!!! Patience is rewarded
July 03, 2015 - Toronto - Sheraton Centre
Linda Woods Reports:
After so many days of watching Sandy sit on the ledge and then take flight without me, and not really seeing her flying, I was treated to a wonderful sight this evening.
I arrived at University and Richmond Street shortly before 5p.m. and discovered Sandy sitting on a lower roof level in the area of the hotel. I repositioned and she was gone.
I walked along east along Adelaide Street and as I approached York St, I noticed a group of pigeons on the roof of the Starbuck’s. I took notice because they were grouped together, which I thought was somewhat odd. I took a closer look with my binoculars and OMG. Yes, there was a pigeon, but it was dinner and Rhea Mae was prepping it for Sandy! As Rhea Mae plucked and poked, Sandy watched with intensity. Rhea Mae then starting eating it and Sandy was pleading for her to feed her. Rhea Mae continued eating, teasing Sandy with every mouth full. Sandy then starting grabbing Rhea Mae’s tail feathers and poking her beak into Rhea Mae’s backside. Very Funny to see. Sandy then footed Rhea Mae and tried to grab the prey. Rhea Mae gave in and started feeding Sandy. Minutes later Rhea Mae flew off and Sandy continued to eat.
Enter another unsuspecting pigeon who tried to land and take part in feast along with a Gull. In flies Tiago and ran the two of them off. Sandy continued eating and Tiago moved closer and grabbed the prey. Sandy was not happy and started screaming at Tiago. Tiago finished off the meal and Sandy sat quietly and watched. After the meal Tiago and Sandy flew north and were last seen flying circles over the Opera House.
What a sight, and after so many days of not seeing much activity from any of them, it was a delight. I’m sorry I didn’t have a camera with me, I would have had wonderful and memorable pictures.