traffic. The building management, maintenance and security at ICICI were so wonderful in helping to coordinate access and release on their roof with only a moments notice. We are so grateful to Mark Heaton of the OMNR for helping us in making sure that these youngsters were banded and officially recognized as a part of the Ontario Peregrine falcon recovery program and we can’t say enough thanks to Bruce Massey for his incredible efforts to help rescue, release and now watch over the juveniles.
Phew!! A hectic day with an incredibly happy ending!! Thank you everyone so very much!!
Posted on July 12, 2012 9:17 am
July 11, 2012 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
CPF Postmaster Reports:
July 11th - 2012
A hot humid sunny bright day with everyone in good spirits, all filled with much anticipation of just seeing the little hatchling. With the same question on everyone’s mind: will today be the day that he takes his first flight? Sadly, it was not to be.
While Statler and her yet to be identified mate were still very much in attendance, and with only a few short flights around the building, they were far less active today than yesterday, (and that is hard to believe)! We observed only two very small food packages being brought in to the upper roof area throughout the entire day today.
Nadia Matos from CTV dropped in today as promised and spent some time with us to report on the fledge watch activities and the hatchlings progress.
As Murphy’s law would have it, and at 11:55 am, just minutes after we walked away from the our fledge watch command post on King Street to introduce Nadia to some of the other volunteer fledge watchers that were positioned at the Park and George Street watch post, the announcement blasted out loud and clear over the 2-way radios,,,, the hatchling has finally showed itself and has come up to the upper leading edge of the east roof elevation of the Sun life nest building!
Visible to only those in position on the east side of the building. Naturally, most of us missed this historical event!!!
Almost as quick as the hatchling appeared on the ledge, seconds later, the resident adult male flew in to the same ledge with a small food package, landed very briefly on the top of the same ledge and in a second, they both disappeared onto the rooftop and out of view.
With all three peregrines in view at the same time, - (for only a brief few seconds), we can confirm beyond any doubt that the hatchling is still very healthy and very mobile indeed.
Throughout the later afternoon, both resident adults took chase once again to the Turkey vultures that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
With both parents in hot pursuit, it is unlikely that they these turkey vultures will be returning any time tooo soon.
The balance of the day’s watch was much like many of the previous days watch in that was very activity.
One last entry. As we were packing up - (approx. 9:15pm), both adults made several flights together to the north and north west clearly on a hunting mission in tandam. Sadly, on both occasions, they each returned back to the upper north roof elevation empty handed.
Stay tuned……………..
Posted on July 12, 2012 1:51 am
July 09, 2012 - Scarborough - Yellow Pages
CPF Volunteer Reports:
On both July 9 and July 11, I dropped by the Yellow Page nest site after work for quick checks on the peregrine falcon family.
On July 9, 2012, all the way while I was still driving towards the building, I could make out the shape of two peregrine falcons on the west side of the building. As soon as I parked my car and went to the field across from YP, both of them disappeared. I stood there for about 15 mins with my camera and binoculars and just when I started doubting myself whether I really saw two peregrines, I saw a juvie poking its head and body out from the top level ledge. He was there less then 10 seconds before i could focus and take a good picture.
Then I realize another juvie just showed himself up near the right shoulder ledge on the same side. I was able to take more pictures of it and identify it as Albus. Albus was preening himself and staying at the ledge for about 5 minutes and then retreat to the corner again.
On July 11, 2012, as soon as i arrived at the parking lot, I saw the two fledgelings circling the top of the building chasing each other. Their flying skills have improved. Both were having a good time playing and chasing, talon tagging. There were a few attempts when they came closer to the pyramid top of the building and I think trying to land on those pipings lining the edges (just like Reuben and Linn like to do) but failed. Every time when they could not landed properly, they managed to gain a little bit of altitude and change direction, circle around the top and try again. They are very persistent and did not give up. It took them a few tries to sucessfully landed and I am very pleased.
Both of these fledglings are very elusive and definitely like to play hide and seek with us. So I feel very lucky on both occasions, being rewarded with appearances of little Paul and Albus.
