Banding Day at Etobicoke Sun Life on May 29th
May 29, 2013 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Tracy Simpson Reports:
On Wednesday May 29th at the Etobicoke Sun Life nest site, 4 healthy chicks joined an excited community in the lobby of the east tower where they were sexed, weighed and banded. They first required a ride from their 19 storey nest down to the lobby that was generously provided by the amazing staff at Skyreach Window Washing and CPF staff extractionist Kathy Smith. As the stage ascended up, the resident female O’Connor was ready for them and was very vocal about their approach to her ledge. The swing stage and CPF staff handled this girl with the utmost of care and expertise as the growing crowd in the lobby watched the event on two 60 inch colour monitors provided by Sony, one of the sponsors of the new web cameras. The banding here was an a amazing opportunity to highlight the installation and connection of two brand new web cameras at Etobicoke Sun Life that was handled, supported and provided by Damar Security Systems and Sony Canada. After the web camera that was installed in 1998 failed to produce images 2 years ago, the CPF has been working diligently to establish new technological partnerships and we are proud to have the support of both Damar and Sony providing such an incredible image. The chicks were gingerly removed from the nest ledge and sent up to the roof to Mark Heaton, Aurora District biologist of the OMNR, who then brought them down for the main event. In the east tower lobby, the chairs were full, a table of coffee and snacks were set and the entire delivery of this event was organized and sponsored by our fabulous nest site hosts Etobicoke Sun Life managed by Oxford Properties represented by Peter Zuk and his support staff. Introductions to the ceremony were made and the list of thanks to supporters long during which we took the opportunity to highlight the care of this species at risk by our avian veterinarian team at the Greenwood Park Animal Hospital represented by Dr. Markus Luckwaldt, Dr. Sam Munn and his wife Kirsti Munn. It was great to have Kirsti out representing one of the key supporters involved in the continued success of these birds. The table set, the crowd ready and it was now time for our stars of the day to make their first appearance. Each chick was brought out and banded in turn and the CPF was honoured to have the assistance of Audrey Tobolka from the Minister’s office at the banding table and most importantly the Hon. David Orazietti, Minister of Natural Resources, who addressed the crowd and participated in this most important monitoring and protection action for the Peregrine falcon. We are pleased to introduce to you, the Etobicoke Sun Life family of three females and one male;
Big Frank male 23 days 760 grams S over 39 white tape
Lizzy female 22 days 785 grams S over 38 yellow tape
Layton female 25 days 945 grams S over 40 green tape
Shania female 24 days 905 grams no band red tape
Beginning on June 10th, the work with this family will continue as the Fledge Watch program begins with the local community support of the CPF volunteer watch crew including Kathy, Baylie, Dianne, Rob, Angie and Bruce that will be there to assist the young family as they take their first awkward flights. Thank you to all that have helped make this fabulous event possible as we continue to offer our support and protection for the still recovering Peregrine falcon in Ontario. Congratulations everyone!!
