August 29th 2008
Things continue to be quiet around the buildings. Residents have reported seeing the adults, and it seems likely that Mascota is still in the neighbourhood given one report received. Monitoring continues, if you notice anything please pass the info along - click here to make contact.
August 25th 2008 - Vega
New job opening - position: 'bearer of bad news'...
Word was received this evening from Mark Heaton (MNR) that sometime this morning, again at the airport, Vega (white tape, 28 over Y) suffered a fatal building collision. Vega had been spotted in recent days near the nest, but obviously found his way further abroad with unfortunate results.
I'm not well versed in delivering these reports, and I know it's a letdown for all who've followed the development of the juveniles. That said, I personally continue to appreciate all this falcon family brought to us in the form of excitement, education, and both the good and bad parts of watching nature as it unfolds.
August 22nd 2008 - Spartacus
Despite a very smooth unfolding of events this nesting season, it's unfortunate to share bad news. Today word was received from Mark Nash (CPF), and Mark Heaton (MNR), that a deceased juvenile Peregrine was found on the grounds of a nearby airport. The juvenile in question was identified as Spartacus (Yellow 90 over X). More details will follow if available but it is understood that he suffered a bird strike or collision with an airplane.
We have developed an affinity for these falcons but the reality is they are wild birds. Mark Nash explained that the falcons have expanded their boundaries. As they explore new areas they face new challenges - some man-made, some natural, some unfortunately fatal.
This event underscores the poor survival rates faced by Peregrines and other at-risk species, and why the recovery of a species takes time. We can try to help our falcons mature to the point of independence, the rest is beyond our control.
August 20th 2008
There are falcons around, or so I hear. Thanks to residents and neighbours for sending in observations.
Sorry, no new Peregrine shots lately. Instead I've seen loads of wild birds including a Northern Harrier, Osprey, Bitterns, Ducks, Loons, Herons, Terns & Swans. Some of the species seen are Endangered. Click here to see birds from Tiny Marsh. What an incredible place!
August 15th 2008
The falcon family continues to be elusive. They're in the area but the young are obviously more independent these days.
With the peace & quiet in the neighbourhood I decided to head out and catch up on something I intended to do a lot of this summer... birding :) Some shots here if you're interested.
August 10th 2008
Things have slowed down at the site lately and the family is harder to keep tabs on. Updates may be at a reduced frequency but monitoring continues daily. Check the Observation log for the latest details.
New photos have been uploaded to the Fledge Watch gallery. Many photos were taken during that period but it was too difficult to review everything until recently. This latest update completes the Fledge Watch Gallery. Any new imagery posted in the future will appear in a new gallery.
August 6th 2008
The "Day by Day" photo article is now complete, as intended it covers the development of the young from the egg to the sky.
Monitoring continues but is proving more difficult now that all the birds are mobile. The family seems to be doing well.
New photos will be added in the next day or so.
** Have something to say? Here's your chance. Share your feedback, comments or questions. Click here.
August 4th 2008
The juveniles have learned the basics of flight. Now they're learning more flight tactics, how to defend themselves in the air, and how to catch food hand-offs from their parents. The parents are still catching all meals.
Frequently asked questions:
"Have they all flown away now?" - The young have merely taken their first flights. They are returning to the nest nightly and being taught new skills by day.
"When will they leave?" - The young will remain at the nest site until late September, at least, and will then migrate down towards South America. The parents (either one or both) may remain through the winter, or could migrate elsewhere.
"Will they come back next year?" - The parents may be back next year, the young are unlikely to return to this site.
Additional updates will follow in the days to come.
July 30th 2008
I'd like to again sincerely thank all who've supported this process. Those on the ground who've watched and continue to, as well as distant friends who are watching from other countries. This may be the end of a chapter now that the young can fly, at the same time the best is yet to come as they hone their flying skills and enroll in Flight School 101. Documentation, observations and photos will continue.
Much can be said about Fledge Watch, how about some pictures instead...
The new gallery is a selection from 7 days of watching. Those who lived it can relate first-hand, either way, enjoy. Click here for 7 Days of Fledge Watch.
July 28th 2008
Update - Full-time Falcon Watch Concludes
Full-time Falcon watch has now concluded, but monitoring efforts will continue in a reduced capacity going forward.
