The Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch would like to extend a big thank you to everyone at the Canada Revenue Agency’s Data Centre for their assistance and cooperation during this year’s Falcon Watch. Special thanks go out to Jason Bray, James Kennett, Jane Armstrong and Adam Axford (SNC-Lavalin) for their help at the new (to us!) nest site.

We greatly appreciated the access provided to us by security staff on such short notice, the daily updates and sightings reported by staff members, and the knowledge of the falcons’ history at 875 Heron Rd. that several people shared with us.

We hope to see you next year!

In the meantime, please let us know if you have any concerns about the birds, or if you simply want to update us on the juvenile falcons’ progress or on future nesting activity.

SIncerely,

Anouk Hoedeman
Ottawa Peregrine Falcon Watch

July 7 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Our falcon eggs have not hatched. We do not know why, but this happens from time to time in the falcon world. Connor and Diana are still here and will doubtless try again next year. Thanks to all of you who put your names forward to volunteer for the Watch this year. We hope to see you again in 2012.

May 13 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — At last we have eggs, though we will not be able to know how many this year. Diana is right behind a column near the northwest corner, which means our line of sight is blocked, and unless I can find someone in Tower C to check it out from that side, we will simply have to wait.

This puts our volunteer period most likely between the middle to late July! This also puts our usual numbers of volunteers at jeopardy, due to vacations, etc. Please email me if you can help.

May 13 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Diana has finally decided where to brood her eggs. She has made it rather difficult for us, unless someone in Tower C can help with the occasional look. We’d need to know how many eggs. She is just a couple of pillars from the northwest corner, but hidden from anyone looking from Tower 1.

We expect fledging to take place mid-July.

May 10 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — All eyes on board! Although our falcons have been seen mating, there is no sign of eggs. I am asking those of you who have a view of the ledge on either side of the hotel to please see if you can see any sign of nesting. I know Diana has a habit of brooding in close to the inner wall, spread out like a dark gray pancake. Sometimes if you watch for a while, you can see a few tail feathers blowing in the wind, which will finally pinpoint the location. Can anyone in Tower C please ask a staff member who has a window over the ledge for permission to look out to check for nesting? Thanks!!

April 4 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Yesterday afternoon I saw one of our falcons on the northwest corner of the Delta( former Crowne). It is time to start watching for signs of nesting. Chris and Anouk, May I count on you again to do the roof checks for now? I can get a few in but not often. Those of you with windows on the ledge level, either side, or who know someone with a window there, please look once in a while to see if you can see a falcon sitting on the gravel. Please let me know as we should be seeing this happen over the next 2 weeks.

Click to read the full 2010 Final Report

September 28 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I have had an update from Mary Beth Washburton about Zanar’s nest on the Prescott-Ogdensburg Bridge over the St Lawrence River. We are sending good vibes to Zanar’s daughter for her future.

From Mary Beth Washburton – Very sad that 3 of the 4 chicks did not survive, BUT the one that did had quite a journey. The surviving chick was rescued from the river when it was about a week away from fledging. She spent two nights in rehab and I took her back to the bridge and she made it!!

August 19 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I am sad to report that our Nihei of last season (photo) has died. She had been found badly injured in Saint-Germain-de-Grantham, Quebec last September. She was brought to a wildlife clinic with multiple fractures (scapula and coracoid ) and was cared for by a vet there. Unfortunately she contracted a bacterial infection and died. At least she was with caring people when she died.

June 27 [from Anouk Hoedeman] — There has been an interesting development with the Ottawa falcons. After more than five weeks of incubating three eggs to no avail, Diana and Connor were expected to abandon their nest. Last Tuesday brought a surprise: while one of the old eggs was fractured and now outside the nest, there were still three eggs in the nest. That means Diana laid another egg while still incubating two of the old ones. By Wednesday, the egg outside the nest was gone, but they continued to incubate three eggs as usual.

This behaviour — adding a new egg to an existing clutch after weeks of incubating – and whle still incubating — is unusual, to say the least. If anyone has ever encountered this phenomenon before, or can explain it, please let us know.

It’s not likely that the new egg has been fertilized, but we continue to monitor the nest to see what our falcons might do next.

June 22 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Unfortunately Ottawa’s Falcon Watch will not be taking place this year. Diana’s second attempt at hatching her 3 eggs seems to have failed, and a third attempt is unlikely. We are keeping an eye on her, but are now looking forward to the 2011 season. Thank you for your support for our falcon family, and for our volunteers’ efforts.

June 18 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Good news! NO, it’s not an egg hatch here, but the first of our chicklets from previous years has been sighted and is living quite close to us.

From the Canadian Peregrine Foundation: We have just received some great news from Mary Beth down in New York state. She has been closely monitoring the nesting activities of the Ogdensburg bridge peregrines and in addition to finding out that the pair have in fact produced four hatchlings this year, and nesting on the Canadian side. She has been able to identify the band number of the resident adult female!

I just checked the band number against our records and we have been able to positively identify the resident adult female as Zanar, produced at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ottawa Ontario on 2004, banded Black 69 over Black K, with a sliver USFW band #168705686.

Zanar was banded at 25 days old, 920 grams (empty crop weight), June 11th 2004 (photo at right).

May 4 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Diana is brooding in the same location as last year, at the southeast end of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Due to the delays, I think the hatching will take place in the first week of June, with the Falcon Watch starting closer to the end of June. Stay tuned for updates as we get them.

April 29 [from Scott Holliday] — Just got back in from lunch and they’re back; copulation took place at 1300 on the SE corner of the CP Hotel, they put on a little show for those in the know. The female crow has now recognized her closest neighbours and I am sure is feeling a little more than nervous. Another strange-ish sighting is a female Mallard duck that is nesting in a planter at 270 Albert just east of the main entrance, at least two eggs in the nest and appropriate signage asking people to not touch or interact with the brooding mother duck, she is very well hidden under the evergreen plant in that planter and blends in well with the mulch topping.

April 28 [from Scott Holliday] — Just to let you know that the falcons have been spotted this morning at 10:15 and 10:25 a.m. Male sighted in flight and on CP hotel SE corner (last year’s nest site). TWO females in air above at the same time (both were larger than the bird that landed on CP and of about equal size some “chasing” observed but male did not participate but was watching from a distance and followed when the two females headed north over the East Memorial Block). Heard calling KEE__YAAK_YAAK_YAAK from male when he was on the CP Hotel ledge; neither female responded as far as I could tell. There is a crow’s nest in one of the trees on the Place de Ville patio area (smoking area), and is in perfect sightline from the SE corner of the CP Hotel, female crow is currently brooding her eggs; perhaps this will become a “lunch-counter” for the falcons once the baby crows begin to fledge.

April 28 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Good news, and interesting at that! It is now likely that the abandonment may haave been due to the challenge of another female…. Keep waatching!

April 27 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Last week Diana had been seen on her nest near the northwest corner. This afternoon Chris discovered no eggs and no falcons! There has been activity on all buildings around her, but if Diana were brooding eggs, she would not have been scared off and Connor would be around to guard her.

This has shades of a few years ago, when Diana ended up with a 2nd nest on the east side.

Please, those of you downtown, have a look around on all buildings in the area, all antennas, etc., and let me know as soon as you spot a falcon. My cell phone is on all the time (613-859-9545). I will be checking my email as often as work permits.

April 8 [from Chris Traynor] — I was up on the Constitution roof today for 1 minute this afternoon at 4:45 and that was all it took to spot Diana (I presume) sitting. Unless she is disturbed it looks like we will be setting up at the Alterna Bank this year as she is sitting on the north west side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Barring unforseen incidents, we should have a hatch in early May.

April 1 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Yahoo! Chris will soon be checking for the nest location and brooding. Keep your fingers crossed!

April 1 [from Marian B] — While on the bus approaching Slater and Lyon this morning, I saw Diana on the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Building. The bus stopped just long enough for me to see Connor fly over and mate with Diana.

March 21 [from Phil] — 9 am, Diana is on the west side of the Crowne Plaza when her mate flies in and joins her. There is some vocalizing and Connor is off again, going around Tower C. Diana takes off after him and they both end up on the antenna of the business centre building. She stays there while Connor cruises around the buildings again. At one point he comes very close to the ground. Just above a two story restraurant! He ends up on the west face of the Crowne again.

January 23 [from Mary C. Hurley] — At 1515 today, watched adult falcon fly to customary perch on west side of Coates Building – I think Connor, looked smallish standing facing building – did not see that he had anything in talons though a few minutes earlier when I was scannaing the east side of the building, noted a flock of pigeons in commotion.

January 19 [from Richard Waters] — For the last three days I have birded around the Civic Hospital area looking for the reported GYR FALCON.

I have been watching the PEREGRINES on a daily basis. I have managed to find them relatively easily at one or the other of their haunts. Today, at 1 pm the female bird was perched upon the radio mast at Churchill and Carling, after wreaking havoc with 20 odd feral pigeons on and near the Focus Eye building just to the east of this location.

I left this bird perched and drove up to Carlington quarry, intially there wasn’t anything around. However, on the way back to my car I noticed a very large falcon, chest puffed out, sat on the radio mast above the ski hill. When it turned around, to my immense disappointment, it was clear that it was a large female PEREGRINE again. At 1.30 pm it made a beeline for the RH Coats building. (I think this bird recognizes me and seems to follow me around. It was certainly watching me closely today?)

At 4.30pm, I stopped at the Coats building to find the male PEREGRINE perched on a window ledge on the southern side and the female PEREGRINE on her favourite floodlight on the east side.

March 14 [from Phil] — Yesterday morning a falcon lands on the west side of the Crowne Plaza, near the north end. There is alot of vocalizing for several minutes, then Diana appears near the north end of that side. Connor then flies over to the light senser on Tower C, facing west. Today, both falcons are on the west side of the hotel again.

January 17 [from Phil] — Yesterday at 1:10 pm Eve and I saw both our falcons at the Coates Building at Tunney’s Pasture. Diana was seen first on the east face of the building, but no sign of Connor. He was tucked in one of the corners because all of a sudden he flies up to briefly greet his mate, then ends up on the north side of the building.

January 13 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Yesterday afternoon, around 4 pm, I saw Diana on the south face of the Coats Building. She was pretty fluffed up but was looking around, not for hunting. I have no idea where Connor was, as I then passed around the Crowne but he wasn’t there.

January 13 [from Richard Brouillet] — I saw a Peregrine yesterday at 13:05 cruising down Carling at Lincoln Fields and the Western Parkway. I believe it was the right size to be a female.

August 9 [from Phil] — I think it is Tailer heading for the antenna on the Bradson building, there is an adult there. Once he arrives, the adult takes off, Tailer follows, with lots of calling. He then starts chasing pigeons, and at one point comes within about 10 metres of the ground of the parking lot across from the Crowne! {He is looking down at me at one point.} With no success he ends up on the veterans building and trys again. The pigeons just scatter. He flies over to the top of the Crowne and continues to vocalize. No one else in sight at this time.

August 4 [from G. Vautour] — Falcon on the south side of the Coats Building (Tunney’s) today around 12:15. Could not make a clear ID as I could just see a head and a wing and was without glasses.

