Sunday, January 12, 2014
January 12, 2014 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Sue McCreadie Reports:
+6 Degrees Celsius
1 o’clock PM
Sun breaking through the grey skies
Cirrus and Mackenzie both present (not verified as yet by band numbers)
Bill and I took a trip to the Lift Bridge for the first time in a few days, as the temperature was finally above freezing. When we arrived Dad, Mackenzie, was sitting on the old nest ledge of the Burlington Tower and Mom, Cirrus, was sitting on one of the cable supports, otherwise known as a Picnic Table. As we watched, Cirrus took off as if on a mission to catch lunch. We lost sight of her as she went down behind the Lift Bridge and the next thing we knew, Mackenzie was after her. We carefully, because of very icy conditions on the pier, made our way back to the parking lot. Lo and behold, Cirrus was on the ground taking a bath in a puddle of melting ice in the parking lot of the marina. We found Mackenzie sitting on top of one of the light standards watching her. What a great photo op for Bill and everyone else who was around. As we usually only see these birds from a distance, you forget how big they really are. Seeing Cirrus on the ground really brought this to my attention.
After her bath Cirrus disappeared for a while and we watched Mackenzie on the cables and then on the old nest ledge. He has the most beautiful white chest which is so visible when the sun hits it. A short time later, Mackenzie was off and this time definitely after lunch. After a couple of attempts, Cirrus joined the chase, but they were unsuccessful. When we left, both birds were kiting over CCIW. I guess they are thankful for the above freezing temperatures.
A great afternoon of Falcon watching for all.
