Canadian Peregrine Foundation -- Ottawa Archives: January / February 2000

The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

OTTAWA HOME PAGE ARCHIVES

January - February 2000

Monday February 28, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:00 a.m.) The melting snow and mild weather in Ottawa is a welcomed change. Horizon is briefly observed on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. She is facing inward and keeping an eye towards the east of the city.

(8:06 a.m.) I can see a carcass on the NW corner of the Standard Life Building. Horizon might have consumed her breakfast before she headed off to another location.

(12:17 p.m.) Horizon is on the 3rd from the bottom NE perch of the Constitution Square Building. She is facing inward and is looking towards the north/west and east of the city. She has been returning to this building periodically throughout the morning.

(12:34 p.m.) I arrive just in time to see Horizon stretch her wings and fly off her 3rd from the bottom NE perch on the Constitution Square Building and effortlessly glide above Albert Street towards the east. She turns right and is observed flying high above the Standard Life Building in hot pursuit. She is now out of sight and heading towards the south. Admiring Horizon in flight was well worth the wait after so many months of seeing her already settled on her various favorite perches. The mild weather promises to give us plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of Horizon as she majestically soars and glides in the limitless sky.

Wednesday February 23, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:08 a.m.) The mild weather in Ottawa is wonderful! Horizon is perched on the 3rd from the bottom NE corner of the Constitution Square Building. Large patches of feathers are being released in the wind as she consumes a pigeon for her breakfast. This is the same perch that served as her picnic table yesterday. Horizon is facing outward to the north this time and alternates between consuming her meal and keeping an eye towards the north/east of the city. I hope she will try to keep this morning routine and give me a chance to spy on her with my faithful binoculars.

(10:19 a.m.) Horizon is enjoying the mild weather today. She has moved to the inner perch on the NE, 3rd level from the bottom of the Constitution Square Building. Her feathers appear to be ruffled. She is facing inward and can see her surroundings reflected on the glass covered building.

Monday February 21, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports:(10:58 a.m.) Horizon is a breathtaking sight on her urban cliff. Our beautiful falcon is perched on the SE rooftop of the Constitution Square Building. She is observed preening and keeping an eye towards Lebreton Flats. Horizon is beginning to stretch her wings and will probably take off shortly.

(2:01 p.m.) My friend Linda Hayden kindly informed me that Horizon was having a late lunch. She is perched on the 3rd from the bottom, NE corner of the Constitution Square Building. A multitude of pigeon feathers are twirling above Horizon's head. She is consuming her meal with gusto and keeps looking up towards the north and south of the city.

She is slowly returning to her warm weather routine and making herself more visible on her usual haunts. Although she is out my view from the nest area for extended periods, I can occasionally see her going back to her daily routine such as perching and feeding. I still have not seen her hunt, much less fly or even leave her various perches. In time we will be able to see her in all her flying glory.

(2:55 p.m. - ...) Horizon still remains on the 3rd from the bottom NE perch on the Constitution Square Building. Until recently, she had been observed picking at her kill. She has stepped one foot away from the pigeon carcass. Pigeons are playfully flying above Kent/Albert Streets with the exuberance of innocent children. Horizon is taking in all the activity around her. Only she knows where the wind will take her during her next flight.

Wednesday February 16, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:57 p.m.) It is a mild winter day in Ottawa. I glance out the window and I am greeted by a warming sight. Horizon is preening and readjusting her wings on the uppermost SE corner of the Constitution Square Building. She has returned to perch on her favorite rooftop. Spring is just around the corner and Horizon must be looking forward to Connor's arrival. I can't wait to see the happy reunion!

(1:37 p.m.) Horizon is making herself visible today. She has returned to the Constitution Square Building. She is now on the second from the bottom SW perch and is concentrating on preening. She might have taken off earlier to hunt for her lunch. She did appear to be restless and preparing her feathers for flight. Seeing such a magnificent bird of prey is a relaxing change of pace in a stressful day.

Tuesday February 15, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:55 a.m. - ...) Horizon has finally returned to her old haunt. She is comfortably settled on the uppermost SW perch of the Constitution Square Building. It is a delight to see her from this short distance, since she has not been sighted on that perch for far too long. The morning rays shine on her striking plumage and lets us see what a magnificent bird has been living with us this winter. Horizon has a spectacular view from this perch and can survey the layout of the city from her strategic vantage point. Could she be looking for her Valentine Connor?

Monday February 14, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (11:55 a.m.) Despite the nasty weather in Ottawa, our beautiful Horizon can be seen guarding her nest. The strength of the twirling snow has thankfully died down. Horizon is on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is looking towards Lebreton Flats.

(1:29 p.m. - ...) Horizon is still on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is observed preening and continues looking towards Lebreton Flats. The overhang of the Crowne Plaza Hotel is surrounded by shimmering icicles that create a vivid winter scene around Horizon.

Thursday February 10, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:49 a.m.) The sun is bright this morning. Horizon is one foot away from the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Her back is to the west and she is keeping watch towards the SE of the city.