August 4 [from Phil] — On sunday morning both our chicks were flying together in front of the Crownee Plaza. There was a lot of vocalizing and both seem to be enjoying themselves. Then an adult joined them, Diana I believe. The two chicks landed on the condo building across from the Crowne, side by side. They only stayed for a moment, then were off again!

July 16 [from Marian] — At 8:00 there was one adult falcon on one of the structures half way down on the west side of Tower C and one chick on the ledge on the west side of the Crown Plaza. Then the adult flew off from Tower C and was joined by another falcon which I think was the other chick. A few minutes later three falcons flew over the Crown. The other chick landed on the north west corner roof of the Crown Plaza. Both parents disappeared from sight. One returned briefly landing near the chick on the ledge but did not stay.

This is the first morning in a number of days that I have been able to see both chicks. Some mornings there has been one chick sitting on the west side ledge of the Crowne Plaza.

July 6 [from Marian] — Noon today for about 10 minutes from the plaza of the Contribution Tower I watch as the whole family was in the air high over Queen and Albert. Tailer and Nehei were flying over the Crowne Plaza and Place du Ville buildings, at times paying talon tag, while Diana and Connor few high above. At one point one of the parents joined them. After awhile, one chick landed on the very top of Tower C Antenna. The other chick flew by very close trying to get it to fly off again. Eventually it did and both were in the air again. When I left the area, one had landed on the antenna of Tower C and the other on the south (centre) side of the Crown Plaza. A little later when I was heading back to the office (from Lyon Street) I watch as one made a few miscalculations in landing. First it tried to land on west side of the Crown Plaza ledge but was too low and almost landed on one of the lower window ledges; she then tried for Tower 1 of the Constitution Building but did not have time to gain height. I suspect this was Nehei. Both times she corrected her flight. She then flew toward the Delta; then over the Place due Ville buildings before disappearing from sight.

July 3 [from Chris Traynor] — I know some of you have been worried about the lack of Nihei sightings, but this morning, at 11:15, I spotted two young falcons playing about the southwest corner of Place de Ville “C”.

Nihei (left) and Tailer photographed by Chris Traynor

June 29 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — This, our last day, has been a strange one. Other than seeing the adults sitting here and there, I had little sightings of any falcons. I’d see one on the west side of the Crowne and 1 on the Carlisle antenna. Tailer was seen once in a long while, but didn’t do any of his usual flying overhead as he did yesterday. Once Diana took him over the river for lessons, perhaps in hunting. As for Nihei, she has been out of sight all day.

I did get to watch a few passes overhead by the Snowbirds, and to have some cake passed out to all who work in Constitution Square, for Canada Day. As I was on my own for most of today, I was delighted to see Marian who gave me a much needed lunch break. Brian and Nancy came for their shifts. I was glad to see Jorgen, Mary, Bernie and Christine who all stopped by, and who also tried to look for Nihei.I omitted a report that Nihei was seen last evening trying to land on the Carlisle antenna with her brother but missed so she returned to Constitution Square.I took Jorgen up to the roof of Tower 2 to look for Nihei. In spite of searching all roofs possible, we didn’t see her. Diana and Connor came after us only when we approached the northwest side, near Tower 1. Once we moved away, they left us. However, we checked all possible angles including the roof. Was she there, or did they think she was there? And, so we left tonight, knowing we did our job, but still wondering where our chicklet is. Some of us will still go down and check on our falcon family from time to time. I know those working down in the area of our Watch will keep on looking for her and will let me know when they see Tailer and Nihei. Until next June, Eve.

June 29 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Our next to last day! We had no one on from 6 to 9 this morning, so this report starts at 9 am. I found Nihei still on the southwest corner of Tower B while Tailer was on the southwest corner of the roof of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Both our adults were on the Carlisle antenna.

Just after 10, Diana brought food to Tower B where her daughter was sitting, but Tailer, who followed her there, grabbed it first and all Nihei could do was watch and wait until he had finished. Diana flew off and Connor sat on the antenna of Tower C. After eating, Tailer flew to Tower A and his sister immediately jumped on the rest of the food for herself.

At 11:30 Nihei left Tower B. She headed towards the gap between Towers 2 and 3, changed her direction and went between Towers 1 and 2. Her flight was a good, steady one, maintaining her height and speed. She disappeared! We started our search, while Nancy put out the news. Our eyes searched every building top edge, every balcony and ledge, and in between without seeing her. Eventually I had the feeling she was somewhere on the top of the Minto Suites. That is a logical place to go when first flying in that gap. Diana then flew close to the top row of windows at the northwest part.

Tailer went flying and showing off all his tricks and lessons, and most of that took place right above the Suites. We settled down to watch the roof from different places. We saw Tailer and the adults at various times flying around here and there, but mostly where they could see the Suites. We watched the new OC Transpo Double Decker bus pass by. We had many people pass by to see if Nihei had flown, and a few disappointed that they could not see any falcons.

Around 4, Tailer came speeding by to the antenna on Tower C, tickled the top of an upright post, and sped away again, as if practising his stoop horizontally. He came back and landed on a red “hub” on that antenna. How comfortable he is with his flying!

And then the rain came. We still hadn’t seen Nihei, so I went up to the penthouse of the Crowne to have a look at the roofs around. I checked all the ledges, but still no chicklet. Just before 7:30 there was another food drop to Tailer at the northwest corner of Tower 1, so up I went again with Nancy, for another check, still without our baby. Tailer was really working over what looked like the body of a pigeon minus the head and wings.

After 8, Chris came over and decided to go up on the roof of Tower 2 for a look. Sure enough, he found her, as he has in the past! She was on that roof, sitting on a satellite dish! We had thought she had moved from the Suites to Constitution Square, but thought Tower 1, not 2. So much for our thoughts.

Tomorrow should bring a day of eyes upwards, hoping to see Nihei flying, as well as enjoying Tailer and his parents. How lucky we are to have this family in Ottawa.

June 28 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — None of us thought we would be still doing this 22 days after we started, but here we are. Our morning was very quiet. Breakfast was served early and as far as I know there were no more food drops to either chicklet. Nihei had to have her nap, of course.

Tailer has now mastered soaring, and has been seen going very high in the sky. He looks wonderful! He still likes to tuck himself in the box on the Crowne. Nihei, on the other hand, seems to like the northeastern corner of Tower 1. Her brother flies over from time to time to sit with her. This time, when he flew over, both were at the corner, flapping vigorously. We expected her to bop him off the ledge, but that didn’t happen.

Then late this afternoon, the adults issued warnings and both flew over Tower 2. It turned out to be men working on the Minto, putting up the flag for Canada Day. Eventually the adults gave up. Tailer showed up on Tower A begging for food. Nihei was out of our sight.

We were sitting under the trees across the road when, suddenly, Nihei was in the air! She flew across to the hotel and tried to land in the box that her brother liked, but she couldn’t, so she turned back and landed on another part of the same roof she started out from. Then it poured. We ran into the bus shelter and continued to watch. Tailer was still on Tower A behind us. We could see him in the reflection of Tower 2.

Nihei flew across to a good landing on Tower A and walked over to join Tailer. Diana and Connor showed up on the same tower. Apparently Diana had a small piece of meat. Connor jumped in and grabbed it! He flew out overhead and dropped it and Tailer flew out and caught it! Needless to say, Nihei complained loudly. We all felt she should have been rewarded for flying with dinner, but when we eventually left, she still had not eaten.

Soon Tailer was up on Tower B. Nihei wanted to join him and slowly flapped and walked down to the closest corner and flew, or hopped over to his side. They both made it to the southwest corner. Then we saw a strange thing. Tailer flew very fast westwards. He muffed 4 landings, made it to Tower 1, left and went around the Crowne, back, missed another landing, flew around and landed on the corner of the nest ledge, flew out again and landed in the box where he likes to sleep. That is where we left them, in the rain. We will continue tomorrow and possibly Tuesday, but I doubt our chicklets will need us further. Let’s hope we can sit and watch as they fly and play together in the sky!

June 27 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I am beginning to think our Nihei is going for a record, the most number of days without flying! Have any of you experienced this? Let me know, please!

Well, same old, same old. Our day started out the same as the day before, with Nihei still on Tower 1. She is now 49 days old, and Tailer is 50 today. Maybe she is waiting to turn 50 before she goes. She had better do it right!

Breakfast was served just before 7 am. Tailer had his on the top of the Bay St Apartments, a Mourning dove which he plucked. Obviously his lessons are going well. He flies freely between all the buildings in the area, as well as on the antennas on high buildings, and never forgetting to spend time with his sister on Tower 1. I am sure he is hoping she will join him soon so they can play talon tag and do barrel rolls, and other things young falcons can share (except food).

Diana and Connor move around between the antenna on the Carlisle, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and the sensors on Tower C, as well as Towers 1 and 2 of Constitution Square. They bring food once in a while. I miss Horizon who was an excellent, but no-nonsense mother. She would not bring food at this time, but would fly by her chicklet, holding food in her talon and making sure her baby saw it, then flying away with it. Surely Nihei would have been flying by now.

A thought! Nihei spends her day alternating between sleeping, begging, eating, being out of sight, beetling, and again. Do we have a drama queen here? She can beg quietly, then turn up the volume, sound unhappy, then turn on the sob story, and can make herself sound absolutely miserable if she isn’t fed! Fortunately that doesn’t work as fast as she hopes for. Tailer has adopted a habit his father, Connor used to have, sleeping in the “box” on the side of the hotel (used to be an access door for the neon sign that used to be there).

This afternoon I had the opportunity to go up to the 21st floor to check on our Nihei. She was sleeping on her tummy, out of sight of the watchers below. That visit was to confirm that it was Tailer who flew from Tower 1, not her. We have had several moments of a false alarm now. One time this evening, Tailer had dinner on Tower 2. Just as he was cleaning up, a biplane flew overhead and he nearly jumped to Tower 1. As a chicklet suddenly flew from there to the box on the side of the hotel, everyone thought Nihei had finally gone. Once again, I went up to the 21st floor to check it out. She was still where she had been, picking at something on the ledge, while Tailer had flown and was on the tiny ledge above the box! Diana passed by with food and he dove on her, following her to the west side.

Another time had volunteers running around looking for Nihei and finally spotting a chicklet on the side of Tower 2. Then Diana came with food; it was Tailer, once again getting fed. Nihei was still on Tower 1, watching! Diana actually fed him beak to beak as if he were still a little baby. Watching from the Delta is proving a good spot now. When we left tonight, she was still on Tower 1, east corner, and Tailer was snoozing in the box, just below her. Tomorrow?

June 26 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — At 6 am, both chicklets were on Tower 1, hoping for breakfast. Tailer spotted Connor and followed him around Tower 1 and heading south. Nihei started to beetle westward along the north side and disappeared inside. A few minutes later, Diana delivered breakfast to Tailer on Tower 2. She then went to the antenna on the Carlisle. Soon, Tailer flew to join Diana, but she left as soon as he arrived. For a while Connor was on the southwest corner of the Crowne. There may have been a food drop to Nihei near the northwest corner of Tower 1.

Just after 7, Tailer went flying with Diana, twisting and turning in the air. What a superb flyer! She eventually gave up, but he continued for a few more minutes. Closer to 7:30 Nihei suddenly appeared at the northwest corner of Tower 1, bathed in shining gold from the early morning sun. She is so beautiful. Of course, I had not my camera at this moment, but will hold it in myself always.

