affordwatches

Sad News to Report; Maverick Has Been Found Deceased

March 06, 2014 - Etobicoke - William Osler

Tracy Simpson Reports:

I am the worst when it comes to reporting sad news and I can never find the right words yet this is an important update so here goes.

On Friday of last week, February 28th, I received a call from Ross with Environmental Services at the William Osler Hospital.  He informed me that he had located a deceased bird on the medical centre rooftop and that the bird was banded with a solid black recovery band marked R over 55.  I knew right away but confirmed it nonetheless that this was Maverick hatched last year at the William Osler nest site.  I drove down and met Ross and the two of us went up to the rooftop for a look.  When we exited the door I saw the bird down in the middle of the east side of the rooftop and it was without a doubt little boy blue Maverick. 

After removing him from the rooftop I took a good look at him and it was evident that he’d been there for some time.  How long I can’t say but certainly his passing was not recent. I was incredibly shocked by this as he was the star flyer of the family this past season being the first to fledge and returning to the nest ledge within hours of his first flight.  He never once came to the ground or required a rescue and he was witnessed hunting like a pro with his father Hurricane around the hospital grounds.  The last time I can confirm his presence was on July 23rd when I was able to get a photograph of Maverick and his two sisters as they sat on the western ledge.  I believe that I also have pictures from later in August so what happened to him and when it occurred is truly unknown.  Thank you very much to the folks at William Osler for keeping an eye on the family and supporting them so well.  While this is a sad loss to report at this time, we look forward to the coming season with great anticipation.