Winnie
Posted on July 12, 2012 12:36 am
July 10, 2012 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I met Marion at 5:30pm for the closing shift at the Sun Life Financial nest site on this beautiful, cool evening. The resident male was on his favorite perch on the east side of the building and the female was not in view. Just after 6pm, the male took of his perch and flew several times back and forth across the eastern face of the building before landing on the retaining wall at the top of the concrete pillar section of the building we watchers refer to as the playpen. This is the area that we believe the juvenile is now spending most of his time playing, exercising and staying in the shade. At around 6:30pm, the male took off east on what appeared to be a serious hunt and disappeared from our sight. Within 10 minutes, the resident female appeared on one of the uprights that hold the Sun Life Financial sign but didn’t stay there for long. Minutes later she was up on the “playpen” retaining wall in the exact place the male was sitting and she was looking down onto the roof. She then left and headed north on a hunt but returned moments later without prey. She flew straight onto the roof, remained for a few minutes and the flew back up to the top of the retaining wall.
As we sat watching and talking about the site, a pure white pigeon flew in from the north, glided just beneath the resident female, banked up and over the roof and then circled around to the north again. We chatted at the brave act the pigeon had just made and then forgot all about him. Within 30 minutes the pigeon had returned for another go and this time the female would have none of it. She took off of her perch and flew directly at it as the pigeon moved south of the building and as she reached it, Statler banked to the left and flashed talons and the pigeon rolled to evade her. They both broke away from one another; the pigeon carrying on south and the female returning to the retaining wall. It was as if her flight at it was just to give a clear message that it was annoying her and to “get lost, silly pigeon or become food”. After this little event, the pigeon did not return!!
As the sun was setting and we began to pack up for the night, Statler, the resident female was perched high on the concrete pillar playpen wall and the male had yet to return. We look forward to seeing the family tomorrow as the juvenile should now be approximately 37 days old; just right for a first appearance!
Posted on July 11, 2012 9:26 am
July 10, 2012 - Toronto - Hearn Power Station
CPF Volunteer Reports:
Hello Mark
Its Bill here. I was at the hearn this evening and spent a few hours watching the young juveniles and all three are doing well. The adult resident male “Peter” brought in food twice in and hour and half. Seems to like the other building just east of the Hearn, at least today anyway. Also one of the oung ymales disappeared and came back with food no calling or adult male around ,from a distance looked like it was dancing on the roof got my bins out and saw it fly around the corner with what appeared to be a small bird in its talons.
Just wondering if it caught that himself and if its posable at this stage??? Anyway just thought I would let you know all seems well so far. So far they look like they are all doing well. Talk to you soon,
Best, Bill
Posted on July 11, 2012 1:26 am
July 10, 2012 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Mark Nash Reports:
July 10th - 2012 - Morning and afternoon update:
A slow day on the watch today and for the most parts, very uneventful with the exception of the Turkey Vultures visiting in the later afternoon.
Arrived at 5am, signed in and in position at 5:15 am. Pretty slow day for the most parts, but both resident adults in view and semi active all day. Finally at 6:30am the adult male observed bring in food to the east elevation and transferred to Statler - (the resident adult female). After what seemed to for ever, she finally disappeared onto the roof area out of our view with the food.
Finally again at 1:30pm, food was once again delivered to the adult female - (Statler) and takes it onto the roof area and disappears from our view. Several minutes later she returns to our view roosting on the upper roof area without the food, and quite obviously not cropped-up with food herself. For the most parts of the day, both adults were quite visible, taking only short flights around the nest building and roosting in their usual spots.
The only days real excitement came when a couple of Turkey Vultures wandered into the territory and got a little too close to the nest building.
At approx. 3pm, Statler, (the resident adult female) escorted a Turkey Vulture out of the territory, stared yet another down as it passed through, and later, at approx 4pm, the resident adult male was observed attacking one of the Turkey Vultures with a full body contact hits from above.
Needless to say, Turkey Vultures (among many other avian intruders these days) are no longer welcomed! The final days score remains: Turkey Vultures zero, peregrines three!
I’ve finally been able to go through some of the hundreds of photos that I have been taking and although we have not yet been able to get the resident adults band number, we have been able to identify the band colours. He is dawning a Black over Red recovery band on one leg and a purple USFW band on the other leg.
Sadly, the photos thus far are not the greatest, but bear in mind that we are stationed several hundred yards from the nest building and the birds are 20 stories up at roof level. I have several hundred photos still to go through, and maybe I will come accross something decent. lots more to come!
Still, the young hatchling has not yet come to any of the upper rooftop leading edges to show himself. Soon although, as he will gain more confidance and will appear. Then the fun will begin!!!!!!!