Within half an hour, she was on her belly, sleeping. Her parents were on the antenna of the Carlisle, flying off and on a few times. She woke and showed us a few wing-flaps. This kind of activity went on most of the day. We had a few exciting times when someone would say that Nihei had flown to this location or that location. As we needed confirmation by sighting Tailer at the same time, all eyes were turned upwards. Unfortunately none of these times worked out as we soon would see a head on Tower 1, Nihei, every time. She went to the southwest corner only once, staying north most of the day.

Tailer was everywhere, including the top of Tower 3 for the first time. He is in and out of the ledge on the Crowne and in and out of the wires of the antenna on Tower C, all with no trouble!

We had some rain around noon, but the really interesting time was the thunderstorm this evening. The sound of it was resounding, as if it were right next to us. After the storm was over, we looked for our chicklets, and there they were, up on Tower 1 together, looking like a pair of drowned rats! They were so disheveled, and appeared to be grooming each other’s heads. As we left, we were not sure Nihei was fed again, much to her dismay. If they would withhold her food, she would probably be in the air now. There is such a thing as overfeeding your children.

June 25 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — With the day so hot, it is little surprise that our Nihei is still atop Tower 1. As the air started to cool down a bit this evening, she became a bit more active and beetled around the edge faster than before. Let’s hope this is the prelude to flying tomorrow.

Tailer seems to like the antenna on the Carlisle Building best. He is often found there. He spent time there with his mother several times today. He also had lessons in catching food dropped by Connor and never missed a beat! At one time today, he went to the top of the antenna with his wings out straight, feeling the wind, and appeared to rise up in the air with no effort of his wings.

The parents are still trying incentive flying to get Nihei off the Tower. I wish they would stop feeding her until she flies. Right now she has little reason to fly since she gets most of what she wants by sitting on the ledge of Tower 1. I think she will soon try her wings out again, especially as we are very short of volunteers, many shifts have no one signed up. However, when she goes, let’s hope she does it right.

June 24 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Our little monkey is still up on Tower 1, looking very much like a gargoyle at times. This morning she was at the southwest corner and in a bit headed for the northeast corner, seemingly her favourite. Tailer was on the northwest corner of Tower 2. Soon he flew around, ending up on the Carlisle antenna, and went to sleep way up there. Diana was seen on the same antenna while Connor was on the ledge of the hotel.

Eventually Tailer joined Nihei on Tower 1. She was out of sight often and was thought to have taken her first flight. However that was soon found to be untrue as she was seen on “her” corner. It had been Tailer who had been flying around. Since she was out of sight at times, there is no confirmation of any food drops today, until a very small one for Nihei. There is no record of food for Tailer, but he could have followed an adult and eaten elsewere.

Once again, Nihei seems to be doing little other than beetling along the edges. Her parents are still doing incentive flying, past her, over her, near her, sometimes landing on the edge near her, then taking off. They are certainly working hard at parenting!

Tailer is very adept at landing on the antenna on Tower C, this time landing on the very point of a vertical tube rather than a radial arm. Then he flew over to the antenna on the Carlisle.

Tonight Nancy and Anouk stayed later. Nihei perked up around 9:30, when they were leaving, flapping her wings and going back to her corner. We have noticed one primary wing feather missing. This was not from today as we saw it that way a while ago. This, coupled with heat and humidity, as well as weight may be the reason she is taking longer to get going. Don’t give up! It will happen.

June 23 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I arrived downtown about 5:35 this morning. Jorgen arrived a few minutes later. We didn’t see Nihei at first and went around to look for a bit. Then we found her, still clinging to the window ledge!

She seemed to sleep a bit, then look around. Connor flew past her to land on a sensor on the side of Tower C, then back in front of her, but she wouldn’t fly yet. I had to leave, but Jorgen stayed, good thing. After 9 am she left the hotel and flew over Queen St. She tried to get on a couple of buildings like the Podium but missed her mark. Her flight was ok, and so was her landing, on the ground. He went to her, gathered her up in a towel and took her back up to the roof of Tower 1 in the box while the others on shift waited below.

Back on the roof, she did little for a long time. She was fed close to 11 by Diana who then went to feed Tailer. He has been a whiz at flying, and seems to really enjoy his wings. He showed us how easy it is for him to land up on the antenna of Tower C!

The adults did more incentive flying, still not working. Nihei beetled from one end to the other once in a while, causing the volunteers to move from location to location, just in case she would suddenly fly. What a game. When we left tonight, she was on the southwest area of the hotel. We left Anouk still watching, just in case. She was to leave when it got too dark to see. I hope she got home before it was time to get up. The morning shift may have to look for Nihei should she decide to try her wings again. She did not seem to want to settle down for the night!

June 22 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Our young lady stayed on Tower 1 where we left her last night. We have had the opportunity to see her with Tailer who loves flying but who seems content to spend time with his sister between bouts of flying. We have seen him plop down next to her, she sitting up and he flat on his belly. Sometimes both parents are also up there.

Most of the day has been rather quiet, with most sightings from the ground of one or both chicklets sitting on the edge, or beetling along the ledges. My reference is to the view we have of a falcon hunched over as it walks. From the ground, we don’t see the legs, so a rounded object is moving along the ledge very much like watching beetles moving along.

Nihei still had not flown in the evening, so I left around 7:30. Then around 9, she flew, this time landing on the Crowne Plaza Hotel, on a window ledge on the 9th floor! The ledges below the windows are slanted, with little to give security to a large bird. She was most likely holding on by just a few talons.

It grew too dark for the volunteers to see her, so they left her there, with her parents on nearby buildings, watching her, and her brother up on the ledge. We’ll check on her in the morning, hopefully to find her in a better position on a nearby building. As you can see, she still isn’t out of the woods yet, and the call for volunteers goes on. A few are giving much more of their time than we had expected, and I cannot thank them enough! Please see if there are a few more hours you can give for Nihei’s fledging period.

June 21 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — What a day! I arrived downtown around 5:30 this morning and started by looking and listening, to nothing. Tailer was no longer on the Marriott. After a walkabout I found Connor on Tower A, Diana on the antenna of the Standard Life Building, Nihei on her ledge and still no Tailer.

When the others joined in, they went to have a look and I stayed to check on Nihei, just in case she flew. Finally at nearly 8, Diana flew to Tower 1 with a kill, followed by Tailer. I went to the Penthouse of the Crowne to make sure it was Tailer (yes). Then the “fun” began.

Right at 9:45, Nihei left the ledge. She flew towards Tower 1, circled a bit, headed toward Tower A, and ran into trouble as she had no height, having stayed level with her ledge. She may have glanced off the middle of the west side. We watched in horror as she tumbled down, down and landed with her wings spread apart on the down ramp of the Crowne. Everyone ran over there and Chris rescued her while I called Bill.

Once he arrived, we went inside Tower 2 and Nihei was banded. She is a hefty 1060 grams! Wow! We have never had such a large female. She takes after her mother. The black band on her left leg has 80 over X, very recognizable in large white lettering. Chris and Marie took her in the box back up to the ledge. It took a minute for her to emerge as she seemed to like the box.

Suddenly she was off the ledge again. And, once again, we watched in horror as she flew to the middle of the west side of Tower A and fell down, catching her talon on a metal bar. She got free and continued to fall, landing on a ledge just by the down ramp, the same as before. This time she was rescued by Anouk, passed to Eve and taken back to Constitution Square. After being briefly checked, she was put into the box in a cool corner, and left to rest. She was exhausted and slept for a few hours.

Meanwhile Tailer was found on the Marriott with a parent who soon flew away. Amazingly, the parents did not see Nihei leave either time. They began to look for her after a while, once they realized she was not on the ledge.

As evening arrived, Lorraine and I took the boxed falcon up to the roof of Tower 1 to release her there. She had more room than on her ledge. She made her way to the side of the roof, tried to jump on the outer ledge, failed, and decided to take a nap, a wise move. We descended to the street and all watched anxiously from the sidewalk. Eventually she was seen on the outer ledge. As we watched, she moved along the ledge, exploring one way, then the other, back and forth, walking like a little beetle. It was interesting to see her brother across on Tower 2. He then flew past her to the ledge. Show off!

Connor had brought a bit of food to her, but it wasn’t much. Soon Diana brought more and fed her daughter on the ledge, with Connor keeping watch on the corner. Tailer couldn’t stand it and flew to the ledge also. The whole family there. I raced up to the penthouse again with my camera to record this. Diana was feeding Nihei and Tailer was creeping closer, one step at at time, watching his mother. As soon as Diana flew away, he ran to his sister’s side, and jumped on the food, eating as fast as he could. Nihei just watched him. When he was done, both sat together. What a sight!

Back on the sidewalk, we kept staring upward for glimpses of our chicklets, and hoping that Nihei would not fly anywhere tonight. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

June 20 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I wonder sometimes just how much time we have put in staring at a building just in case a chicklet shows itself. If you had asked me that 13 years ago, when I became involved with this venture, I would have said not much time. Now I know different!

This morning Tailer was still on the west side of the hotel and Nihei was still on the east side. Food drops today were small in size. Unfortunately Connor and Diana haven’t worked this out as Horizon had. Withhold food to get more activity. Just when we thought Nihei was ready to fly, Connor would show up with another snack, and Diana never stopped him. Frustrating for the watchers. In the middle of the afternoon, some of us were suddenly on the run after Nihei as she flew in a southwesterly direction, only to find out it was Diana flying and Nihei was still in her spot! Many times in the past years, we have been fooled like this, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Early this evening there was some enticement flying by the adults, trying to stimulate Nihei into her first flight, to no avail. We realized we had not seen Tailer in some time on the west ledge, so we started to search. He was found to be on top of the hotel. His poor distressed mother was looking around for him, not realizing he was right above her! A little while later, he left the Crowne and tried to get up on Tower C, but missed and bumped a window, tumbling a few feet down before recovering and trying to get back to the west ledge, missing that and flying east, to be found on a ledge on the west side of the Ottawa Marriott Hotel. He immediately flopped onto his belly and went to sleep. He was there when we left. Meanwhile Diana showed up with food for Nihei who attacked her. We think it was another small snack as she was up on the ledge rather quickly. She continues to beg for food every time she sees a parent.I hope she does not get fed so often tomorrow, and that she will finally take her first flight.

June 19 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — What an eventful day today. Tailer loves flying! First thing this morning, Diana fed Nihei, but not Tailer. He, not happy at all, flew over to Tower A where he saw Connor, who left. A little while later, Connor brought food for Tailer, but dropped it down the side of the building. About 20 or 30 feet from the ground, he caught it and brought it back up for his son. Amazing feat!

Eventually Diana brought more food. Tailer was still on the southwest corner of Tower B. Suddenly both parents went into alarm mode, first over Tower A, and then Tower B. Men were on the roof, apparently doing their annual roof check. I went to see Security who said they would contact the men, not having realized a baby was up there. Meanwhile, Connor accompanied Tailer over to the top of the Crowne. Actually he went to the southwest corner of Tower C. After a while things calmed down.Tailer saw Diana on the other corner of the building and flew to her. She left and he followed her, both flying over and around us and disappearing. Soon he was spied on the antenna on the Carlisle Building.