Wednesday February 9, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (10:44 a.m.) It is a mild day in Ottawa. Horizon's view from her NE corner perch on the Crowne Plaza Hotel is veiled by a storm of twirling snowflakes. She is looking towards Lebreton Flats.

(11:55 a.m. - ...) Horizon has now moved one foot inside the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Snowflakes continue to wildly dance in the gentle breeze. From a distance it is difficult to distinguish between the concrete of the building and Horizon who blends in perfectly. It has been weeks since I've observed our fearless huntress in flight. I look forward to the moment where she is flying high above me to some unknown destination.

Arlene Williams reports: I am looking out my window and can see, quite clearly, Horizon sitting - her
back to me - on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She does not seem too bothered that the snowflakes are swirling about her whilst contemplating her next move.

She has now turned around and I can now appreciate her true beauty as she displays her beautiful white/grey breast. She is such a magnificent and regal looking bird.

I wonder, sometimes, how she can endure the elements and why she would not want to be down south, where it is sunny and warm, along with her mate. Obviously, it is their loss and our gain that she has remained for the winter and all year round, where she is so very much appreciated for her
beauty, stamina, etc.

Monday February 7, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (2:18 p.m.) It is a sunny and cold day in Ottawa. Our wandering falcon Horizon is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is facing west and keeping an eye towards Lebreton Flats. I'd like to know where she's been the past few days.

Tuesday February 1, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:45 a.m. - ...) It is once again a mild day in Ottawa. A sprinkling of snowflakes flutter in wind around Horizon. She is perched facing inward on the SE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Pigeons are playing tag above her but she ignores them for the time being. She is keeping watch towards the north and east of the city. I am pleased to have the opportunity to see her more often although I would prefer to observe her in flight.

Monday January 31, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (1:48 p.m.) Horizon is precisely on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Feathers from a large pigeon she has just killed are twirling amidst the thick snowflakes that continues to fall. She is observed bobbing up and down and she alternates between consuming her kill and looking towards Lebreton Flats. It is a rare occasion to be able to see her since she is usually at another location when the weather is rainy or snowy.

(11:58 a.m. - ...) Horizon is staying close to home today. She is barely discernible with the human eye, even from a close distance as she blends perfectly with the Crowne Plaza Hotel structure. Binoculars are a must if you want to see Horizon perched one foot away from the NE corner of the hotel. She is facing inward, looking towards the NW and further out to Lebreton Flats. For the time being, she is quietly perched as the light snow flows and twirls around her.

(8:57 a.m.- ...) It is a mild day in Ottawa. The view in every direction is a myriad of snowflakes drifting by. Horizon is perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is looking towards the east of the city. I notice through my binoculars that a string of icicles line the bottom of the overhanging ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel's top floor and can be seen near the east and the west sides. Horizon is proudly standing guard over her territory and is surrounded by a winter wonderland.

Arlene Williams reports: It makes a beautiful picture looking out from my 20th floor vantage point, to see Horizon sitting on the northeast corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel with a backdrop of icicles hanging just above her shelter point. She is just enjoying her vantage point and perusing the situation of what to do and where to go next.

She looks so regal sitting there not seeming to care about the weather conditions and the mild dusting of snow which is falling. I guess she figures she is as protected as she can be from the elements. It appears from the speckling of carcasses that she has consumed her early morning treat and may have a few remains to pick at later in the day. She is an amazing creature and a delight to watch.

Tuesday January 25, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (11:00 a.m.) It has been a long time since I've seen Horizon perched on the Standard Life Building. She is consuming her meal on the NW corner of the building. Her tail is bobbing up and down as she eats and keeps a protective eye on her surroundings.

(12:12 p.m.) Horizon is still on the Standard Life Building, but has now changed positions. She is on the SW corner of the lower rooftop and is observed preening her feathers for her next flight. Horizon is intently scanning the eastern part of the city. I cannot wait for the day Connor returns to Ottawa. I'd be relieved to see any or all of our chicks reunite at the Crowne Plaza Hotel nest area and then wish them a safe journey as they head off to follow their own destinies.

Monday January 24, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (10:21 a.m.- ...) Our magnificent Horizon is on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Feathers are observed dancing and twirling in the wind as she consumes her kill near the ledge. She alternates between feeding and looking towards the north. It is a comfort to see her healthy and unaffected by the harsh weather we've experienced these past few weeks.

(11:55 a.m.) Horizon has stepped away from the carcass and is about two feet from the NE ledge of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

(1:05 p.m.) She left her perch on the NE corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel some time ago and has returned once again. The mild weather has drawn her to the old nest site. The warm rays on her stunning plumage is a sight to behold. I hope she will remain closer to home and within view. I so enjoy seeing her master the wind currents as she travels the open skies.

