February 11, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:
Did you know that most (if not all) raptors are protected by law? In Ontario, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act protects hunting, trapping, or disturbing nests of most raptors including Peregrine Falcons. Most Canadian provinces and US states have a similar law. Breaking this law in Ontario can result in a fine up to $25,000 or a year in prison. A similar law, the Canadian National Parks Act, covers National Parks and can issue fines of up to $150,000 for disturbing birds including Peregrine Falcons, Gyrfalcons, Piping Plovers or Whooping Cranes.
If you stick to common sense, you will never be the subject of a Ministry of Natural Resources news story, as Shawn Bowes was earlier this year -
A Thunder Bay man has been fined $2,500 and prohibited from hunting for three years for shooting and killing a bald eagle. Shawn A. Bowes pleaded guilty to charges under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The eagle carcass was forfeited to the Crown. Bowes’ firearm was seized by conservation officers and will be returned once his fine is paid.
Court heard that on June 1, 2009, conservation officers investigated a report of gunfire at Bowes’ property and discovered a decaying bald eagle carcass in his yard. Bowes admitted to shooting the eagle in the summer of 2008. The bald eagle is a specially protected raptor under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, and is protected from being hunted or trapped throughout Ontario. Bald eagles are also considered a species of special concern under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Justice of the Peace Ray Zuliani heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, on August 5, 2009.
To report a natural resources violation, you can call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667) toll-free anytime or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
News story courtesty of MNR on August 27, 2009.
Posted on February 12, 2010 12:05 am
January 15, 2010 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:
CPF received a photo identification request a few weeks ago of this incredible raptor. It was taken near Banff Alberta, (Exshaw to be exact), on January 2nd 2010 by David Mitchell. Any ideas? It’s a tough one.
This photo looks like a lot of raptors, but it is actually a Gyrfalcon. As described by Mark Nash - while not common - (at least here in the east and south), the Gyrfalcon is North America’s largest falcon species. We (and you should see a few of them on migration at this time of year) as they pass down from the far north to the southern areas from wintering. You do actually have resident Gyrfalcons out in the prairie’s in your neck of the woods that hang around in the late fall and winter. They migrate back to the Canadian north for breeding season in the spring. They come in many different colour morphs from jet black to white to gray to silver in colour.
Incredible photo Dave. Thanks so much for sharing.
Photo by Dave Mitchell (copyright)
Posted on January 15, 2010 2:37 pm
December 31, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:
While not of royalty, Majesty, incorrectly identified as Majestic in yesterdays post, the Flint Journal and Michigan Times, has a very special family tree for us at the CPF.
As noted in a post earlier this year by Frank, Majesty was born in 2002 at the 18 King St nest site to the first recorded Toronto nesting Peregrine pair in over 100 years. The parents, Victoria and Pounce-Kingsley, were first monitored more than 12 years ago and were one of the inspirations for the creation of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. They produced 29 offspring over 8 nesting seasons in downtown Toronto at the King St nest site, one of which was Majesty.
Majesty is the last known living relative of this inspirational Peregrine pair in Toronto. While born in the King St nest site in 2002, Majesty and her siblings were relocated just outside the city in Richmond Hill as a result of the tragic loss of Victoria and Pounce-Kingsley that year.
Now, in 2009, Majesty has moved on to Flint Michigan to continue the cycle with Maize. The family seems strong, having dealt with construction and a nest relocation earlier this year by MDNR.
Special thanks to Barb Baldinger, a Peregrine Falcon volunteer, of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for correctly identifying Majesty from our previous post.
Posted on December 31, 2009 10:59 am
December 30, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:
It looks as if a 7 year old Toronto Peregrine Falcon named Majestic, has created a family with an 8 year old Peregrine named Barry from Ohio. The pair had a chick earlier this year, named Maize, who has become a bit of a mascot for Flint, and the local Michigan University according to this Flint Journal article which includes great photos and video.
It is great to hear about Canadian Peregrines moving on to create new families beyond our borders.