We watched Nihei as she practised her wing-flapping at either end of her ledge, napping on the ledge at the north end, hoping for food, and disappearing out of sight at times. One time she looked like a little striped Buddha.

This evening Tailer made an attempt at getting into the west ledge, missed, turned around in the air, trying it again, and making it! We now know he can go anywhere. Diana was seen on the ledge, gently putting tiny pieces of a pigeon in his beak, as if he were a little baby.When we left, he was at the southwest end, Nihei was inside the southeast end, Diana was up above us somewhere, and Connor was on the northwest corner of Tower 1. Tomorrow most of our concentrations will be on Nihei, who will likely try out her wings in the air.

June 18 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Tailer decided to stay home today, although several times he looked as if he was going to fly again. It is not unusual for a chicklet to rest a few hours or a few days before flying again. Food drops were scarce as well.

Both chicklets were seen together off and on all day. They went to the northeast corner, where some wing-flapping was seen. By evening both were back at the southeast corner. At one point they were side by side near the string that hangs down from the roof about half way along the ledge, Tailer in his usual pose and Nihei with her face turned outward.

We have had the opportunity to see more of her, and we do believe we have a female. Although neither chicklet would sit up side by side, we have seen them together, from the shoulders up and she is bulkier than he is. She has not yet sat with her tail out and hanging down as her brother does. Maybe tomorrow.

The adults were not as active today, possibly due to the light rain that arrived part way through the day. They did fly around the Crowne occasionally. Connor was seen fleeing from the inside of the ledge, probably having checked out the possibility of leftovers. Nihei took exception to this as she determined she was starving and let everyone know all evening. Diana was on Tower 2, which drew both chicklets to the southeast corner. As we left, we still heard loud persistent calling, volume stepped up at times. How can Diana and Connor ignore that?

June 17 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — It is amazing that we have put 10 days under our belts already. So many sore necks will attest to that. How many of you have spent 4 hours at a time staring up at a ledge on the 25th story level? Some of us have.

Tailer was still on the Constitution Square, Tower 1 this morning. He spent lots of time up there, exploring the edges, going back and forth. Nihei was seen briefly on the ledge, but still not the whole body.

Around 1 pm, Diana and Connor had been flying around, trying to get Tailer flying again. It worked. He tried to fly to the hotel ledge, but couldn’t do it, so returned to Tower 1. Then he tried to fly over to the top of Tower 2 ( higher than Tower 1 ) but missed and started to tumble down. Anuok watched as he fell. Then he stuck out his wings and caught himself. He leveled out around 30 feet, and crossed over Albert St, heading into the outdoor eating area below Tower B of Place de Ville. He landed on the patio, and made his way back to a corner with a glass window. There he was expertly picked up by our Liz Greene and popped into our rescue box where he waited for Bill Petrie to come band him. We thank Lisa Hill and Donna Morgan-Linde for coming to help! Once Bill had finished, he, with Liz and Anouk took Tailer back up to his home ledge. There he stayed for the rest of today.

For those interested, he weighed 614 grams. His black band has 02 over Y in white lettering.

And now for Nihei. She was seen only seldom, and heard calling. Later on we did see her at the northern end. We saw wing-flapping once in a while. Then we did see more of her, from below the crop up. One volunteer thought we were looking at Diana as she seemed big. We should see more of her over the next few days and soon she will also be trying out her wings. Let’s hope Kathy will give her namesake good luck!

From Montréal: Banding falcon chicks still draws a crowd

From Winnipeg: CBC’s Falcon Cam passes million hits | Web cam

June 16 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — After a quiet morning, Tailer finally let go and flew. He didn’t go far, but he did stay up high. He is now on the top of Constitution Square Tower 1. His parents are nearby and brought him something to snack on. Nihei stayed home and is rather quiet, adding to the feeling we have a female. We have yet to see her whole self on the ledge. Tailer spent some of his time exploring the edges of his new world, running along each part of the ledge, stopping to check on the whereabouts of a parent, then running again, and then back again.Chris and I went up to the Penthouse of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and had a good look at him from a banquet room. We took a few photos and left, to continue watching from the sidewalk, just in case he decided to fly again.

June 15 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Today was apparently not to be the first day of flying for Tailer. He was active at times and seems ready to fly, but the final push hasn’t come.

Breakfast was served around 7:30. There was some activity at the north end by Tailer, but wing-flapping didn’t equal flying. A good part of the day was quiet. If anyone was exercising inside the ledge, we didn’t see it. Just after 2 we saw both chicklets on the ledge, together! Little beaks touched together, tails were together when Nihei turned around to face out while Tailer faced in. However neither was sitting full bodies side by side so I have yet to confirm gender. That will still come.

Around 5, Connor suddenly flew in to the middle of the ledge. We were surprised to find that he started to feed both chicklets! Tailer was up on the ledge so we could see the fierce predator gently passing bits of meat to his offspring. Nihei was on the inside so all we saw was Connor leaning in to feed her. Awhile later we saw wing-flapping at the north end, so Jennifer was sent to watch from Queen St. She was joined by Chris. They could see Tailer but we couldn’t.

What we did see near 8 pm was Diana, who had been on the Carlysle Antenna appear at Tower A in a second, screaming and circling overhead, joined by Connor, also screaming and circling. I suspect the intruder on the roof was Security doing their regular checks. Once the intruder was gone, Tailer headed toward the southern end of the ledge, to join Nihei , hopefully to settle down for the night. Where will our volunteers find him in the morning?

June 14 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — As I arrived downtown shortly before 9 this morning, Danielle greeted me, very excited to share her news. No, no flights yet. But she had her first look at Diana feeding our boldest chicklet right out on the ledge! It is very moving to see such a fierce predator being so gentle with her chicklets. After feeding the first one, she leaned over and fed the other one.

Our next bit of excitement was shortly after noon when a 2nd face appeared while we saw the first one further along! I had gone up to the 21st floor with someone who works up there and looked in vain for a glimpse of the 2nd one. Nap time! Once we had seen it, we only got glimpses of wings flapping later on, but at least we know that it is ok now. A big relief.

Brian had a heart-stopping moment this afternoon. Everyone has one here. Our bold little falcon was out on the ledge when it decided to do some vigorous wing-flapping. That’s ok. But it was only holding on with a couple of talons, right out on the edge with its tail hanging out! Everything was fine in the end, still no flying.

We spent the rest of the evening looking upwards, wondering if this would be the moment. Chris and Marie were ready to run, I hope they still are tomorrow and the next day, and the next. Our bold one is ready any time. He just needs to let go.

We cannot be sure of gender without having a closer look, having both side by side each other or a parent. But we can make educated guesses based on behaviour and things we see and don’t see. Therefore we think we have a male and a female. Perhaps we’ll confirm this if they ever need rescuing. At any rate, we have given them gender-neutral names. Our male is now known as Tailer since we have spent a long time today seeing much of his tail, both when he hangs it out over the ledge and when he flops down to sleep on the ledge leaving it sticking it out.Our female will be known as Nihei (pronounced ni-hay), to honour Kathy Nihei who started the Wild Bird Care Centre and who gave us support and assistance with our Peregrines when needed.

June 13 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — One little chicklet seems to be gaining courage as time goes on. It has been seen often right out on the end of the ledge. There has been wing-flapping and more movement along the ledge. In fact, Diana was seen to bring food to the northern end. No one could see who was there to receive it, so it could be both, or just our little adventurer. I will feel better once we get to see both chicklets up on the ledge at the same time. For now, we have to be content with hearing both voices.Maybe Sunday will be the day to see both. At any rate, it certainly will be a day for more sightings of our intrepid chicklet who seems to be determined to master its wings.

June 12 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — As I was not downtown yesterday, I am reporting on days 5 and 6 here.

From time to time we can hear the little ones calling and calling every time they see a parent, to let them know they are starvinggggggg! It is fun to see new volunteers as they suddenly realize what a calling chicklet sounds like, and that they can hear this over the dulcet tones of rush hour traffic!

Our volunteers have been treated to a superb display of flying as Connor chased a pigeon in and around all the buildings in this area, eventually joined in this effort by Diana. Although they had to call it off (pigeon 1, peregrines 0), Diana did shortly after produce breakfast for her chicklets.

1 chicklet has been seen up on the ledge with occasional wing-flapping. It has also been seen at times simply sitting and taking in lots of new sights and sounds, its little head bobbing and turning from side to side, up and down. It is so cute doing this. We hope its sibling joins it up there soon. We can hear both calling and are getting anxious to see both, especially to see what genders we might have.

Hamilton’s chicks were banded and weighed on the 3rd. They have 1 male and 3 females, the largest females hatched there since 1995. The male was 690 grams, pretty average for a male. His sisters, though, weighed in at 1,040 grams, 1,014 grams and 1,049 grams! I hope they take their time with fledging as they have heavy bodies to keep up in the air! Paul Leger and Jorgen Rasmussen have recently taken photos for our album. Thank you, both.

I am sure Connor was a little upset tonight. He dislikes hot air balloons. We had a few pass overhead this evening.

June 10 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — You never know what a new day will bring. As usual it starts off quietly – NOT!

According to Jordan, noise, noise, noise. The dulcet tones of hungry chicklets calling, no demanding, breakfast. And they got it. In fact the volunteers watched as Connor dispatched a pigeon in front of their eyes, something that few people ever get to see.

There was not much activity today, other than several meals delivered on time, and presumably lots of sleeping. We did have people coming over to see what we were doing, or to get updates. One lady from Scotia McLeod came to say that she would be back in a few days and that we should be able to go look out their kitchen window at lunch time. They are directly across from the ledge. I also had 2 members of the Dutch Embassy invite me up for late afternoon when I can show up. Scott is checking with Revenue Canada for me to see if the officer who had let me in his office in Tower A is still there. The glass windows over at 240 Sparks St will be covered with flagging between Thursday and Sunday, just in time for fledging.

Back to the Watch now. Connor and Diana moved around from time to time. And, then, around 8 pm I spied a brown body near the south end, just up from the corner by the indented area. Sure enough, there was a chicklet closer to the edge, little head bobbing around as it checked out new sights. It was there for at least 15 minutes! Feathering would make one believe it was older than it is. Lots of brown, with fluff on the crown and bloomers, but next to none showing over the front or shoulders. We could not see the back, but it was browner than I had expected. Here we go. Joan, you should have stayed a little longer!

June 9 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — What a rainy, cold day! Breakfast was served around 7:30 by Connor. Most of the day was quiet. I arrived around 4 this time and shortly after we saw the crown of a fuzzy head near the corner! In spite of getting my scope set up, we only saw adults after that. That is until nearly 7:30. Of course, I was inside when the sighting happened, but the fuzzy crown was seen again, nearly beside the 3rd column.

Diana flew over there and probably made it move back inside as it wasn’t seen again this evening. Diana did bring food earlier. When we left Connor had been on the antenna of the Carlysle Building and Diana had been on the southwest corner of Tower A, but she moved just before we left, out of sight somewhere. At least it wasn’t raining anymore.

June 8 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Our 2nd day is over now, with a bit of excitement thrown in, but not by our chicklets. Apparently they spent the day eating and sleeping!

