This document contains information from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. It is tentative and will be updated as info becomes available, and aims to explain the "Falcon Watch" and what to expect if you decide to volunteer.


NOTE:

If you intend to volunteer for Falcon Watch, please understand what's involved, and that this is not a pastime for entertainment purposes, the lives of the young falcons depend on our efforts and attention. A schedule will be established and you can mark yourself down for times that are convenient for you. If you sign up for a particular time please be there.


When:

Falcon watch will start approximately July 21st, and continue for 12-14 days depending on how the fledglings are doing. Watching will take place during daylight hours, which is roughly 530AM through 9PM daily. Shifts will be 4 hours, unless otherwise noted.


Purpose:

Around the time falcon watch begins the young will be ~38 days old. You'll likely have witnessed by then, the falcons will be frightfully close to departing from the ledge. They do not know how to fly yet, nor do they have the strength in their wings, but they'll have been flapping on the ledge for a week or more at this point.

The purpose of the watch is to have constant eyes on all young, regardless of where they are, and to protect them from harm if they are in imminent danger.

This danger could include being in traffic, a swimming pool, hanging by their talons from a wall, and many other scenarios.


Game Plan:

Depending on the number of volunteers available, team sizes will be defined. If you want to come with a friend, by all means, two people watching together is preferred.

Tactical locations will be determined depending on how many watchers are present. If we have enough folks, it will be ideal to have watching take place from each of the 4 corners of the property or thereabouts. If the teams are smaller the watchers may be set up closer to the nest location.

During watch, radio communications will be used, one radio per team. If a falcon takes flight, their position and direction will be communicated to all, to ensure constant view of the falcon as it travels.

If a falcon is down and in danger, it will need to be carefully rescued. Training will explain in more detail the protocols of how this works, but generally the falcon will be rescued by covering them with a towel, which the fledgling will grasp and cling to with its sharp talons.

Rescued birds will be checked for potential injuries and sent for treatment if required. If they are healthy they will be held for observation in an animal carrier, in a quiet place, and returned to the roof during the night.


Roles you can volunteer for:

Given the unique configuration of our building, it will be advantageous to have people on the ground, and also on balconies. If you are able to work on the ground, that's great, if you have a balcony with a good view, that can be helpful as well.

A) Ground watchers - will need to respond to any falcons down on ground locations

B) Upper watchers - if you have a high balcony, good view and can commit to certain hours watching from your balcony or window, this will help. Radios will be available for this purpose to communicate with the ground teams


Training:

Before you begin a watch, brief training will take place, schedule TBA. It's anticipated that Mark and/or Marion Nash of the CPF will be explaining the process and what to do in certain circumstances.


What to bring:

Plan to be on the run and able to carry any items with you. In an urgent situation you won't have time to pick up cameras or other items.

Items that are suggested:

• binoculars and other optics
• a small towel (ie beach size or a bit smaller)
• chairs if you prefer to sit
• a backpack
• water/drinks
• hat during daylight hours

How to volunteer:

If you're interested, it would be helpful for our planning if you can indicate your interest by passing us the following details.

-Name
-Contact info (email or tel#)
-Are you a resident of the building or non-resident
-Any specific hours that are convenient for you to help (ie if you're available mornings certain days etc)
-What role you can serve and if you have a balcony, what level it's on

To submit to Mathew electronically, please click here and enter details through the contact form.

* This will not commit you to times yet, that will be done using a sign-up board, closer to when the watch is starting.

Alternatively, paper forms will be made available at the bird banding event on July 10th, and other contact methods will be announced later.