I have yet to find details about Majestic’s birthplace or parents in Toronto, but will followup with more details if we find them. Until then, here is a bit more information from the Michigan Times about the banding of Majestic’s chick Maize in the summer of 2009, including a great photo of a Peregrine atop the North Bank Centre.
Posted on December 30, 2009 12:29 pm
December 21, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:
Jerry Rogers, of Okaloosa County, Flordia, sent us a few pictures of what we can only describe as the bravest squirrel or smartest squirrel we have ever seen.
We concluded that this is the smartest squirrel, because he was able to identify the difference between a Coopers Hawk which will occasionally eat squirrels, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk who generally hunts birds, or much smaller mammals.
This time of year, we get many reports of raptors hunting in backyards. Unfortunately, Peregrine Falcons are not a raptor that you will find in your backyard. Peregrines hunt from perches, or in flight, high above their prey and will mostly hunt other birds. This means you will generally not see them hunting in your backyard.
If you want to see a Peregrine, come out during the fledge season to one of our accessible Peregrine nesting locations, or read about it, or watch our live peregrine cameras to see lots of Peregrine activity up close!
Thanks for the photos Jerry!
Posted on December 21, 2009 3:34 pm
November 21, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:
Walter Fisher sent this great close-up video of the Peregrine Falcon he and I saw on Nov 21 at Humber Bay Park East in westend Toronto. http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2mo9sav&s=6
Posted on November 25, 2009 4:12 am
November 21, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Frank Butson Reports:
On Nov 21, Walter and I were down at Humber Bay Park East in Torontos westend. It is right at the lakeshore. The adult Peregrine flew past me as I was searching for other birds. It flew out of my lines of sight,so I thought that was pretty cool and continued my search. As I continued on some time later,I spotted the silhouette of a raptor perched in a tree. Looking into the sun,I was fairly certain it was the Peregrine,but wasnt sure. I ventured abit closer and confirmed it was a Peregrine. Walter and I began a slow approach,not wanting to spook the bird. After 2 ladies walked right under the tree oblivious to the birds presence,I moved as close as I dared. I could not see a band on the birds left leg at all,and it was well seen on at least 2 or 3 occassions. The Peregrine was likely digesting a meal,as it had a full crop. It sat for at least 10-15minutes while we watched. It watched various small ducks intently,despite appearing full.It was a great find and really made my day. Please enjoy the video I put together.
http://tinypic.com/r/dsi11/6
Posted on November 22, 2009 9:21 am
November 20, 2009 - International, National and Local News
Matt MacGillivray Reports:
We had a great turnout for the Steel City Safari, at Mohawk College in Hamilton, this past Sunday. Our 4th year attending, the CPF one of many attendees who brought interesting animals for children and adults alike to see up close. The event was an amazing success!
Nova
Joining Marion, Tracy and Bruce at the booth were a few of our educators - Alex, a female western Great Horned Owl, Falon, a female Peregrine Falcon, and our newest and youngest educator, Nova, a male Peregrine Falcon less than a year old.
Alex
It was great to meet everyone who dropped by the booth. If you missed us at the Steel City Safari, we will be attending the Toronto Motorcycle Show, December 11 to 13. Come by the booth and meet the educators.
Falon
CPF is visiting schools all around southern Ontario with educators like Alex, Falon and Nova. Contact us if you want Project School Visit to stop at your school.
Join many who support the CPF through donations and membership.
Posted on November 20, 2009 2:14 am
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Matt MacGillivray Reports:
Canadian Peregrine Foundation will be at the Steel City Safari on Sunday, November 15th at Hohawk College of Applied Art and Technology in Hamilton. I believe the doors open at 10am, and it wraps up around 5pm.
All ticket income is donated directly to the CHML Children’s Fund, so come out and support a great cause.
If you plan on attending, drop by the CPF booth to say hi. We’ll have some of our education birds out for everyone to meet.
See you Sunday!
Posted on November 12, 2009 6:16 pm
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