The events happened for the volunteers’ entertainment. The first was a man across the street who was very rude and loud, accosting women waiting for the buses, and eventually one of the men waiting there who tried to get him to leave. That man was hit and kicked for his efforts, but not badly. Meanwhile 3 or 4 buses were lined up, but not letting people off for a bit. All drivers called in to OCTranspo and the police. We asked security at Constitution Square to call the police as well. When 2 cars arrived, I went over to talk with them as did the man who tried to help. The nasty one had ended up taking another bus. We were able to tell the police which bus, his description, etc.

All was quiet again until Chris Traynor arrived to do a roof check of our babies. As I had thought, we knew exactly when he arrived on the roof as both falcons immediately went after him, screaming and diving. Knowing what a scary feeling that can be if you are the one being threatened, Chris is amazingly calm about all of this. Unfortunately, he was not able to see the chicklets as they were tucked in close to the front corner. All was quiet again as we left this evening.

June 7 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — It seems a bit strange to start early, at least early for Ottawa birds. It also seems strange for Day 1 to start without my presence. However we are underway.

Most of the day was quiet, as we expected. After all, our oldest is 33 days old today. The chicklets had breakfast, but not much else for most of the day, according to the log book. The adults were seen at times, and on antennas or out of sight at other times. It is rather cold here. We have done the Falcon Watch in most all kinds of weather, and Albert St is known as a wind tunnel. It lived up to its reputation today.

I had decided that we could shut down early this evening as all was quiet and no activity was expected. Around 7:40 pm I was starting to get things together when Nancy said she could see white up near the corner. Connor, supposedly. Or not! It was the top of a fuzzy head!! I could also see a couple of wing flaps! Oh, no! Too early.

Thankfully that was it for the sighting this evening. There was lots of noise soon when the adults showed up nearby. They left again. Eventually Connor came in to the southwest corner with a kill, but I could not see what it was. After a long time (I was sure he was eating), he brought something around to the nest ledge when Diana flew in to feed her chicklets. Then all was really quiet and we packed up for today. We are really short of volunteers! I hope more show up soon.

May 11 [from Chris Traynor] — Connor and Diana are pleased to announce the arrival of 2 fluffy white chicks. There were no chicks on Friday when the last check was made. Today 2 chicks and 1 egg. I had a good look at them this morning, and it appears they were born Saturday and Sunday. So the countdown begins. Last year the 3rd egg did not hatch and that may be the case again as Diana is giving priority to the two chicks and the last egg is now exposed. Given the chill, this is not a good thing for the egg but you never know, it may hatch yet and then we will have our hands full.

April 15 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I was on the roof this afternoon between 4:30 and 5:45. Phil was with me. Diana was on the nest and Connor was on the Carlisle antenna. After a long while, he came down to the edge of Tower B. Just as I told Phil it was time to leave, he flew over and they changed places. Was I ever delighted to get a good look at 4 eggs! If anyone has access to a window up in Tower B or Tower 2, have a look now and then. I am expecting the hatch to happen around the 4-6 May, and the FalconWatch around the middle of June. We may need more volunteers than ever, so please keep us in mind.

April 4 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — Today around noon, Diana on Tower 1 and Connor on nest. Hopefully a hatch around May 4th.

April 3 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — As of a roof check today, I can tell you that our falcon family is alive and well. Connor was taking his turn at brooding the contacts of the next scrape, though we do not yet know how many eggs we have. Diana was on the northwest corner of the Constitution Square Tower 1. The nest is next to the southeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Keep your collective fingers crossed.

March 29 [from Joan Remsu] — From my window on the 27th floor at QET, I can I see what appears to be two falcons on the west face of the Crowne Plaza. I can’t distinguish between the two.

March 29 [from ??] — 9:15 – Connor landed on the west face of the Crowne Plaza near the south end. A few minutes later his mate flew in and landed near the north end. After a fair amonut of vocalizing, Connor moved toward Diana and both disappeared inside. Connor appeared and moved to the south edge, while Diana stayed close to the other end.

March 28 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I have been checking the areas around the Coates Building and the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the past few days to see if there is any sign of courtship, etc. There has been 1 falcon on the antenna of the Carlisle Building for at least yesterday and today. As best as I can tell, it is Diana. I also saw 1 falcon at the Coates Building yesterday, and 1 falcon this evening on the east side of the hotel. I am sure this is Connor. It would be nicer to see them together. Please take time over the next week or 2 to see if there is any more activity with our pair. I am hoping it will start soon. Please let me know when you see them together or any increased activities.

March 22 [from Phil] — Yesterday at 9:30 am, there was a falcon on the antenna of the business centre. I am thinking it was Diana but not sure. I waited for several minutes but no sign of her mate.

March 15 [from Phil] — Yesterday at 10 am there was one falcon perched on the southeast corner of the Crowne. At 4:15 pm yesterday there were two falcons on the hotel. One between the second and third pillars, southeast side, and the orther, who jumped up after a few minutes of watching, was near the first pillar. There was some vocalizing. I think it was Connor between the second and third pillar, but I am not postive. It is great to see two falcons around the hotel!

March 14 [from Eve Ticknor, Peregrine Falcon Watch Coordinator] — I passed through downtown yesterday, but no sign of our falcons. I did see one on the corner of Constitution Square a few days ago. Now is the time to be watching for both of them to be getting closer and more active together. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for mating to be taking place around the end of this month and a successful nesting in early April. Please keep me informed of any falcon activity.

February 28 [from Phil] — Today at around 2 pm Eve and I spotted a Peregrine on the Coates building. It was perched on the south facing wall. We are guessing it was Diana but we couldn’t be sure. If you are around the Crowne Plaza please keep a look out for our pair and send in your report. They should start to spend more time down in that area now.

September 28 [from Eve Ticknor] — Phil and I saw both our Peregrines this afternoon around 1:30. Diana had been on the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza when I first arrived but soon changed to one of the sensors in the middle of Tower C. Connor, who wasn’t seen for quite a while suddenly appeared on the west side of the hotel, between the southwest corner and the first column.

September 11 [from Eve Ticknor] — Yesterday afternoon I was downtown and had a look around for our falcons. I glimpsed a Peregrine disappearing behind Tower A from the east ledge, but didn’t get enough of a look to determine who it was. Diana was perched on the Carlisle Building antenna, at rest. Having been away all summer, it was nice to see at least one of ours. I did see a couple of Peregrines this summer, though. One was outside of Seoul, South Korea, where I was visiting in July. The other was along Lake Champlain. It scattered a mixed flock of gulls and terns on the sandspit at Noblewood.

August 10 [from Phil] — Yesterday, at about noon, I saw a juvenile (I’m guessing Daisy) chasing after Diana between the Crowne Plaza and Tower C. She/he landed on the weather senser and Diana on the senser facing east. It didn’t stay long as it took off again and landed 8 stories down on a window ledge of the Crowne. It then settled on the Constitution Square one level down from the top of the building. There was also a falcon on the West side of the Crowne.

July 23 [from Mary Hurley] — 0640, one falcon on QE antenna; a second flies from northeasterly direction and lands on one of the smaller arms higher up. O650, corner Albert and Lyon – one falcon overhead, lands briefly on northwest corner of Constitution Square, Tower 1 before flying to southwest corner of Crowne roof. No fourth bird on either ledge that I could see.

July 22 [from Cathi] — I was pleased this morning to see both babies on the ledge of the Crown Plaza, but this afternoon around 2 I had a really special treat. From the 20th floor of Tower C (west, facing the river) I saw one falcon zoom by, then a minute or so later it came back with something dead in its talons. I saw it swoop down, come back up with one of the babies flying up beneath it. The adult went higher, dropped the food and baby went diving down to catch it – which it did! An impressive display for sure.

July 22 [from Marian] — This morning at 7:45 I also saw Daisy and Gatsby on the southwest corner of the Crown Plaza sitting very close together. One flop down, tail out. Most likly Daisy. The other one was sitting up facing out. One adult was on the Carlisle antenna.

July 22 [from Mary Hurley] — Last evening 7ish was driving along Lyon near Queen, falcon overhead flying south and landed midway on west ledge. By the time I got the car parked on Albert and the glasses up, didn’t see that bird on ledge, but did see a telltale tail and wing tips poking out from the tip of the southwest corner – a typical Daisy flop – and a little Gatsby head poking out from beside her. It soon disappeared from view, and shortly thereafter an adult (Connor, I think) flew around south face, I didn’t see from where, and landed on northwest corner. So I don’t know whether first bird landing on ledge was Connor, who then disappeared into well or Gatsby, who did the same before making his way to join his sister. In any event, great to see them both on the ledge.

0645 this morning, two birds on Carlisle antenna and one (juvenile, I think) on southwest corner of Crowne.

July 21 [from Marian] — 7:45 this morning one falcon was on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza and another on the Carlisle antenna. Then one flew onto the southwest corner of the Crowne. I did not see it leave; it may have dropped inside the ledge or flown off. At this point if became difficult to keep track who was where; no one stayed long in one spot. Then there was one in the air (maybe Daisy). She flew over the Crowne and Albert Street; then made two false attempts at the Constitution Square windows. I think she saw reflections of buildings in the windows which she wanted to land on. The first attempt was on the north side, and then she flew around and tried the west side. Both times she recovered well. Then she flew southwest and I spotted her again on an apartment building on Laurier (NE corner — across from QE). The falcon on the Carlisle antenna was now gone. I checked the apartment building again, this falcon was gone also. Then a falcon was in the air again landing on the Carlisle antenna. When I left the area, there was one on the Carlisle antenna (maybe Daisy) and another on the northwest corner of the Crowne (maybe Gatsby or visa-versa).

July 21 [from Mary Hurley] — This morning, 0545, falcon calls audible despite the crow chorus over downtown Ottawa. At 0645, one falcon on Carlisle antenna, no others spotted at usual locations.

July 20 [from Melanie Moore] — We are pleased to announce the end of this year’s Falcon Watch. Both Gatsby and Daisy, our two fledglings Falcon, are flying well. All scheduled shifts are cancelled. You are welcome and entreated to continue enjoying the wonderful aerial displays that will occur while our two young falcons learn hunting and flying skills from their parents. Thank you all for your dedication.

July 17 [from Eve Ticknor] — Although I am in Seoul, South Korea, my spirit is with you, and Daisy. She will soon be up higher. My thanks to all of you who are keeping an eye on her, and who are helping Melanie and Bernie with the Falcon Watch.

July 16: Day 8 [from Melanie Moore] — The Watch is still ON as Daisy our female chick keeps working on mastering flight like her brother, Gatsby. Daisy is now on a balcony on the Delta and is okay at flying but has not quite mastered her flying skills.

We will be continuing for a few more days to make sure she is okay.

Some of you have headed down and helped without being scheduled and I thank you for doing that but if you do have a chance, please let me know so I can post when you are available.

Even if you are not sure of your schedule and manage to get down there for even part of a shift it is still very helpful to those who have been putting in a lot of time on the Watch this year.

Keeping an eye on Daisy is important and will hopefully make this year’s Watch a double success with BOTH our chicks safe and skillfully soaring in the skies!!

July 15: Day 7 [from Eve Ticknor] — It is amazing what can be accomplished in a week, when one is prepared to sit, and sit, and sit. All comes to those who wait, etc. Yes, we now have 2 high fliers!

