February 19, 2012 - Brampton - Courthouse
CPF Postmaster Reports:
Sunday February 19th / 2012
No sign of any Peregrines in the morning , then around noon I found Milton on the south end of the courthouse right near last years nest ledge in the sun, very alert. Took a few pics then as I was leaving a Merlin (Pigeon hawk in my old Audubon book) came in and sat on one of the cell towers maybe 80 ft above him.
Milton sat looking up at it for about a minute. I confirmed what I saw with my bins then took one pic and headed over to get closer and a different angle to catch a pic maybe of both of them with the light behind me. Milton took off and had a slow flight into the courtyard putting up the pigeons… then headed up over the roof not really in a hurry the smaller falcon then bolted southeast.
I got only the one pic of it on the tower but you can see that it is much smaller when compared with the pic of Courtney on the tower. And no it is not a pigeon, I saw it fly in and leave and I got a good look with my bins before I picked up my camera.
There have been a lot of starlings on the building of late.
Then at 4 pm I cruised by again and Milton was on the SW corner where Truss would sit and look down at the scrape. He was very alert despite the very full crop. Again he took a short unhurried flight (45 sec.) and all the pigeons and starlings on the building were up and away, he returned to the corner to sit , in the breeze I might add.
The two short flights were almost lazy and seemed just meant to chase the other birds off the building. Territorial???
All in all it was very interesting.
Toivo
PS: - I added one pic of Courtney on the same tower so you can see the size difference
Posted on February 20, 2012 2:32 pm
February 17, 2012 - Brampton - Courthouse
CPF Postmaster Reports:
Friday February 17th
Morning time - on the way to work.
I found Courtney On an older small building near the old Brampton mall midway between downtown and the courthouse. Third time I’ve found her around this spot. Some one feeds the pigeons in the parking lot of the old plaza. Then I saw 5 guys on the roof of the courthouse NW corner.
Thurs night (Feb. 16th - at 9pm) I swung by the John st roost on the apt building. There was a Pefa roosting , back out in the corner, I believe that it was Milton and I think he has been using this spot for a long time. I had friends tell me they were seeing what they thought was a peregrine downtown for two of years. The spot is kind of hard to see. So I always presumed they were mistaken. I think last summer when Milton disappeared in the evenings, that is where he was heading.
Toivo
Posted on February 20, 2012 2:26 pm
February 11, 2012 - Brampton - Courthouse
CPF Postmaster Reports:
Saturday Feb 11th
Saturday Feb 11th found Courtney hanging out uptown with dad again. On the BDC building right beside the Famous Rose Theater.. sitting in the sun on the lee side out of the wind all afternoon.
Toivo
Posted on February 12, 2012 1:27 pm
February 02, 2012 - Brampton - Courthouse
CPF Postmaster Reports:
Feb 4th - 2012
I spent Saturday doing regular checks of downtown , Every time I went through I had chances to view Pefas , Including , watching I presume Courtney, bothering Truss on a kill on the BDC building.
Truss left to sit on the front of the building(backlit and cloudy so the pics were useless) and Courtney proceeded to ignore the kill and take off after crows about a kilometre away at maybe 500 feet elevation, two bugged out and the third was chased about a minute down to and around a building , till it saved itself by taking shelter in some trees. It almost seemed like play.
Sunday morning I found no falcons downtown , so I checked the mall near the courthouse, nothing ,so I proceeded to the courthouse, and found an adult male on a kill, being bothered by a juvenile female. When he was done he flew to a south facing ledge to sun. Again Courtney ignored the kill and this time she took a playful run at a gull, then returned to sit on a small cell tower above ,,, I presume Milton.
I have included three pics in which you can clearly see , a juvenile female and adult male and the wing of a kill, The one on the cell tower, shows the vertical barring of a juvenile , and the third shows the two about 50 feet apart.
This is the first sightings I personally have have had of Falcons on the courthouse since mid Dec. 2011
Toivo
Posted on February 8, 2012 3:58 pm
- Brampton - Courthouse
Frank Butson Reports:
While poking around the internet,I found this article posted at e! Science News. So all will see it,it is being posted on each of our nestsite pages. This is too important to miss.
The original article can be seen here: http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/04/18/new.pollutants.detected.peregrine.falcon.eggsÂ
Here is what it says:
New pollutants detected in peregrine falcon eggs
Flame retardants are chemical compounds added to fabrics and plastics to keep them from burning easily, but these can be toxic. Now a team of researchers from Spain and Canada has detected some of these emerging pollutants for the first time in peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs in both countries. “The presence of ‘dechlorane plus’ and other related, chlorinated compounds used as flame retardants have been detected for the first time in the European biota (flora and fauna of the region)”, explains Ethel Eljarrat, co-author of the study and scientist at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC, Spain).
The researchers have found these substances in peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs in both Spain and Canada. The flame retardants are often added to textiles, electronic circuits and other products to inhibit or resist the spread of fire, but can be transferred to the environment.
