Hamilton Peregrine Falcons 2010 Season

[aslan]

FLYING ON HER OWN - HENDERSON JOINS HER BROTHERS: June 22, 2010 - Perhaps with the title of the Rita McNeil song in mind, at 05:58 this morning Henderson left the nest ledge and flew to the Fairclough building. After an aborted landing there she flew east and was lost to sight for almost an hour. Shortly after 07:00, when one of the adults brought breakfast in to Peter and Joseph on the Standard Life building, Henderson landed beside them seconds later, so she hadn't been far away.

[Winston]

Now little Chedoke waits for her turn! at the rate she is going falconwatch will be waiting for Thanksgiving for her to fledge!

[Winston]

Woooo Hoooo Chedoke finally got his courage!!

CHEDOKE TAKES TO THE AIR!!!! At 07:40 this morning Chedoke, the last 2010 chick to make the leap, finally did it! After a nice strong flight out over King St. and the Art Gallery of Hamilton he returned to the upper roof of the Sheraton where, according to Falconwatchers, he made a much better than normal first landing. Stay tuned!!!

Now the real fun begins trying to watch them all!

[chico2]

Awwww Winston,that is so great,OMG,the time just flew,it feels like yesterday that they were all,balls of white fluff

[hazelrunpack]

He'd had a lot of time to watch the others and plan his first landing accordingly.

Hurrah for Chedoke!!!

Do they sort of stick together to give Mom and Dad a break, or do they run them ragged by splitting up? (Like typical kids, eh? )

[Love4himies]

Wahoo

[Winston]

OMG its unbeleiveable trying to watch all 4 at once....and then it goes to moments like watching paint dry! when their all full and sleeping the day away while the falconwatchers wait patiently for that moment!

They will hang around now learning from mom and dad until about August and then they start telling them to leave! they are wanderers so they wander around looking for a territory of their own...and if they are fortunate to survive they will start the cycle all over again! its absolutely amazing to see them hatch and then grow into adults in a matter of weeks!

I havent been able to falconwatch this year but I was on site the other day gettings some updates and at that time the 3 of them were enjoying the puddles on a rooftop nearby, splashing and jumping and having a grand ole time! it was good news indeed!

Cindy

[Winston]

An update....Chedoke is injured and being treated at a local facility. Here is the info from the site:

June 30, 2010 - Falconwatch Lead Monitor Audrey Gamble reports: Wouldn't you know it, the exciting stuff always happens when the Coordinator's away! In the early hours of this morning Falconwatchers lost sight of Chedoke after he flew from the Thomson Building. It was a while before he was relocated on the entrance marquee of the Stelco Tower, not far above street level. During the early part of the day Chedoke was active - walking back and forth along the marquee, bright, alert and responding to movement in the sky above. Whenever an adult peregrine passed over Chedoke called to them and was obviously indignant at missing lunch. Falconwatchers, not having seen the flight or landing, were uncertain of the sequence of events that brought him to this low perch and kept close watch. As the day wore on it became apparent that Chedoke had sustained a wing injury. In the early evening a rescue was made by Coordinator Brad and last year's Coordinator Sandra Davey, now a member of our Rescue Team. Chedoke, whose adventure even made the news, is at a rehabilitation facility, full of energy and very feisty. An x-ray is scheduled for today. We will advise the situation as soon as we know ourselves. The other three chicks spent the day flying high and free, playing tag and continuing to develop their skills.

Thanks VERY much to members of the public who, although interested in this beautiful wild creature respected his space and safety (and provided the photo of Chedoke on the Stelco marquee at left), to Yale Properties who assisted in her security and rescue, to the Hamilton Police Department for assistance with traffic, and to well wishers who offered assistance and good wishes. Chedoke is resting safe and sound, and we will keep you posted on results of her upcoming x-rays.