**Attention Residents** - Safety of residents and falcons continues to be a concern. Falcons making alarm calls and performing steep fast dives towards you are angry, you could be in danger. Please use your common sense, or just heed the warnings.
If you notice a young falcon on your balcony or in your vicinity, be aware the parents know they are there and will protect them if they perceive you as a threat. Disturbing the young and causing a panic flight can put their lives in danger.
Important Info:
- Residents, in any falcon emergency please contact building Security or on-site falcon watchers, they will all know who to contact at any time.
- Neighbours, expect to see watchers on the street, in emergency contact them.
- Alternatively, use this link to make contact, it will be checked in the field via mobile.
- If you notice a falcon away from the nest ledge, try to note the coloured leg band, in use are white, yellow and red
- Please avoid any undue stress on the falcons, we don't need to trigger early flights.
July 17th 2008
In the next days monitoring will continue, as we look for specific signs that the young are ready to fledge. The young spending most of their day flapping is among the things we'll be waiting to see.
Falcon watch will be conducted in a safe, organized and systematic way using defined protocols. Contact info and other details will be posted shortly. For residents, Security will be the key point of contact during the watch, they will know what supervisor(s) are on duty at any given time.
July 16th 2008
Apparently some confusion ensued earlier today, last night our resident female attacked a Red-Tailed Hawk, not a Red-Tailed Fox. Two foxes like to sun themselves in nearby grasslands, but our Peregrines do not hunt mammals. Worthy of note, new families of Cardinals and Mourning doves have been seen in the south forest, so all is not lost, the falcons are focusing on big meals for their big growing boys.
What's new and what you need to know:
- Banding Day Photo/Report posted
- In the coming days, our 3 young may start making more noise. They've been quiet so far, but they are babies after all, please do not be alarmed if you notice this.
Lastly, a camera was installed to provide live video via the web and in-house CCTV channel (37). This was done to assist with monitoring, and also to make it unnecessary for folks to stress the birds from nearby vantage points. Please respect our responsibility not to harass the falcons.
July 12th 2008
It's exciting to introduce our 3 young gents!
The banding ceremony was very exciting to say the least. It was unique in many ways, the most significant being that we are hosting a family of Peregrines on a residential building, far from common, we're told it's a first!
I know everyone loves seeing nice photos of the falcons, and so do I, but in the case of the banding procedure, a photo gallery does not properly explain the significance of the banding process, so the event report has been created as a 3-part photo/article to share the excitement as well as the educational side of things.
Click here to read the Banding Event photo report.
The next thing you need to be aware of is Falcon Watch which appears to be gearing up for July 19th onward. Arrangements are being confirmed for a training session to happen late next week, details, emails and/or phone calls to registered volunteers will follow shortly.
July 11th 2008
Yesterday's banding event was an important milestone in the protection of our newly hatched Peregrine falcons.
A report will follow today to introduce our 3 male Peregrines, Spartacus, Mascota and Vega, and will outline both how and why the banding was carried out, and what happens next. Given we have 3 males, we now know that their first flights will be sooner than later, so Falcon Watch will be starting in the next 9-10 days.
For the moment a huge thanks is owed to the building management, board, residents, and staff, the brave climbers, Mark & Marion Nash from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, and of course the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, who all did an excellent job making things happen safely and smoothly.
More to follow...
July 10th 2008 - Banding Day!
This event is being hosted by the building and facilitated by Mark & Marion Nash of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. The actual banding will be performed by Mark Heaton from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
The parents will be upset during this process, but typically following bandings they go back to business as usual. Residents, please avoid upper patios, we're all curious but don't underestimate the danger of an angry Peregrine parent in this situation, the best place to watch will be the lounge.
July 9th 2008
Banding day is one day away. Here's the scoop:
The banding will take place at 10AM Thursday July 10th. Residents can attend in the lounge, for folks that can't attend, it will also be possible to view through the live web feed (www.asic.ca/falconcam).
July 7th 2008
As of Sunday, 3 weeks have gone by since the first hatch.
1. We are still planning Falcon Watch, to start approximately July 21st. To volunteer or learn more click here.
2. Live video of the Peregrine family is on the web (~730am-930pm daily) at www.asic.ca/falconcam and for residents, on channel 37 (non digital, you need to bypass your digital box).
July 5th 2008
NEW!! - Watch the Peregrine family live!
It's very exciting to report that we've implemented a camera! This greatly assists monitoring efforts, as well as giving viewers an extremely rare glimpse into the lives of a family of Peregrine Falcons nesting on a residential building!