In nature these compounds are “bioaccumulating and bioconcentrating” all along the food chain, as evidenced by the research published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal. The international research team for this study was led by Begoña Jiménez of the Institute of Organic Chemistry (CSIC, Spain), and Environment Canada researchers, Kim Fernie and Mehran Alaee.
Having received the relevant permits, eggs that had failed to hatch from various active falcon nests in Canada and Spain, were collected. The collection involved 13 eggs from Spain (five in Guadalajara – a territory representative of an inland habitat of the Iberian Peninsula - and eight in Bilbao - representing a coastal environment), and 12 eggs from Canada (Great Lakes Region and Eastern provinces).
The levels of some of the measured contaminants have been found to be somewhat higher in Bilbao than in Guadalajara, and the authors believe this may be due partially to the difference in the falcons’ diet: more aquatic in the former and more terrestrial in the latter. In fact, if fish is highly contaminated, peregrines would accumulate more of the harmful substances. While peregrine falcons do not eat fish, they prey upon other birds, some of which may eat fish.
Selecting the peregrine falcon was no accident. This species was endangered in many areas of the northern hemisphere due to the use of organochlorinated pesticides, particularly DDT, though when this was prohibited in the 1970s the populations recovered. Furthermore, falcons are at the top end of the food chain and accumulate substances carried by their prey.
Highest levels in the Canadian samples
The results reveal that the concentrations of ‘dechlorane plus’ and some of the other chlorinated halogens were “significantly higher” in the Canadian falcons’ eggs than in those of Spain. The reason for this could be that the industry that has manufactured these compounds for decades (although they are now also produced in China) is located in New York State close to the area where samples were collected. In addition, the use of these compounds has generally been higher in North America than Europe.
The researcher acknowledges that the effects that these flame retardants may have on the falcons’ eggs or on their development are still unknown, “but their detection is a first step”. These are emerging pollutants, which comprise both those which have appeared more recently and those that have been used for a long time but are just lately the subject of environmental interest.
Other flame retardants, including some brominated flame retardants, have already been confirmed as toxic endocrine disruptors, and their use has been prohibited in some of the commercial mixes in Europe and America. Furthermore, they are candidates for inclusion on a list of Persistent Organic Pollutants to be eliminated, a list compiled by the Stockholm Convention which includes other pollutants such as DDT or dioxins.
This study forms part of the doctoral thesis submitted this month by the researcher Paula Guerra from IDAEA on “The analysis of emerging halogenated flame retardants and their impact on the environment and on humans”. All of the eggs were analyzed by her during her exchange studies at Environment Canada.
A research group at IDAEA led by Damià Barceló has also confirmed the presence of these compounds in sediment and fish in the rivers of the Ebro basin (Spain). Source:FECYT-Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology
Posted on November 11, 2011 5:50 am
November 11, 2011 - Burlington - Lift Bridge
Frank Butson Reports:
While poking around the internet,I found this article posted at e! Science News. So all will see it,it is being posted on each of our nestsite pages. This is too important to miss.
The original article can be seen here: http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/04/18/new.pollutants.detected.peregrine.falcon.eggsÂ
Here is what it says:
New pollutants detected in peregrine falcon eggs
Flame retardants are chemical compounds added to fabrics and plastics to keep them from burning easily, but these can be toxic. Now a team of researchers from Spain and Canada has detected some of these emerging pollutants for the first time in peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs in both countries. “The presence of ‘dechlorane plus’ and other related, chlorinated compounds used as flame retardants have been detected for the first time in the European biota (flora and fauna of the region)”, explains Ethel Eljarrat, co-author of the study and scientist at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC, Spain).
The researchers have found these substances in peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) eggs in both Spain and Canada. The flame retardants are often added to textiles, electronic circuits and other products to inhibit or resist the spread of fire, but can be transferred to the environment.
In nature these compounds are “bioaccumulating and bioconcentrating” all along the food chain, as evidenced by the research published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal. The international research team for this study was led by Begoña Jiménez of the Institute of Organic Chemistry (CSIC, Spain), and Environment Canada researchers, Kim Fernie and Mehran Alaee.
Having received the relevant permits, eggs that had failed to hatch from various active falcon nests in Canada and Spain, were collected. The collection involved 13 eggs from Spain (five in Guadalajara – a territory representative of an inland habitat of the Iberian Peninsula - and eight in Bilbao - representing a coastal environment), and 12 eggs from Canada (Great Lakes Region and Eastern provinces).
The levels of some of the measured contaminants have been found to be somewhat higher in Bilbao than in Guadalajara, and the authors believe this may be due partially to the difference in the falcons’ diet: more aquatic in the former and more terrestrial in the latter. In fact, if fish is highly contaminated, peregrines would accumulate more of the harmful substances. While peregrine falcons do not eat fish, they prey upon other birds, some of which may eat fish.
Selecting the peregrine falcon was no accident. This species was endangered in many areas of the northern hemisphere due to the use of organochlorinated pesticides, particularly DDT, though when this was prohibited in the 1970s the populations recovered. Furthermore, falcons are at the top end of the food chain and accumulate substances carried by their prey.