But first, back to this morning. When I arrived, Gatsby was up on his lofty perch and Daisy was still in her corner. She called and called whenever she saw a parent fly by, but no success for her. They were more interested in their son. Around 9 am, Diana took breakfast up to the antenna and fed Gatsby. He took to moving around on the antenna and sometimes seemed to disappear while actually being behind some bar or post. During this time, Connor was on the Carlisle antenna. Our little guy got excited and flew straight for his father. Once there, he returned to “his” antenna, followed by Connor. Gatsby then flew back and forth a few times, before heading to the Queen Elizabeth Towers. He made a perfect landing on a pipe parallel to the main mast. Soon he was again back on his antenna. He appears to really like that one.

Suddenly Diana was flying around and around the roof of Tower C, screaming and diving. Several men were working on the roof. Scott managed to find out what company it was and I passed this information on to Paula, our MNR Biologist. She was going to phone them to see if they could please wait until next week. I hope she was successful.

Gatsby had another meal up there later on, again being fed. He is such a good flier and we were privileged to watch as he and both of his parents flew above us this evening! He handles himself so well and is keen to copy his father in flight style. He even slightly folded his wings to gain speed, but stopped such an activity before he got carried away. Have you ever seen a bird “hang” in the air? Well, ours know how to do that, and make it look so easy.

Just before 5 pm, Christine shouted that Daisy was airborn and everyone started to run around. It was determined that she flew between Towers 1 and 2, heading south. The search was on! Volunteers who were due to get off shift stayed and others showed up. They split up in groups or pairs and off everyone went. Waiting at the base wasn’t easy as I wanted to know what was going on. Of course, when Chris showed up, we had a feeling he would find her, and he came across for us. There she was, up on top of the Crowne! She looked around, and walked around, until she met up with a tiny tree growing way up there. I saw her take a nibble but she didn’t like it. Not meaty enough, I suppose.

Well, if you can fly once, why not again? So she did, heading south, swinging around, and going back along the Lyon St side. Searchers started out again, but this time she was spotted much sooner. She was on top of the Crowne, on the elevator housing. And there we left her. I was so relieved to watch both our chicklets flying high, where they belong. Although it means she won’t get banded, her success is so much more important for us who get to watch her.

I will be out of the country for the rest of the Falcon Watch, but will be checking in as much as possible. I think that if Daisy does well, staying up high and making good landings, we can stop the Watch earlier than we had thought.

July 14: Day 6 [from Eve Ticknor] — The Great Gatsby flies again!

Arriving before 6 am, we could see Gatsby still on his ledge at the Standard LIfe Building. Soon he was off and what a flier. He started towards the C D Howe Building but soon turned toward the Marriott and landed just above the top windows. It looks as if the flags did their trick.

Next he was flying out and up and onto the round restaurant of the Marriott. Once there, he made his way around the edge until he was facing his own home. I went over to take a few photos of him up there. Just as I was focusing, he left again, this time to fly north toward Sparks St, swung around and landed on Tower B.

All along he has shown us that he is a strong flier and can make good landings, as well as a couple of recoveries, all skills he will need for the future. Whoops, he is off again. Now it is the top of Tower C, the highest building in our area. Having landed on the east side, he proceeded to walk around until he reached the southwest corner. There he stopped and rested, even taking a nap, or so we thought.

There he goes! Right up to the top of the Radio Tower on Tower C! That is a super climb for a beginner. And at 40 days old. I am thinking that Diana is passing on some super genes – first Odyssey, next Skylar, and lately Gatsby. We’ll see what Daisy does when she decides to go for her first flight.

Anyway, Diana flew up right behind Gatsby, bringing a large meal which she fed to him way up high. Later on she tried to convince him to fly with her but he was too busy looking around.

Daisy seems to have decided that today is not the day to leave her ledge. I wonder if the parents also decided the same as they kept feeding her all day. She had 4 meals delivered to her. Shades of Solitaire. Daisy did do some wing flapping and went to the northeast corner for a while. However she likes the southeast one better, where she hatched.

Her day consisted of eating, resting, looking around, and the same all over again. Her flapping is good, just not long enough. She will need to do more since she will have a heavy body to keep up in the air. Her parents did a bit of demonstration flying to entice her to go, but I don’t think they really meant it and soon stopped.

Connor and Diana certainly are good parents. They pay attention to both chicklets, often splitting the care between both so you can see one sitting on the ledge with Daisy while the other is on a nearby corner watching Gatsby. Diana seemed to be the one with Gatsby today, attending to him up on the antenna, bringing 2 meals to feed him, bite by bite, instead of letting him pick at it himself. Connor brought food to Daisy, but let her grab it to feed herself.

One view on the monitor showed Connor resting on the corner and Daisy further up, but with a huge bulge under her beak! What a profile! Gatsby started to explore parts of the antenna, but hugged the central part during a few rainy moments.

All in all, we had a quiet day. Maybe there will be more to do tomorrow.

July 13: Day 5 [from Eve Ticknor] — The usual dawn chorus on our arrival this morning. Breakfast was delivered at 7 and again at 7:30! Of course it was rather quiet after that. Long naps, right? Not!

Connor flew in to inspect and brought up some remains onto the ledge. He started to feed Gatsby until Daisy ran up to join in. There was much commotion, wings everywhere, until Connor left the ledge. Gatsby left at the same time and flew between Constitution Square Towers 1 and 2! Gilles headed around to Salter by way of Lyon and Roseanne went there via Kent St. Christine and Patrick arrived and were sent off to search. Finally he was spotted on top of the Journal Tower North. From there he flew again and Marion Spotted him on top of Tower B. Way to go, little one! Diana joined him briefly and left. He then flew again, back toward the Journal, but a search didn’t find him.

I went up the new Tower 3 of Constitution Square with security to look from above. After entering an office on the 19th floor, I found him on a window ledge on the Standard Life Building on Kent at Slater. He was at 14th floor level. He was a very tired little bird and after looking around and walking from one end to the other of this short ledge, he flopped down for a nap.

Meanwhile Daisy was at home with both parents like bookends. She did get fed at 2 pm and again at 7:50 pm. She napped as well, and spent a lot of time sitting like a sphinx! Only come evening did she start periods of serious wingflapping, so she had to be carefully watched, too. More volunteers came and went during the day, including Mary, Scott, the Marshall family, Chris, Claudette. Many thanks to all today!

Around 1:30 pm, a crow found Gatsby and landed on his ledge next to him, a decision quickly changed by Diana who immediately chased it away. He later had a difficult time bumping against the window again and again as he didn’t understand why he could see beyond the window but couldn’t get there. He gave up and had another nap. Come evening, he would do some flapping and then run into a corner for a while, and repeat this over again. His mother made several fly bys, including when she chased a pigeon in front of him, but he still stayed where he was.

And so, he spent the night there and we’ll see if he is still there in the morning.

July 12: Day 4 [from Eve Ticknor] — I must say, Gatsby is a model house guest! Not a peep from him all night. This morning, he went home. While Chris put him out again, Roseanne and I stood ready in case he popped off, which he didn’t.

Poor Diana was very upset. She went again and again to the corner where the dreaded door opened on her ledge, screaming all the way. Connor followed her but didn’t take part.

Meanwhile Gatsby made his way back to the southeast corner, and his sister. They seemed to be happy to be together and spent time either sitting side by side or flopped down on their tummies, sleeping. Gatsby got in several long naps.

Breakfast was served at 9:25 am, with no food again until 6:50 pm! There was lots of calling each time an adult was seen. We had thought our little guy would be rewarded with food on his triumphant return home, but it seemed not to be. His sister grabbed the first meal and he was hard put to get any away from her, but persistence paid off eventually.

Connor reverted to his true self, playing the thief with his children’s leftovers, sneaking in the back way to grab his prize before they can do anything but screech. He has an interesting way to deal with a begging chicklet. He looks around,picks up a leg or wing bone and shoves it in the open mouth. Today he tried it with Gatsby, who spat it back at him. Oh well.

Once, he flew inside the ledge and was physically and vocally attacked by both – he fled immediately!

There were a few sessions of wing flapping. Daisy is a laid back chick. She seems to do little in the way of running and flapping. But I have seen this before and she could still do well.

By the end of today, both were still together near the southeast corner, still faintly calling for a parent, in vain.

As we all sit or stand around watching the Crowne for chicklet activity, we have many people passing by all day and evening. Many do come to us to see what we are doing and to see the falcons in our scope. And then, we have many others who pass by and smile, or point, or nod to each other. It makes me understand what some animals go through living in a zoo! Later on, I was overheard mumbling “What, no peanuts for the monkeys?” I guess this is what a bit of fatigue will do.

July 11: Day 3 [from Eve Ticknor] — Loud, frantic calling was heard from both chicklets first thing this morning as they saw Diana fly by, without breakfast. She landed on the southwest corner of the Crowne and they could see her by getting close to the wall on the south end and peering around at her. Our young female is finally getting up onto the ledge and spending a bit more time staying there. She finally made it to the north end and back. Diana came in with food. She plucked it and fed bits to the male, but egnored the female who came over and got a bite before Diana took off with it. The chicklet was later delivered a small meal around 11 am. Her brother is doing a lot of moving around and wing flapping today.

A man was seen on the roof of Tower B, and, of course, the adult peregrines were right on him!

Connor made a food drop around 5 pm and the fun started. While watching the monitor, the female grabbed the food and hurried over to the wall to eat. Her brother went over many times to beg, or to try stealing some. She never gave in and mantled her food (covering it with her wings). Suddenly he grabbed from between her legs and had a turn at eating. She grabbed it back, and the food fight got ernest, each taking it back from the other, the piece getting smaller and smaller. Finally she had a small piece of what looked like a leg or wing, and he ran over and grabbed it right out of her beak and swallowed it. Just prior to this event, she had gone over a bitten her brother!

Did I mention fun? Well, it was just to start for some of us……… AT 5:45, with no flapping, the male took off for his first flight! Stress levels went up and many were off and running. He actually took 3 flights today!

He left his ledge at 5:45pm and his flying was good with strong wingbeats. He left the southern end of the east side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and circled around, flying north past the hotel, over Queen St and along the east side of Tower C. There he attempted to land on the middle of that side and bounced off, falling about 2 feet, then spreading his wings out and recovering nicely. He then flew and landed on the north side of the Podium Building. After a while there, he took off but was tiring and landed on Sparks St Mall, where he was picked up by Chris Traynor and brought back to the Constitution Square.

Chris Traynor rescued our male chick from the Sparks St Mall.	Bill Petrie from Innis Point Bird Observatory was on hand to check the new falcon and attach a leg band.
Four hands required for efficient banding.	37-day-old Gatsby sporting his new “jewelry.”

Bill Petrie was already there for the Watch. He went through the banding procedure and our little guy now has new jewelry! Chris and I took him back “home” and left, though we noticed the adults flying around and being very vocal. We both began to think that maybe? But no one who was watching, seemed to have seen anything. When I got in my front door, I had a call from a friend who was guarding a little falcon who was sitting on a ramp for an underground garage below the Crowne! I returned downtown and sure enough, there he was waiting for me. I was given gloves and picked him up with no fuss on his part. A shirt was thrown over him and we went to the Constitution Square to get the rescue box. That room is rather hot and I was concerned about leaving him anywhere, so he came home with me and will be returned first thing in the morning to his lofty home, hopefully to stay there for a bit, resting and eating, before leaving once more.