Credit is due to the team that made this happen:
Building management and the Board for their amazing support during this ongoing project, the building Recreation Committee, Belanger Engineering and The Delso Group of Companies for their gracious support, ASIC Inc. for technical integration including streaming the video to the web, and especially Rick from RJS Installations Inc. who with extremely short notice was able to get the camera wired, connected and live!
The camera was mounted indoors, behind a window. It was originally intended that with the CPF we would implement a camera on the roof, but it was far too risky to access the roof or install anything outdoors given the protective adult falcons and their young, so this alternative was devised.
Technical issues are still being addressed so bear with us. There is also a challenge with glare in the early evening hours.
Regardless, we wanted to bring this to you sooner than later, as the young are growing rapidly and very exciting to watch!
To view the camera on the web, go to www.asic.ca/falconcam
If you are a resident, we've had issues with Rogers since the removal of digital 837. The falcons can be seen on channel 37, but you must bypass your digital cable box. To do this you need to 1) plug the cable TV wire straight into your TV and 2) Switch to channel 37. This is easier said than done for the non-technical, but it's worth the time. Go figure, for once it's better not to be digital... If we can get a digital channel running we will but support from Rogers has been difficult to obtain thus far.
June 23rd 2008
Residents:
A banding date for our young falcons has been confirmed. The banding will take place on Thursday July 10th at 10AM. The banding will involve a rock-climber in protective gear descending to the nest ledge, extracting the young from the nest and putting them into a bag. The bag will be raised to the roof by rope, and the young will then be taken downstairs where the banding ceremony will take place. Mark Heaton from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) will perform the banding.
Thanks to Mark Nash and the Canadian Peregrine Foundation for helping make this happen, and for helping us to understand the importance of the ID bands.
If you haven't seen previous posts about this, a gallery from a recent banding at the Toronto Sheraton is here. During the banding, the rock climber's presence will distract the parents (who will be very upset and violent). When the young are returned to the nest the parents will resume caring for their offspring once again.
Off-topic - Some folks I've run into have mentioned the Piping Plover Endangered Species nesting at Sauble and Wasaga Beaches, and being monitored closely much like our falcons. It's unfortunate to report that 4 of the young hatchlings at Wasaga Beach were killed by a hale storm last night (article) . This is being mentioned to remind us that however exciting it is to monitor and assist at-risk species where possible, the reality is, nature is in control.
July 4th 2008
Some images from galleries have been added to the Observation Log for historical reference. Nest logs caught up to yesterday.
If you have male, female, or unisex name ideas for the 3 young, submit them in writing at the management office.
July 2nd 2008
The young are doing well and are being monitored daily, check the Log for details.
Remember:
-we are looking for volunteers for Falcon Watch (click to read more)
-The Bird Banding Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday July 10th at 10AM. The purpose of this process is to put ID bands on birds, which helps to understand their origin in the future, as well as protecting the birds from falconry harvesting during their migratory travels through the USA.
June 30th 2008
All 3 chicks were spotted this morning, looking larger and moving around.
We are now planning "Falcon Watch", which will start around July 21st. If you'd like to volunteer, please read the following and send us your details using the link noted at the end of the article. More details will follow as the plan gets finalized.
June 29th 2008
Today is the 14th day since the first egg hatched.
Latest Images gallery purged, new images added.
June 27th 2008
The web site has been updated with a new look and new features.
New items added, available from left menu:
- Nest observations, being updated regularly
- Article library, will be updated as info becomes available
- Weather - under the menu, helpful to know what the birds are experiencing
June 25th 2008
There was an unidentified disturbance either above or around the building at 520-530 PM. The parents were significantly irritated, and left the young alone for an unusually long period of time. This is not something we want to see happening.
It's possible an avian predator was in the area, but remember, to a falcon humans are a predator too. If you observed anything peculiar that may have caused their behaviour, please report any details here.