Highest levels in the Canadian samples
The results reveal that the concentrations of ‘dechlorane plus’ and some of the other chlorinated halogens were “significantly higher” in the Canadian falcons’ eggs than in those of Spain. The reason for this could be that the industry that has manufactured these compounds for decades (although they are now also produced in China) is located in New York State close to the area where samples were collected. In addition, the use of these compounds has generally been higher in North America than Europe.
The researcher acknowledges that the effects that these flame retardants may have on the falcons’ eggs or on their development are still unknown, “but their detection is a first step”. These are emerging pollutants, which comprise both those which have appeared more recently and those that have been used for a long time but are just lately the subject of environmental interest.
Other flame retardants, including some brominated flame retardants, have already been confirmed as toxic endocrine disruptors, and their use has been prohibited in some of the commercial mixes in Europe and America. Furthermore, they are candidates for inclusion on a list of Persistent Organic Pollutants to be eliminated, a list compiled by the Stockholm Convention which includes other pollutants such as DDT or dioxins.
This study forms part of the doctoral thesis submitted this month by the researcher Paula Guerra from IDAEA on “The analysis of emerging halogenated flame retardants and their impact on the environment and on humans”. All of the eggs were analyzed by her during her exchange studies at Environment Canada.
A research group at IDAEA led by Damià Barceló has also confirmed the presence of these compounds in sediment and fish in the rivers of the Ebro basin (Spain). Source:FECYT-Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology
Posted on November 11, 2011 5:47 am
November 05, 2011 - Brampton - Courthouse
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Round number four on our list was the Brampton Courthouse to check in on Truss and Milton. Last time I had dropped in here I was treated to a sighting of both adults roosting on the east side of the building, but today I was to be skunked. Frank and I checked all sides of the courthouse and found nothing but a bunch of very relaxed pigeons. We headed north into Brampton and as we reached the train station just north of Queen Street, we found a flock of pigeons wheeling around and so we stopped to look for the cause. We were unable to get a sighting of either adult but we could certainly see why they would come up this way hunting. As we drove north on Hwy. 10, each ornate lamppost that lined the older streets of Brampton were decorated with 20 or more pigeons each, just sitting on the arc of the lamppost in the sun. We made one last check of the courthouse on our way to the Raptor Centre but it would appear that Truss and Milton had other plans this afternoon other than relaxing at home. I will continue to make the west end rounds throughout the winter and will have more updates for you so keep checking back!!
Posted on November 6, 2011 9:34 am
October 17, 2011 - Brampton - Courthouse
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I was in Brampton on Monday of this week delivering our Project School Visit and took my lunch at the Brampton Courthouse to look for one of our newest families. I was pleased to find both Truss and Milton on the east side of the courthouse staying out of the blustery winds that we have been experiencing over the past few days. Although there was no sign of Courtney, that is to be expected as juveniles are now moving through to the south as reported to me by Frank and Ann from their hawk watch site. Both adults were perched and preening the entire time I was there; Truss on the railing by the access door to the ledge and Milton on the northern corner of the same ledge. I look forward to seeing more of these two as I continue to visit Brampton this week.
Posted on October 19, 2011 12:23 am
September 01, 2011 - Brampton - Courthouse
Tracy Simpson Reports:
Thank you so much to Toivo and Grace for their continued observations at the Brampton Courthouse!Â
Well I have only had a couple of confirmed sightings of Courtney in the last couple of weeks. One was quite impressive as she climbed a thermal till I could barely see her with binoculars. She was back on a ledge later that day. Milton and Truss have been around or on the building regularly, roosting and relaxing.  On Sunday August 28th, I stopped today and found another adult female peregrine on a ledge. I went and got Grace to confirm this. She agreed. All light grey all the way down the back, but a very large buff patch on the top of the head,larger than Courtney’s.  We could not see if she was a banded bird.  A male came in and buzzed a pigeon, she rose to follow him but not really in an aggressive manner. The male left and we watched him climb a thermal till barely visible, then he drifted SW. This struck me as migratory behavior , so I dont believe it was Milton.
                                                                                                                                             Toivo and Grace
Posted on September 1, 2011 2:54 pm
August 10, 2011 - Brampton - Courthouse
Tracy Simpson Reports:
I apologize for the late posting here but a big thank you to Winston who continues to watch over young Courtney! Here is his observations and photos from August 10th.Â
Â
Although witnessed a few times before, Courtney’s flights with mom or dad were relatively short. Today hopefully marks the beginning of aerial training. Courtney stayed a loft very long, chasing mom all over the courthouse airspace this morning. There was a near collision between mom and baby but mom turned last minute to avoid a crash. Fun stuff to watch for all those in the area!! This evening I witnessed Courtney fly out to an incoming dad and take the food he was bringing back in mid air. She then took the kill to a ledge and began plucking the feathers, then consuming the food.
Â
Posted on September 1, 2011 2:51 pm