[Winston]

Todays update



FOOD TRANSFERS - CHEDOKE UPDATE


July 1, 2010 - Falconwatch Coordinator Brad Asseltine reports: Peter, Henderson and Joseph celebrated their first Canada Day by continuing to improve their skills and increase their abilities. There were a number of aerial food exchanges today, with one or other chick taking food from an adult while both were flying, as well as a few regular style food drops. I'm beginning to think that the different food delivery methods aren't as much training for the chicks as they are survival tactics for the adults. The young ones are ferocious - and seemingly fearless - when it comes to trying to take food from their parents in mid-air. Today we also saw the three of them beginning to hunt, chasing potential prey in flight. It seemed like they were chasing anything that flew by. At one point a helicopter flew overhead and it looked as if Henderson was trying to chase that too. Henderson, I think you should stick to chasing birds for now!!

I know the question on everyone's mind is "How's Chedoke?" Well, Chedoke is currently staying at a rehabilitation facility while awaiting x-rays, which may take a few days to obtain. We're told that Chedoke is doing well and is as feisty as ever.

[Winston]

here is chedoke almost a t street level on a sign at the sheraton...before going into rehab..

[chico2]

Winston,I saw him yesterda on the ChCh news,right away I thought something was wrong with him
Hopefully there is not something seriously wrong with him
If he's ok,will he be returned to the same area??

[Winston]

Yes Chico they will return him to the top f the Sheraton Roof close to the nest...Likely under the cover of darkness. We hope for not too long of a time frame from him being taken to being returned.

2 yrs ago we had an injured young and he was gone from the nest for 2 weeks, when he returned Surge (the male) attacked him for about 5 minutes before he figured out who he was. Actually it was Masdame X that came to his rescue and stopped the attack. He took 3 direct hits before it ended. I think its because he was gone for that length of time but I am no expert on it.

Sounded like they are being safe than sorry....checking for fractures in the wing. She is the youngest and less advanced at flying compared to the others.

Some of their first landings are scary to see until they get they hang of it! Its gonna be tough for her to return and be further behind than the rest too because she is in a flight cage and the others are learning airial transfers and tag and stuff. Having said all that I think she will be fine.

Dont know if you all know but, the mortality rate of falcons in their first year is 80%. They aloso have been removed from the endangered species to threatened. The banning and use of DDT has made the difference.

Cindy

[hazelrunpack]

I hope they don't find any fractures, Winston! Lucky for Chedoke there are so many caring people looking out for her welfare! Speedy recovery, little girl!!!!

[chico2]

Oh,me too,I hope she'll be okthey are such beautiful birds.
I did not know they are off the endangered list

[Winston]

Update

CHEDOKE COMING BACK SOON!


July 5, 2010 - Lead Monitor Audrey Gamble reports: Chedoke has come through the x-ray process with flying colours. The veterinarian and rehab facility report says, "No breaks. Holding and flapping both wings well. No evidence of swelling or soreness. Eating well. Moved to release training cage for a bit more monitoring. Ready to come home soon."

Chedoke's gender has also been confirmed - she's a girl! The uncertainty about this arose because of her extremely low weight at banding; despite a larger than expected leg thickness, at 518 grams she was way below the average weight for a female of that age. Obviously she has been fed well in the five weeks since banding! Although we have stopped the morning and evening watches for lack of 'watchees', we will be lining up volunteers to keep an eye on Chedoke when she is released on the Sheraton roof.

woo hoo...lets hope for a gentle reintroduction.....

[chico2]

Phew,I am so glad she's okhopefully she will have no problems coming back
The birds seem exhausted in this heat,we thought this young Black-Bird was sick,laying on the ground with his wings spread out,but as soon as we approached he flew off to mom

[hazelrunpack]

for a non-traumatic reintroduction!