June 22nd 2008
200pm - afternoon feeding observed, a few images added to the Latest Images gallery
1030am - morning feeding observed
June 21st 2008
945am - A new batch of images have been uploaded ("Latest" gallery)
Interesting observations from the newest photos:
-early in the week the male was seen feeding newborns, even when one was only a few hours old, indicates a comfortable pair of parents, the female trusts the male
-both parents were witnessed feeding the young at the same time, two separate birds were brought in for this feeding
-the male was witnessed eating the feet of his prey. Now we know they don't throw all of them to the sidewalk for us, just some :)
June 20th 2008
The MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) has released their 2008 Pesticides Memorandum (click to read). In it the MNR states among other things that "chemical bird control measures should not be undertaken as long as Peregrines remain in nesting territory". This restriction extends out 7.5km radius from any active Peregrine nest. This memo will be circulated to nearby buildings and pest control vendors, if you are from a nearby building please forward this info to your management.
4:00pm - feeding observed
1215pm - alarm calls heard, both falcons flew off to defend against an intruder. Soonafter both the male and female returned with food, feeding took place for 10 mins and then Mom settled down over the young again.
June 19th 2008
730pm - evening feeding takes place. The young are hungry, all 3 observed eagerly eating, feeding continued for 15 minutes straight before Mom flew off to dispose of the remaining food. She returned minutes later and took her protective position over the young.
If you were watching the Bloor/Islington video feed in the past months, it has been re-enabled now that the fledglings have found their way back to the ledge. Tune in by clicking here, subject to availability.
Monitoring of our newborns will continue, and thank you to the folks helping to keep an eye on things at our building.
June 18th 2008
Three falcons have now hatched! A few new photos have been added showing some of the action from the day. The young are only strong enough to hold their heads up to feed, and are leaning on each other for support.
More details will follow, but in ~4 weeks volunteers will be needed during daylight hours for "falcon watch", where we keep an eye out in case the young take flight. The process involves organized shifts of folks equipped with binoculars and radio comms. Falcons could easily wind up on balconies, adjacent buildings, in trees, or on nearby streets. The more eyes the better.
June 17th 2008
510pm - and then there were two... New images have been including the little faces of the first 2 falcons to hatch! Viewer discretion advised, the cute little birds won't be a problem but what's on the menu may be.
To minimize stress on the falcons, (and following direct attacks on the windows earlier today) a "blind" has been put in place on windows near the nest. Viewing flaps are available to look through, but even with the visual barrier, please consider the delicate nature of the situation, especially if the birds appear agitated.
1215pm - feeding observed, we now have 2 chicks! Photo documentation confirms this fact and that one egg remains. All appears on schedule, the last egg if viable will hopefully hatch by tomorrow.
June 16th 2008
*** We have a hatch!!! ***
June 12th 2008
While we're waiting for some action, a new article has been posted - Learning from our Peregrines - Part 1. Give it a read if you'd like to learn some specifics about Peregrines and our local pair in particular.
June 10th 2008
Morning observation revealed that the nest is dry following last night's storm. Incubation continues....
June 4th 2008
Yesterday, an exciting Peregrine banding ceremony took place at the Toronto Sheraton Centre. It was attended by many including Donna Cansfield, our Minister of Natural Resources and Etobicoke Centre MPP, who announced new funding initiatives for "Species at Risk" in Ontario. To read more about what the MNR is doing to protect at-risk species including the Peregrine Falcon, visit the MNR site.
To view images from the banding event, click here.
May 31st 2008
Nothing exciting to report this morning, the good news is Mom was observed incubating the eggs so all seems well.
May 27th 2008
Incubation continues at our nest site...
If you've been following the falcon family at Bloor & Islington, the CPF have posted some shots from the banding event, click here to see.
May 24th 2008
Today another "changing of the guard" was witnessed. No additional eggs have been laid (there was a remote possibility of a 4th), the 3 eggs appear intact.
Also worth noting, yesterday in the early evening the falcons were witnessed defending their territory. Alarm calls were heard and soonafter both falcons were observed heading west, likely to remind a Red-Tailed hawk whose airspace he was flying in. Within 20 seconds both falcons returned to the nest ledge.
May 18th 2008 - Exciting news - 3 eggs observed!
This morning a "changing of the guard" was witnessed. Our female was busy incubating the eggs. The male appeared to offer her a break and she accepted his offer. In the process 3 eggs were clearly seen. The male quickly took over incubation.
May 15th 2008
As of 6pm today our female has gone into "full incubation" of eggs, the number unknown. From now on expect to see the female and male taking turns incubating, which will continue for 33-35 days from today. If you're wondering what a Peregrine egg looks like, click here to see one.