Oh, yes, in honour of living life on the edge our chicklets are now known as Gatsby and Daisy.

July 10: Day 2 [from Eve Ticknor] — I think today we were definitely in the running for the best wind tunnel in Ontario. Strong winds and cold temperatures had the volunteers in layers of jackets and hoods, a quick change from yesterday! We kept sending wishes up to our chicklets to stay put until there would be less wind and less traffic.

This morning, Josée and I watched our little male up on the ledge but could not see his sister at all, not even on the monitor. So the first question was, had he flown and were we looking at the little female? Around 10, I went up to the 21st floor of the Scotia McLeod building and looked out the lunchroom window. A super view of the entire ledge, and right across the street. So lucky, it is amazing that they get any work done. Anyhow, I did see both chicklets – the male on the ledge and a pile of feathers in the northernmost corner that suddenly lifted a pair of wings and then a head – so all was well. But before all that, Connor had brought food to the northern end where the male had run and flapped his way. It was small, and very orange. Sorry, little oriole.

At one point, both adults were on Place de Ville Towers, 1 on C and the other on A. Two pigeons flew between them, and quickly made dives as both peregrines were after them. Another miss! Another pigeon made a narrow escape when Diana suddenly chased it down Albert St, but had to give up when it dove below the street light level. Hunting was not going so well today. Occasional small meals were brought to one or the other chick. Once a few people watching the monitor claimed the food was a mouse. However, I have never seen a mouse yield so amny white feathers when plucked.

Shortly before I went up for the high view, both adults were on either end of the ledge, like bookends. Now, where were the 2 brown books?

Although the female still sleeps in a heap, her brother is now sleeping mostly upright with his head tucked in his back. There is still some baby in him as once he flopped down on his tummy and had a long nap. He is doing much more wing flapping, both running and still, some for fairly prolonged times. It won’t be long now. He has lost much of his down and works diligently at getting rid of as much more as he can.

This evening he made his hurried way to the northern end, so I went over to Queen St and left Phil on Albert St. He spent some time peering around the wall towards the west, doing it again back at the southern end. Back there, Chris Traynor joined us. As we watched and talked, suddenly Chris said “There he goes”, and Phil was off like a shot, as was Chris, while I am standing there saying, “Something is wrong with the flight”! I’ll say it was. It was Connor! A little brown and beige face was looking around for the father who went out of sight. What a rush! We had a good laugh, and soon packed up for the night.

Maybe tomorrow?

July 9: Day 1 [from Eve Ticknor] — And, we’re offfff! At least we have started. Fortunately our chicklets are not yet ready, though I have a feeling our little guy is gearing up for the fun. He is spending most of his time on the upper ledge, looking quite comfortable there. He has been seen doing running wing flapping along the ledge, and has made it to the northern end of the hotel for the first time this evening. He was up on the ledge waiting for breakfast before I got there around 5:30 am.

His sister was sitting just below him, also waiting. Food drops were made at 6am for him and just after 7am for her. At least we are going with him and her due to the size difference, to be confirmed only if they need rescuing when they will be banded.

Volunteerism is very thin so far, undoubtedly due to the late start, vacations, etc. However we did have “old” friends come by to see our family, and ourselves, of course.

Much of the day was quiet, unless an adult was spotted and then calling issued from within the ledge, largely ignored. There was some more wing flapping, and lots of napping over the mid day period. Dinner was delivered around 6:15pm. Both adults showed up either one at a time, or sometimes together. They did lots of incentive flying off and on all day, into the evening. Diana seems to finally know what role she is here for and does more mothering than in the past 2 years.

July 8 [from Eve Ticknor] — What a morning! Phil and I moved the equipment to Constitution Square, ready for tomorrow morning at 6 am, for our official start. Our little chicklet is quite comfortable sitting on the upper ledge for long periods of time. I hope he waits till the weekend before he tries out his wings. His sister is content to sit on the gravel and watch from there.

While we were downtown, we noticed that the adults were flying around and around and screaming a lot, while the chicklet sat where he could see his parents and call and call for food, which he wasn’t getting. I went to the Crowne to see what was disturbing the birds.

When I reached the penthouse, there was a man coming down. He said he had been the reason and apologized a lot. He had been sent to the roof because his company was under contact to do roof work, though not right now. He had been taking photos of various parts of the roof yesterday, with no interference from the falcons. However today, he had just started when he suddenly saw a falcon headed straight for him! He ran fast for the stairs and came inside. Then he realized his cell phone had dropped out as he ran, but didn’t want to disturb the birds to go get it.

I got in touch with maintenance and a man came up with a hard hat and went up to retrieve the phone for him. He was very nice. While waiting he said that they had a contact to do several roofs in town. They are a Green company and do Green roofs. The ones they were to do all had little trees growing out of the gravel up there! We talked about not good times and better times to work on this roof due to the falcons and he seemed agreeable to Fall to early Spring.

July 7 [from Eve Ticknor] — Thanks, Marian, I had thought the other day while watching that we have 1 male (the jumper) and 1 female. As they are only a day apart in age, there should not be a big difference in size other than gender. Time to start thinking of names.

July 7 [from Marion] — 7:30 a.m. this morning I stopped by to look at the monitor at the Constitutional Square Building. One chick jumped up and down off the ledge several times in a space of 10 minutes. I could also see some vocalizing. No sign of the parents. I think it was waiting for the parents to return with breakfast. The other chick finally emerged from the corner. This one looks really big (it must be a female). While I was there it showed no attempt at jumping up on the ledge.

I also checked the monitor again at noon. Around 12:15 both parents arrived, one with lunch. The images on the monitor were a bit dark but I was able to see the chicks feed. The big one looks like to be a bit of a glutton. The other one had to grab pieces when he/she could; go off to eat it, then return for some more. After about 5 minutes it was able to wrestle the food from the other and go off to have a good feed. It was still eating when I left.

July 5 [from Eve Ticknor] — I spent some time this afternoon watching our chicklets on the monitor in the lobby of Constitution Square. They are getting much browner as their feathers are coming in and very big. At first they were napping against the wall about 2 or 3 columns up from the nest area. Then first one, then the other started walking around and flapping while running a bit towards the southeast corner of the hotel. This was around 4. After awhile of moving back and forth, suddenly one jumped up on the upper ledge and, thankfully, back down again. This is very early for jumping up to start.

Both parents came to check on their offspring but left after Diana clearly screamed at Connor to get food! Phil joined me for a while. We left after 6, not having seen the adults returning and seeing the chicklets alternately peeking over the edge and napping. As I drove away, I first saw Diana on the antenna of the Carlisle Building, then Connor delivering dinner. I’ll check in again tomorrow.

June 14 [from Eve Ticknor] — Our intrepid family is growing rapidly. Phil and I were up this afternoon and I took a few photos of both chicklets and both adults.

When we arrived up on the roof, Connor was resting near the corner while his chicklets were sleeping. A few minutes later, one was awake and started preening. Then it slumped back down. the other lifted its head briefly. As we were leaving Diana swooped in, near us and stared at us, making sure we were going.Once downstairs we turned on the monitor to watch. Connor and Diana had changed places, and the young were briefly begging for food. None coming, they went back to sleep. What else to do? The building security people were enjoying the monitor as it is directly opposite the main desk!

June 5 [from Eve Ticknor] — We now have 2 chicklets, with 1 egg to go. Apparently the hole was the next one hatching! Chris and I watched for a while this afternoon and were delighted to get to see both babies being carefully cared for by Diana. Connor was nearby.

June 4 [from Eve Ticknor] — Chris Traynor got to see our first chicklet, hatched today! He saw a hole in egg #2, so we await egg #3.

June 1 [from Phil] — At 11:45 am, Connor is sitting up on one of the light fixtures on the south facing wall of tower C. Yesterday he was watching half a dozen gulls from the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza fly around the area. He has had enough and swoops down and and grazes a gull. He is being an excellent guardian and mate, as always!

May 30 [from Eve Ticknor] — I was up to the roof for a nest check this afternoon. Though it was quite cloudy, I could see that both adults were still doing nest duties. I didn’t get a chance to see any eggs as I was being watched! The falcons had no intention of switching while I was up there and were prepared to wait me out. Of course, they won.

May 6 [from Eve Ticknor] — Thanks to Chris Traynor, today we can confirm 3 Grade A large!! Keep your fingers crossed for a safe hatch somewhere around June 5th.

May 5 [from Eve Ticknor] — I can tell you that Diana is brooding near the southeast corner of the Crowne. Her nest is just south of the first column closest to the southern end. Keep your fingers crossed for a good hatching. My guess is that she started brooding over the weekend. I expect the hatch in about 33 days.

May 5 [from Duff McLeod] — My office looks out into the doorway in the north side of the Crowne Plaza where the illuminated sign used to be and where the falcons eat. Today I have noticed that the falcons are flying to and from the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza tower – the portion under the dining room overhang. I mention this because they usually fly to and from the west side where I understand the nest is.

April 29 [from Eve Ticknor] — I was on the roof of Tower 1 this afternoon and saw Diana on the southeast end, resting and not disturbed and having myself and 2 others with me watching her. Keep your fingers crossed. Just a note to let you know the MNR has a Conservation Officer investigating the disappearance of the eggs.

April 29 [from Nadine] — Just to let you know, Diana has been sitting most of today on the southeast corner of Crowne Plaza and we saw her and Connor mating again briefly over the lunch hour!

April 26 [from Phil] — 9 am. Connor has just landed on the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza and is eating something. He starts to vocalize and I see Diana come flying in to the southeast corner with more vocalizing from Connor. She stays only briefly though and takes off and lands on the antenna of the Carlisle building where she seems content to stay.

April 24 [from Mary C. Hurley] — Morning all. At 0700, falcon perched on southeast corner of Crowne Plaza in the sun – not sure which, from a block away without glasses looked smallish. Connor seems to favour that corner.

April 23 [from Joan Remsu] — At 3:10, I was looking to the north out my window on the third floor of the second tower of the Constitution Square Building.

Both falcons were sitting on the east side of the Crowne. I think Connor (it looked like the smaller of the two with a very white breast) was sitting at the second column from the southeast corner, and Diana was sitting on the northeast corner. At 3:17, Connor took off to the southwest corner of Tower A of Place de Ville. He took off at 3:20, circling the tower towards the north side. Diana is still sitting on the northeast corner.

April 23 [from Melanie Moore, Ottawa Falcon Watch Volunteer Coordinator] — Hello Ottawa Falcon Watch Volunteers and Potential New Volunteers,

This season started with some excitement after Diana was sighted brooding on the same ledge as last year on the Crowne Plaza but, unfortunately, that nest and any eggs that may have been present are no longer there. We are unsure as to the circumstances but still hope that Diana and Connor will attempt again.

In other cities, successful nests have happened as late as July so there is still plenty of time and we will hope for Diana and Connor to produce a family this year. When a new nest is discovered, we will update everyone and set a date for an orientation and the start of the 2008 Ottawa Falcon Watch.

In the meantime, keep your eyes to the skies and report any sightings of our Falcon pair.

I hope when we do get a nest that you will be available to volunteer for the 2008 Ottawa Falcon Watch. Please spread the word that volunteers will be needed no matter how late our Falcons nest.

