Paul Reynolds reports:
Just thought I should let you know that my fishing buddy Andrew, saw Mom standing on the nest ledge with two little white heads sticking up. So, it looks as if we are on the way with the little ones. Let’s hope for a successful year.
Long distance observation confirmed 4 eggs on the 6th ledge from the north on the east side of Mt.Sinai Hospital.
Two adults were observed this morning sitting in the 6th and 7th ledges. The adult sitting in the 6thledge, with the eggs, was not showing typical incubation, it was just standing over the eggs the entire time I was observing. In the mean time, the adult occupying the 7thledge was showing intense incubation behaviour, shielding by ‘mantling’ over the area.
When the adult finally came off the ledges, the 6th ledge bird exposed at least 4 eggs to my view. While the bird in the 7th ledge, I could not see anything. The shade had moved onto this area of the ledge and put everything to dark to see. When the 7th ledge bird returned it immediately went into the far area of this ledge and was there for approximately 5 minutes, came out and flew off. It returned seconds later and returned to the far back corner of the 7th ledge. The adult that came off the 6th ledge where the eggs are seen did not return to this area, leaving the eggs exposed. I waited and did not see where this bird had flown.
More observation is needed, to confirm an actual hatch.
A quick visit this morning just to check on our family and make sure Jack is still kicking! I arrived around 9:45 am and all was quiet and nothing was visible from the ground. Approximately 30 minutes later I heard a falcon calling and looked up to see Jack arriving with food for his ‘first’ family! Mom took the food and I could hear her vocalizing to the young as she fed them. The feeding lasted approximately 10 minutes and Jack sat on the corner of the building keeping on his eye on me and the area the entire time.
Mom then departed the ledge with remains and then Jack flew into the ledge a few minutes later to take over. He barely had time to settle in when Angel returned ready to resume her duties. Jack then did several fly-bys of the building and adjoining buildings and then came by to communicate with Angel that he was heading out - which he did in the direction of his ’second’ family!
These images from the Web Cam taken around 7:00p.m. Two chicks and one egg.
Image taken from the Web Cam, Saturday evening 6:30p.m. Mom with four little fluffs.
Intense observations today and yesterday afternoon. Friday afternoon, definite hunting activity on the south side of the hospital, over Elm and Murray St’s. Later one peregrine was seen relaxing on the ledges between the banks of windows.
Saturday, I made my way back to my “perch” to clearly observe. At approximately 11:30a.m, peregrine was seen on the northeast corner of the insurance building at Elm and University, it looked like it may have prey with it, or just finished eating. It took off and headed for the 6th ledge of the east side of the hospital. The second adult took off and headed towards Princess Margaret and disappeared between the buildings. After myself and another volunteer waited another hour the second adult reappeared and approached the sixth ledge of the hospital. At this time, a clear hand off of the “nest’ occurred. The female came off the back area of the ledge and took off towards the north, the male stood in the back facing the corner of the ledge. Stood there for a few seconds, looking down into the corner and then lowered his body below the sight level. A good sign of a nest. Tomorrow, hoping for clear sunny skies, and with the aide of a scope, a better viewing will give us more information.
Today,I was up on the roof of the Kingsway On The Park and can confirm there are 3 Peregrine Falcon chicks which are somewhere in the range of 7-10 days old. This would coincide with Kathy’s observation of food going into the nest. Today was very eventful,as I was stooped briefly by both Jack and Angel. The wound Jack had gotton in the territorial battle was not evident,so must have healed up nicely. He looked well and strong and abit mean when he stooped me. He later chased off a Turkey Vulture,striking it several times,before it left the area. When I arrived,Mom was sheilding the young,more from a warm sun I believe then me. Eventually a single fluffy white head appeared. For the longest time,only one was visible such that I believed thats all there was and I was ready to hault observations. Just after closing a gate,and readying to leave,a 2nd chick popped up. Unpacked and watched until the 3rd chick popped up against its Moms chest. A Redtailed Hawk was also escorted from the area. Please enjoy this video clip of todays visit.
http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2vteasz&s=5
Much thanks to those at Kingsway On The Park for their continued support and co-operation!
Stay tuned for a banding date to be confirmed very soon we hope.
3 Eyases seen in the nestbox. Both parents on site dive bombing poor Frank! More details to come later after he reviews his photos..but estimated to be around the 10 day mark!
A quick visit the Mt.Sinai area and witnessed one peregrine hunting in the area of the hospital. I don’t think the hunt was successful. The peregrine then made it’s way over to 505 University Ave and sat there for approximately 10 minutes. I don’t know if it was the same bird, but another sighting was on the U of T building on the North-West side of College and University. Both birds are seen frequenting the east ledge of the Hospital, but actual nesting on this area is now in doubt. Weather has hampered our efforts for intense observations. Once the wind and rain clears, we can resume in-depth observation. If anyone else should have reports of the peregrines at this site, please send them in for posting.
The three little ones are growing quickly. I can see pin feathers already starting to develope. I didn’t stay long today. Rhea Mae and Tiago were on guard and I didn’t want to stir the sleeping family
