!!! Some sad news to report. We have lost a second fledgling.
July 07, 2015 - Etobicoke - Sun Life Centre
Mark Nash Reports:
Tuesday July 7th - 2015
I have some sad news to report. Just after 3pm this afternoon, I received a telephone call from the security team at the Kingsway’s on the park condo’s explaining that one of the young peregrine falcons had found its way into one of the upper floor condo units after entering the 10th story condo suite through an open window.
Back into the car and west bound again out to the Etobicoke Bloor & Islington where I was met by the Kingsway’s condo security, and directed to a 10th floor condo unit in the west tower. As I was let into the condo unit by the owners,, along with the Condo superintendent and another member of the security team, I could clearly see what all of the excitement was about. Yes, it was little Mel, one of the young male fledgling peregrines that was produce at the Etobicoke nest site this year. The same young fledgling (named Mel) that Marion and I had attended to, several nights ago at yet another condo building after he was trapped on the balcony behind the glass balcony front.
This time, Mel was observed standing in between the inner window sill and the white sheer drapes, obviously a little more than confused about the glass and what all of the attention and excitement was about.
Sadly although, with one eye closed, and with his other eye half closed with some very shallow breathing as he leaned up against the glass to support himself, it was more than obvious that Mel had sustained some serious injuries, likely as a result of having had a collision with the outer concrete wall prior to grabbing on to the outer window sill and eventually gaining access to the condo through the open window.
Without any struggle, a movement or objection, I was able to simply pick Mel up with my open cupped hands and carried him out of the condo suite, down the hallway, into the elevator and finally out to the car without the need of a net or even a towel. Moments after I placed him on the passenger set of the car, and even before I could get seated in the drivers seat and fasten my seat belt, Mel closed his other eye and simply stopped breathing as he laid on the passenger seat.
I have to admit, I had to wipe the tears from my eyes over the next few minutes before I could even start the car. A older couple exiting a car as they were coming into the condo’s main entrance stopped and knocked on my car window to ask if I was ok, as I guess my outward bust of emotions had got the better of me.
You would think that at almost 60 years old, and after 20 years of dealing with allot of mortality, that you would get used to it, but I have to tell you, that you never really get used to this sort of thing at all,,, (at least I don’t, and I probably never will). Another teary eye moment alone in the car with a baby peregrine, and some deep thought as to just how fragile life is, and how it can end in a blink of a eye.
Over the next two hours as I made my way home, both frustrated and enraged with the incredible traffic congestion as a result of the rush hour traffic being reduced from three lanes down into two lanes because of the new temporary HOV lanes, and heartbroken over the entire situation, you can’t help but feel absolutely helpless about the entire situation.
As sad as it sounds, in reflection, I am actually relieved that little Mel actually passed away prior to my actual departure, as I can only imagine how I would have felt, had I been forced to deal with the bumper to bumper traffic for over two hours going nowhere quick while trying to get the little guy to emergency veterinary services!!!
I can only hope that I don’t have many more of these calls, as it can be a little overwhelming at times.