April 21 [from Eve Ticknor] — I was downtown near the Crowne Plaza Hotel this afternoon but saw only Diana. She was up on the Carlisle antenna which she seems to have adopted now. She was resting and eventually preening. She seems to like the triangular section and was tucked inside it rather than on it. If you look at the antennas, remember to look all over, not just on the parts we think of as good roosts.

April 21 [from Nadine Fox] — I have seen one falcon quite a bit this morning on the southeast corner of Crowne Plaza – in fact he(?) was walking along the ledge at one point then dropped down behind it for a few seconds so I could only see his head. Then he flew off. [Note from Eve: This was most likely Connor.] We will keep our eyes peeled!

April 20 [from Eve Ticknor] — Around 5:30 this evening, Connor was on the east side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel near the south end. About 20 minutes later, I saw Diana on the antenna on the Carlisle (formerly Bradson) Building. Shortly after neither were in sight.

April 19 [from Joan Remsu] — Right now, from my perch on the 27th floor of the QET, I can see two grey birds at the same time (about 6 pm) – on the two south corners of the Crowne ledge. The larger one is on the southeast corner. Hope someone can get a closer look.

April 18 [from Eve Ticknor] — I have now seen both adults, although it took lots of waiting and looking. I went on the roof of Tower 2 (Constitution Square) around 5 pm but saw and heard nothing. Phil joined me about 6. Once in a while I would walk around the perimeter, looking and listening, seeing pigeons and a few gulls only. Around 6:15, Connor flew up to the southeast end of Tower B (Albert and Kent), landing a couple of metres from the corner. He would walk along a bit, then stand up and stretch his neck to look just over the window washing rail, then walk a bit, stretch, etc., until he got to the corner, sort like an avian version of whales’ spyhopping! He was definitely searching, but for whom? Diana?

He then flew away, and we followed his flight to Parliament Hill. He landed just under the edge of the peaked roof of the West Block, where there is a light stripe. He stayed there quite a while.

Meanwhile, why was he at Tower B and had been seen there several times? I went over to get up to the subroof, a well that was not covered with wire like the others. Maybe Diana was in there, injured or dead.

I went to Security, explained what I was up to and heard, “Not happening”! The Security company is new and tighter. I was told that I needed permission from the property owners and it was Friday night so no go. I persuaded the guard to call someone. After a long silence on the phone, I heard, “Tell her not to fall off the roof” and I knew I’d be going up! Once there, I was glad not to see a falcon body.

I came back down and met up with Phil who walked me to my car at the bank parking lot. We stood there chewing various ideas over. Of course I was constantly looking around at antennas and buildings as we talked. I picked up my binoculars, as something looked different on the Carlisle Building antenna. Sure enough it was a falcon. I got out my scope and there was Diana. Joan and Einar were with us, too, and we all looked at her. She was preening and looking around. In the blink of an eye, she was gone and none of us saw where.

And so, the mystery remains. What happened to cause them to abandon their nest, but stay in the area? And what happened to the 2 eggs? We will never know, but we are happy to know the adults are well and staying nearby. They didn’t look as if they were looking for a new nest location. The window for a second nest is still there, but not for too long.

Keep your eyes and ears open in case anyone gets more information about a new location.

April 18 [from Scott Holliday] — All afternoon I could hear one of the falcons calling/vocalising but was unable to locate exactly where the sound was originating, I was on the patio of Place de Ville (Albert side) and could hear a falcon and the sound seemed to be coming from the rooftop of the Crowne. Being adventurous I walked the perimeter of the Crowne to see if I could locate but was unable to, but as of 1600 when I left for home I could still hear the occasional vocalisation emanating from above. Will go upstairs and view Crowne from Tower “A” of Place de Ville this morning to see if I can see the rooftop, I will be able to see the East ledge from my vantage point. Will update later this morning. Just had a close look at the SE corner of the Crowne and nothing at all except for something sticking up near the inside corner. I know there’s a Falconwatcher in Tower “C” who might be able to see the rooftop of the Crowne, but my tower is too short to see the rooftop. The item at the inside corner is unidentifiable to me even with binoculars, but it is dark grey to black in colour.

April 18 [from Nadine Fox] — I last saw Connor around 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning – he had run a bird into a window (Constitution Square Tower A) then caught it and he sat on the ledge below us for about 5 minutes clutching the bird and squawking. He then flew northwest around Tower B and was gone. We haven’t seen her all week. Will keep you posted.

April 17 [from Eve Ticknor] — The east most Tower is B. If you are on Albert St, with the Crowne on your left, Tower C is the left one, Tower A in the middle and B on the right (CAB). I suspect the falcon being heard and seen may be Connor. He was seen earlier. It sounds as if we should concentrate in this area for now. I will go up on the roof tomorrow, Friday, around 4:30 pm.

April 17 [from Joan Remsu] — I heard a lot of screeching – a falcon flew from the Crowne to Place de ville Tower A (east-most tower), circled back towards Constitution Square, then went back to Tower A – it’s sitting there now.

April 17 [from Eve Ticknor] — Please keep looking! Chris and I were over there for close to 2 hours this afternoon with no sight or sound of either, and no eggs!

April 17 [from Joan Remsu] — I have seen one falcon sitting from time to time on the Crowne or on the spike on Place de Ville next to the Crown over the last two days. Einar and I saw a falcon fly to the antenna on 500 Laurier Avenue around 7:30 last evening (April 16). It sat on the tower for about 2 minutes, then flew back to the Crowne.

April 17 [from Eve Ticknor] — Both Chris Traynor and I were up on the roof of Contitution Square and our falcons are gone! We heard nothing and saw nothing, from all angles. We then went over to the Crowne Plaza Hotel and up to the maintenance space between the ledges with Security and Engineering and looked out on the ledge itself. Again, nothing, not even eggs or egg shells!

We are asking everyone to please listen for the falcons and look out any windows where you are working. Hopefully they will have soon found another building for their nest and we can watch from a new location. For now, we have little to go on. I will update as soon as we have anything new to report. Please send me any reports you have, sightings of even 1 Peregrine!

April 15 [from Eve Ticknor] — I was up on the roof across from the nest ledge this afternoon, as I was yesterday, but still have had no luck in seeing how many eggs are in this year’s nest. I’ll keep trying as I can.

April 10 [from Eve Ticknor] — I went to the roof of Constitution Square around 11:30 this morning and saw Diana on her nest scrape. It was too windy to put up my scope, so I wasn’t able to look for eggs, but she is most definitely brooding. My guess is that she has been on her nest for the past 1 or 2 days, so counting forward 33 days to hatch…

April 6 [from Phil] — Yesterday morning at 8:45 Connor was perched between the second and third columns on the northwest side of the Crowne Plaza. I watched him for some 15 minutes and all seemed quiet, no sign of Diana.

Today at about the same time, Connor was in the same area. This time I heard some vocalizing. He then flew off to land on the antenna of the Bradson building. He chased some sparrows around the Crowne, then returned to his vantage point on the antenna.

As I looked back at the hotel, I saw Diana on the northwest corner, vocalizing. Connor flew over to her and they mated briefly. When I left, Diana was on the same corner and Conner was inside the nest area.

April 4 [from Eve Ticknor] — If you work near the Crowne Plaza, please keep an eye on the mating of our falcons, as I am expecting Diana to start brooding soon and I won’t be able to get on the roof until next week. What I need to know is the time when Diana is no longer seen on a regular basis and when mating is no longer going on. Please be my eyes for the next little while!

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News about Hamilton’s falcons
from Mick Street, Ancaster OntarioHamilton Community Peregrine Project (HCPP) lead monitor Audrey Gamble advises that around 10:30 a.m. yesterday, Saturday, 30 March, the first egg of 2008 was seen clearly in the Sheraton Hamilton Peregrine Falcon nest. Peregrines typically lay two to four red-brown eggs at alternate day intervals, so by Monday we will hope to see another. The female, Madame X, has laid four eggs in the Sheraton nest each season since she started her breeding career in 2001. The adults will share the responsibility of incubating the eggs for 30 to 35 days.

The progress of the birds can be followed on the HCPP web cam.

HCPP will also have a television monitor and information station set up in the Jackson Square shopping mall in a few days. The Sheraton Hamilton and Jackson Square are located just east of the corner of King St. West and Bay Street in downtown Hamilton.

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March 29 [from Phil] — Today at about 1 pm Eve and I spotted Diana on the southwest corner of the Crowne Plaza. We watched her for quite a while and she seemed relaxed, although she was keeping an eye on a group of crows flying in the area. No sign of Connor at that time.

March 26 [from Nadine] — Both of the falcons are really sticking around today – more mating – mostly around southeast corner of crowne plaza. P.S. who is Odyssey?

Note: Odyssey is Diana and Connor’s first offspring, born 13 June 2005.

March 26 [from Eve Ticknor] — Keep your eyes open! With a third falcon here, there might be a fight and/or chase unless this is Odyssey who will be made to leave. As mating is going on, a third is unwelcome! Keep me posted about this situation, please!

March 26 [from Richard Brouillet] — Thursday March 20, I saw the two Peregrines playing in the wind over the Crowne Plaza and a third Peregrine on the Coates Building 3 mins later (Arctic race).

March 24 [from Nadine] — The falcons have been quite active lately, especially last week (I believe we even saw 3 of them – possible?) but this morning just witnessed them mating on the north east corner of 360 Albert (Constitution Square) – right in front of us!

March 7 [from Eve Ticknor] — This afternoon our falcons were barely visible through the snow on the west side of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Good thing snow doesn’t bother them!

March 6 [from Eve Ticknor] — This afternoon, around 4:20, I drove by the Coats Building at Tunney’s Pasture and found both our Peregrines there, on the north face, near the west end. Although they usually perch on the west face, there was too much snow this time. Looking forward to our 12th season starting in a month, I hope.

February 21 [from Eve Ticknor] — Yesterday afternoon I saw Diana perched on a column on the south side of the Coats Building around 4:30 pm as I was heading toward downtown. There was no sight of Connor either there or at the Crowne. Maybe he was off hunting.

February 14 [from Marian] — When I arrived at the corner of Albert and Kent this morning around 8:15, both falcons were on the east side of the Crowne Plaza. Connor was on the southeast corner and Diana was next to the third column on the northeast side. Shortly afterward Connor flew off around the west side of the Crowne Plaza, then disappeared.

Yesterday, there were feathers floating down from Tower B. One of the falcon must have been somewhere on top of Tower B with his or her breakfast.

February 12 [from Eve Ticknor] — Around 4:30 this afternoon I went looking for our falcons and found both of them on the west side of the Coats Building at Tuney’s Pasture. Diana was on top of a column near the north end while Connor was tucked in a corner over the top bank of windows nearest the southern-most column on the same side.

February 6 [from Eve Ticknor] — Today there were 2 adult falcons on the south face of the Coats Building around noon. As it was snowing, I couldn’t tell who was who but they were a pillar apart. It looked as if 1 was eating. Spring is coming.

January 10 [from Richard Brouillet] — Just thought I’d let you know that I saw both Peregrines hunting yesterday (Jan 9 approx 1:10 p.m.) around the Place du Portage complex in Hull. First four pigeons flying very fast followed by 1 falcon and then the 2nd quickly after that (less than 5 seconds).