Thursday January 20, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ...) The mild weather in Ottawa has inspired Horizon to remain perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The biting wind is no longer in our midst and Horizon can comfortably settle herself on her favorite perch. She is guarding her nest and keeping a steady eye towards Lebreton Flats. She will soon be reunited with her wandering mate Connor who was unable to resist the urge to reach warmer climates. Horizon has traveled the four corners of our city and will be a knowledgeable tour guide once Connor returns. Her prolonged absences from her favorite haunts tends to support the theory that she is seeking out other hunting grounds.

The bone-chilling weather we've experienced as of late has given her ample reasons to seek out a warm and possibly heated shelter. Horizon is ever resourceful and has proven to be not only a skilled huntress but a survivalist who will not be taken aback by the harsh, winter conditions that she has met during her first experience with this type of unpredictable weather. She is a magnificent figure to watch as she swoops and dives with a purpose and infinite skill. When you least expect it, she will appear and leave you breathless as she follows an intricate aerial path that only birds have the privilege to experience.

Tuesday January 18, 2000
Arlene Williams reports: Well, Horizon never ceases to amaze me. On such a cold day, where windchill factors are minus 37 celsius, Horizon is perched on the northwest corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and she is plucking away at her mid-morning snack - possibly as well her lunch from the size of the catch. The feathers of her prey are swirling around in the wind and it appears that momentarily she will be tasting her lovely morsel of protein. It is such a joy to see that she is not taken aback by this extreme cold spell and is still as active as ever. She is an amazement for sure and I look forward to viewing more of her naturalistic tendencies in the next few months until her mate returns and they can begin the process of creating life, once again.

Monday January 17, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (1:55 p.m.) A pigeon carcass was found earlier this morning in front of the Standard Life Building. The wings were still attached but the rest of the body was completely removed. This bird might have been Horizon's previous meal. My friend Linda Hayden briefly saw Horizon a few minutes ago as she bravely perched on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel despite the -48'C temperature we are experiencing in Ottawa.

Tuesday January 11, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:15 p.m.) It is a mild day in Ottawa. Horizon is on the NE, inside 3rd level perch of the Constitution Square Building. This is the first time I've seen her this week. She is keeping an eye on her surroundings.

(1:59 p.m.) Horizon is now on the NE, inside, 2nd from the bottom perch of the Constitution Square Building. She was observed chasing a pigeon not too long ago. My friend Linda Hayden says that a pigeon flew past her window with alarming speed and was flying in a zig zag formation at about eight floors up from street level. What happened next is a mystery, but we can now clearly see Horizon taking it easy as she rests and guards from her perch.

Friday January 7, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (8:22 a.m.) The mild weather in Ottawa has Horizon staying closer to home. She is on the 3rd level from the bottom, NE corner perch of the Constitution Square Building. Pigeons are playfully flying on and off the window ledges of the NW side of the Standard Life Building totally oblivious to the danger that lurks a few feet away. Horizon ignores them for the time being and keeps scanning the surrounding area of her nest. It appears that she has already consumed her breakfast at some other location and could not be bothered with the pigeons.

(10:03 a.m.) Horizon has returned to the NE, 3rd level from the bottom, 3rd perch inside of the Constitution Square Building. She is observed bobbing on her perch. The mirrored building offers Horizon a somewhat distorted view of the city. Nothing escapes the piercing gaze of this skillful and fearless huntress.

Thursday January 6, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (7:44 a.m.-8:00 a.m.) It is bone-chilling cold in Ottawa today. I am greeted by a familiar sight as I walk towards Kent/Slater Streets. Horizon is on the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is looking towards Lebreton Flats while preening her feathers for flight.

(9:13 a.m.) Horizon has returned to the SW corner of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She is facing west and appears to be consuming her breakfast. Horizon has been venturing further from the nest area during daylight hours and I am hoping that we will be able to see her more often in the next few weeks. She must have found a warm spot to ward off the biting cold wind that weaves between the maze of buildings in our city.

Tuesday January 4, 2000
Nathaleigh McKenna Rochon reports: (12:00 p.m.) It is a rainy afternoon in Ottawa today. I am at the corner of Kent/Sparks Streets and look up at the sky in search of Horizon. As if on cue, she flies in from the east carrying a large pigeon securely between her talons. She proceeds to fly over towards Place de Ville Tower C and abruptly changes direction. The weight of the pigeon appears to have made Horizon lose her balance as she tried to reach the upper middle level of the building. She skillfully turns left and then flies across the length of the Crowne Plaza Hotel from the NE to the SE side of the building and out of sight. I now reach Kent/Albert Streets by foot and cannot find her on her usual rooftop perches. I believe she has headed south and might be on a perch at Minto Place or even on the SW side of the Constitution Square Building or the Constitution Square Building Tower B which unfortunately are not within my field of vision. This is my first day back at work and I am pleased to see that Horizon has safely remained in Ottawa. This magnificent falcon never fails to leave me breathless as I gaze upon her flying high above me with such skill and precision.

| Archive Index | Previous month | Next period |

RETURN TO COMPLETE SITE INDEX
(or choose from selected popular links below)

� Canadian Peregrine Foundation