Stay tuned………
Posted on July 11, 2012 12:55 am
July 09, 2012 - International, National and Local News
Mark Nash Reports:
July 9th - 2012
Two fledglings peregrines were observed wandering around on the ground at 7:30 am in the morning, guarded by several members of the local community until CPF was notified. Bruce and Kathy from the CPF to the rescue!
Well, it seems that every year over the past several years we have discovered a new nest site that has evaded detection and is only discovered when fledglings start appearing on the ground. This year is no exception! Today, reports started flooding in to the CPF head office phones, mobile phones and e-mail of a report of two young falcons wandering around on the roadway narrowly being missed by on coming vehicle traffic. A huge thank you to Randy and his family who spent most of the day protecting and guarding the two fledglings until CPF was finally notified and dispatched to the site at that ICICI building in the Eglinton Ave east and Don Valley Parkway.
What really adds injury to insult, (at least for us), is that we have been getting reports of peregrine activity in this area for the past six plus years. For this same period of time, we have spend many hours each year and never have we seen been able to find a nest site. This is the first year that we have had evidence of actual nesting activity and offspring being produced.
Again thanks to Randy’s persistence with the many telephone calls that he made with most everyone not given him much attention and assistance, he was finally forwarded to the Toronto Wildlife Centre in Downsview, who identified his photos as peregrines and then called the CPF.
With an incredible story to follow of the days events by all, the two young fledglings were eventually rescued from the roadway. A huge thank you also goes out to Bruce and Kathy from the CPF who responded so quickly and managed to facilitate they rescues.
More of the story to follow. Here are some of the many photos that were sent into us by Samantha, Dominic and Randy.
Stay tuned for additional details of the rescue, banding and release back to their parents!
Now a new fledge watch!! HELP!!!!!!
Posted on July 10, 2012 11:54 pm
July 09, 2012 - Toronto - Don Mills
Ann Brokelman Reports:
Last night Monday July 9 I stopped at the Don Mills site with Patty Gale. The 5 falcons were having a wild night.
Got out of my car to see Blaze hit the window at 240 Duncan. Bounced up and attacked Mira again for the food in her talons. Then Amora got in on the act and was attacking Blaze.
Over and over they were after one another. Mira dissappeared to the back of 220 with food. Blaze and Amora were screaming for food. Amora took off across the road just missing the pink building and landed on
a hydro pole at the back road. Blaze Took off after Kendal. Quest was sitting on top of 220 eating.
Amora took flight again and flew back on top of the 220 building with Mira. Lovely to see the two girls together. Amora took off again towards the pink building and bounced feet first off the building.
Blaze took off and tried to land with Mira who blocked him. He went backwards and finally landed at another location. All five were full of beans.
NO one was hurt. When it started to rain I left.
Donna Hayes saw all 5 birds this morning.
One note is that Quest spend the whole day yesterday till 5pm in her nest. Today she did the same.
Posted on July 10, 2012 9:18 pm
July 10, 2012 - Ottawa - Delta Ottawa City Centre
CPF Postmaster Reports:
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 — 4:35 p.m.
Good afternoon everyone
Diana is perched on the SWcorner of the Delta Ottawa City Centre hotel rooftop. No sign of the male adult at this time.
Take care,
N. McKenna
Posted on July 10, 2012 8:28 pm
July 10, 2012 - Windsor - Ambassador Bridge
Dennis Patrick Reports:
We know it has been a while since we did any posting but it has been too hot for us and the four youngsters. All four of them are doing well, they are doing things that we have not seen before in the other years. A few days ago we were there and one of the four landed on the ground and literally walked up to the four pigeons that were standing there. What was it thinking?!?! Finally the four pigeons flew off and then the little Peregrine did the same. Last evening when we were pulling into the parking lot we could hear them and two kids were chasing Voltaire because she had food in her talons. By the time we got parked the two kids were on the ground again with feathers flying like crazy. One of them finally flew away but one stayed there and ate while Voltaire was on the side of the Bridge watching very carefully to make sure the chick was going to be o.k. Finally it flew off and landed under the Bridge with its crop very full. Voltaire landed on the ground, picked up the leftovers and flew up and finished the rest of the bird. Viper, General Brock, Twitter and Eddy are doing quite well and it is always fun to watch them especially when they are flying around together. They really enjoy it when it’s not too hot. We just Thank all of our Volunteers for keeping watch over our four little Peregrines. We have a wonderful team this year, without all of you it would be hard to follow all four of these little ones.
Gwen & Dennis, Site Co-ordinators CPF
Posted on July 10, 2012 9:45 am
