High Flying Boys at William Osler with Peggy Still Left to Fledge
June 27, 2015 - Etobicoke - William Osler
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Yesterday I opened the watch at William Osler with Peggy still on the ledge and the three boys flying like little busy bees. They were all over the place and their “off” button was definitely not working!! Go, go, go!! No landing space was now sacred. Everywhere that Hurricane goes to roost and nap was now being invaded by his boys and it was clear that the adults were going to have to go off campus if they were going to get any peace. Hurricane went first and disappeared for over an hour in the morning. I’m not sure where he goes but I suspect over to the Humber College where there are tall antennas that allow him to see his site, his kids and his mate should trouble arise. Chessie was left with the screaming threesome that spent the morning knocking her off of everything. No food was being offered yet and Chessie just continued to do her best to avoid the boys rambunctious morning exercise. Peggy spent the entire time on the southeast corner of the nest ledge and she is looking very ready to go. Head bobbing, wing flapping and little lunges around the ledge kept her busy for almost an hour. When Hurricane returned from his break Chessie went on a hunt to the northeast and returned with a big pigeon. The boys were ecstatic. Chase mommy, catch mommy, my food, get your own! It was crazy! Chessie took the prey to the south H sign to prep and then went directly to Peggy and beak fed. Once she had her fill, Chessie then unceremoniously dropped what was left on the hospital roof for the boys to fight over which they did. Benny the jet continued with his “bite you in the face” greeting with his brothers and managed to score the majority of the meal for himself. Sven is now catching on to this and as Benny ate he kept trying to grab him by the head. Winston, in the scrum, grabbed the food and ran down the ledge which started another scramble until Hurricane brought in another piece for the boys. Wow. Settled down you three!
Bruce took over while I headed down to Islington and Bloor for a spot check. All was quiet through the afternoon until the day cooled and the supper bell rang. All three boys are now making spot on landings in the tower and regularly are fooling around up there. They were for Bruce as they were for me, all over the place and into everything. Winston on two occasions went down to the tenth floor window ledge and Bruce could see that this was a very purposeful action. Hurricane is now using these ledges to stash food as it is a tougher landing to manage for the boys. He hoped that the food would be safe there but Winston had it all figured out. He scored a nice piece for himself and didn’t have to share. The second landing on the window ledge was evidently to avoid Benny as he is now ramping up his playing in the air to grabbing of tails and talons. While Sven is up to the task Winston isn’t quite ready for such aggressive pursuits and play so he hides out away from Benny when he gets a little too rough.
When Peggy does fledge, which should be any minute now, she has three boys to contend with. We fully expect that Hurricane and Chessie will manage her first flights and deal with the boys attempt to play tag with her before she’s even made her first landing. We have no doubt that she will catch up quick in her skills and when she does, oh look out you boys! They are actually being quite good with her right now as they regularly visit her on the nest ledge and snuggle with her. It’s quite nice to see.
Check back for more antics from the boys and Peggy’s soon to fledge moment!!