Don Mills Fledglings are Rescued, Banded and Released!!
July 10, 2012 - International, National and Local News
Kathy Smith Reports:
I was called by Mark Nash and informed that two juvenile peregrine falcons were on the ground at the ICICI building in the Don Mills and Eglinton area and that a local resident was standing watch over the little ones. I quickly got into my car and called Bruce Massey so that we could coordinate and together help these two fledglings. Bruce and Randy had already worked together to gather up the chicks and they were now safe from traffic and it was time to work on where we go from here. Mark Nash put in a call to Mark Heaton of the OMNR about banding the two juveniles and arrangements were put in motion. I contacted Mr. Heaton and we agreed to meet at the CPF Raptor Centre once he was done with field work and band the two birds. I can’t say enough how important the banding of the juvenile peregrines is as a part of the continued recovery and monitoring of the species. It identifies these birds as a part of recovery program, protects them as they migrate south in the fall and supplies us with a wealth of information such as where they go, survival rates and migration routes.
I met Mark Heaton at the centre and we began the process of banding, sexing and ageing the juveniles and we are pleased to report that we have two healthy and hissy boys!! With the banding complete, the boys were then packed up and ready to go home to their parents. I met Bruce Massey at the site to prepare for the release. The building management at ICICI had been contacted and informed of the successful peregrine nest on their building and that their two fledglings required release on the roof. A few phone calls later and we were set to go!!
At dusk we headed up to the roof with the two now banded juveniles that have been named by a worker at the ICICI building Ben and Len. We noted that Ben is wearing yellow tape on his USFW band and Len is wearing blue tape; this tape being so important for Fledge Watchers identifying them from a distance. ( A full report on the banding information to come!! ) Bruce Massey, security, building maintenance and myself made our way to the roof under the cover of darkness for the release. At first the two boys were reluctant to exit the rescue boxes as they had no idea where they were. Once out, Ben and Len found a good roosting spot for the night and were content to be home. Bruce and I left the two rescue carriers with security and it was time to head home and share my days adventures with my family!
This is the first year that this nest has seen success that we know of. Reports of peregrines in the area have come in over the last few years but investigations in the field have always turned up empty. This was a wonderful day of coordinated efforts to save a species at risk and is what the CPF is all about! This wouldn’t have been the success story that is was were it not for Randy, a local resident and falcon enthusiast that initially saved these two boys from making a bad choice of running into traffic. The building management, maintenance and security at ICICI were so wonderful in helping to coordinate access and release on their roof with only a moments notice. We are so grateful to Mark Heaton of the OMNR for helping us in making sure that these youngsters were banded and officially recognized as a part of the Ontario Peregrine falcon recovery program and we can’t say enough thanks to Bruce Massey for his incredible efforts to help rescue, release and now watch over the juveniles.
Phew!! A hectic day with an incredibly happy ending!! Thank you everyone so very much!!