[Winston]

Update

NO REST FOR FALCONS OR FALCONWATCHERS


July 8, 2010 - Falconwatch Coordinator Brad Asseltine reports: After spending her first day and night back home in various places on top of the Sheraton, around 06:00 today Chedoke made a strong flight from the Sheraton out over King Street and the Art Gallery of Hamilton, then landed pretty well on the Standard Life building. This was the first of four very good flights today. On Standard Life she hopped about, snacking on leftover food and generally exploring. A rather large puddle of standing water from yesterday's rains proved too enticing in today's 43°C equivalent heat, so she waded in and began splashing, dipping and dunking every thing she could in the water. Once refreshed from the bath Chedoke flew to the roof of the Thompson building where where she was joined for a while by Henderson. While still on Thompson Chedoke enjoyed a private meal delivered by Surge and supervised by Madame X, who was watching closely from the Stelco tower. Without wasting any time after the meal, Chedoke flew out past the Art Gallery, circled over the Board of Education and zipped north between Sheraton and Standard Life to circle over Copps Coliseum, finally making an excellent landing on Standard Life. She then ran into the shade and slept for the entire afternoon. After the siesta Chedoke joined Peter, Joseph and Henderson in a brief game of tag. Their idea of tag may be a little too rough; Chedoke decided to sit out the rest of the game and found a perch on the Federal building on Bay Street, and was still there when night fell.

Although she seemed to be favouring her left wing a bit toward the end of her very busy day, Falconwatchers are very pleased with Chedoke's progress. With luck her training will resume in the cooler weather that is forecast after today's rains end. Because of the extra week of flying they have had, her siblings may help the parents out in this essential task.

[NoahGrey]

Thanks for the update Winston

[chico2]

Winston,I am glad she's ok,thank you

[Winston]

CHEDOKE FLIES TO NEW HEIGHTS


July 11, 2010 - Falconwatch Coordinator Brad Asseltine reports: Chedoke watching was very exciting today as she flew all over the downtown area, landing on and exploring the roofs of buildings she'd not previously visited. Just after 09:00 Madame X flew in with a very big pigeon clutched in her talons, which Henderson quickly took over in a flawless and impressive aerial exchange over City Hall. Henderson then landed on the roof of the convention Centre where she was joined by Peter and Joseph to enjoy the meal. Chedoke, who had been sitting on the Standard Life building after her first flight of the day, got the message and soon took flight, gliding straight to her siblings with only a few flaps of her wings. Impressive! For much of the afternoon Surge was perched on the BDC building, and it seemed as though Chedoke wanted to join him on his high perch. She circled BDC many times, progressively getting higher and higher until she was well above BDC. Unfortunately though, by the time Chedoke landed on the BDC roof, Surge had already left. Still, it was a great achievement and a sure sign that her skills and abilities are improving.

[chico2]

Winston,it's great to hear Chedoke is doing fine,thank's Winston

[hazelrunpack]

Sounds like the wing has healed beautifully!!

[Winston]

FALCONWATCH 2010 WINDS DOWN


July 15, 2010 - Falconwatch Coordinator Brad Asseltine reports: After watching today it has become clear that Chedoke has recovered, improved and matured beyond the need for us to continue the watch any longer, so this will be my final report for Falconwatch 2010. Since her return Chedoke has rebonded easily with siblings Peter, Joseph and Henderson, and been accepted back by Madame X and Surge. She is now flying so well that she blends right in with the others, probably the only time I've ever been happy about not being able to tell them apart. It has been a great privilege to have taken part in this project, and watching these six birds over the last month and a bit has rekindled my respect and admiration for this majestic species. Although the chicks are roaming further as they mature, all six - Peter, Henderson, Joseph, Chedoke, Madame X and Surge - can still be seen quite often around the King and Bay area.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lead and Senior monitors as well as all of the Falconwatch volunteers for their dedicated devotion to seeing that these chicks have the best chance of survival. Without you Falconwatch would not happen! Thanks to your efforts four more Peregrines are soaring through the skies.

We will continue to keep the camera showing the nest for little while longer. Occasionally one of the Peregrines will return to the ledge.

[chico2]

Thank's Winston,I can just picture them soaring in the sky,great outcome for all of them