An excellent visit by the Canadian Peregrine Foundation took place last night. Qetesh and Oscar were brought in by Mark and Marion Nash for an evening of Peregrine Falcon education. Photos have been added, click here or see the left menu.
Please consider supporting the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. They work endless hours to protect these amazing falcons.
The general public can assist by volunteering, and through financial support. Donations are accepted on their web site (www.peregrine-foundation.ca), by PayPal, through CanadaHelps.org and by phone or mail if you prefer. Make sure to mention our neighbourhood so they know where the support is coming from.
May 13th 2008
New behaviour has been observed in the nest vicinity, more details to follow.
As you've probably noticed, many of the smaller bird species have wisely vacated the premises. It's nice to report there's still birds in other areas of the GTA. Here's a few recent pictures.
May 12th 2008
For residents of The Masters, the Canadian Peregrine Foundation will be visiting for "Falcon Night" at 7pm Wednesday May 14th in the Lounge.
Qetesh, an Anatum Peregrine Falcon with a very interesting history, will be coming along with Mark Nash. Mark will share interesting facts about Peregrine Falcons, their history, challenges, recovery, and other safety issues residents need to be aware of. To learn more about Qetesh, visit her home page at the Canadian Peregrine Foundation.
May 10th 2008
9am - birds sunning themselves after breakfast, no eggs visible
May 9th 2008
8am - more courtship behaviour observed but no mating at the time, still no eggs as far as I can tell.
May 8th 2008
As of 6pm no eggs have been observed.
May 6th 2008
Mating activity was observed this morning, and also this afternoon! This means in the next 24 to 48 hours eggs may be present. For the past few days both birds have been visible at the same time. Once eggs are present, one bird will hide away and tend to incubation. If/when this takes place we will know what nesting location has been selected.
May 4th 2008
If you're watching our local birds, keep an eye out for mating activity, the sunny weather may bring it on, hopefully so! Please advise if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
"R" Photo gallery updated - male ankle band was finally ID'd, info under review by the CPF.
May 2nd 2008
* While not about our location, it's exciting to report a hatch at the Bloor and Islington nest was observed at 810pm via live web video feed. This should make for some interesting viewing in the days to come. Stay tuned to the Bloor/Islington video page which will run as feasible daily.
The falcons at our location still haven't definitively picked a nesting spot, so we wait.
May 1st 2008
While we don't have a camera at this nest location (and aren't yet sure where the falcons are going to nest), a test video feed is being broadcast live from the nest at Bloor and Islington. This is the camera featured on Global TV nightly news. The feed is from a Canadian Peregrine Foundation camera, and the CPF believe a hatch is imminent. I'll try to run this feed daily during this exciting time. Click here to view live video.
April 30th 2008
The falcons are in the process of selecting a new nest area. The female seems partial to the building just north of the Clubhouse, on the same ledge as at the previous location. She was noticed yesterday "scraping" out a nest area. Both falcons are still being seen, so there are likely no eggs... yet.
Given the change in nesting location, logging activity is a little more challenging to keep on top of, so thank you to those who are passing me observations, it helps.
April 29th 2008
Unfortunately, the eggs the falcons were attending to for the past 2 weeks were not fertilized properly. During the last 3 days the birds have rejected the eggs, and are now focusing on mating again. According to the CPF this is an understandable circumstance, many factors are involved.
We don't know where these birds wintered, but if they were in South America it's common for returning birds to come back "hot" (containing contaminants), and first breeds can easily fail for this reason.
April 28th 2008
Changes are taking place in the nesting vicinity, more details will follow when possible.
April 25th 2008
Eggs are being incubated.
You may also have noticed Mark Nash from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation on Global TV. They will be featuring another Etobicoke nest in the weeks to come. Click here for more details.
April 23rd 2008
The falcons have been "on" eggs for nearly two weeks now, confirmed only through the change in the behaviour of the birds. You may now notice only one bird is seen at a time lately as the other is busy incubating the eggs. The birds take turns incubating, and shortly before sundown the female takes over incubation for the night.
Late last week the MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) were informed of this development, at the same time they were informed of the status of all other Peregrine nests the CPF is aware of.
April 17th 2008
Volunteers will be needed at some point in the future. If you'd like to get involved check back here for more info in the weeks to come.
April 14th 2008 - this site has been updated to include a news page, where bulletins will be posted as necessary.
If you notice any interesting behaviour or activity, please use the Contact Info on this site to let us know.