Mississauga - Executive Centre

Rogue Still Present at MEC, No Sign of Infinity… …Yet.

January 15, 2012 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

The second stop on the west end tour took Frank and I to the MEC site.  I was able to confirm that the unbanded rogue female is still on site with Eternity, the resident male, and she is looking much more relaxed than she did a week ago. 

She was sitting on the MEC 3 building underneath the sign looking less edgy than before.

The male was sitting in the sun on the south face of the MEC 3 building and sporting a rather large crop.  I don’t think that there has been a visit in the last few months where he’s been empty!

While we don’t know for certain whether Infinity has migrated or was ousted by this new female, as spring draws closer we shall know who the resident adults for 2012 will be.  This will all get sorted out…  … peregrine style.

!!! Two Days at MEC - Infinity is gone… …the rogue is back.

January 10, 2012 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

I don’t even know how to begin this report as so much has happened the last two days.  I guess the beginning is best.

I decided on a recon mission yesterday of the GTA west end sites.  The “dynamic duo” at William Osler were out hunting.  At Brampton, there was no one home.  My last stop was MEC.  When I arrived, I found the female to the right of the nest box on MEC 1 and the male sitting on the corner of MEC 1 two ledges to her right.    Something was really odd.  This female was extremely uneasy and looked over her shoulder every 30 seconds or so. 

This was not the Infinity that I had come to know.  The male was unconcerned, sitting on the corner digesting a rather large crop.  The female leaned forward to stretch and I couldn’t see the bands that would have indicated that this was Infinity.  The bird took off after 15 minutes and headed over to MEC 4 and landed on the Jevco sign.  Having watched this site closely over the last few years I have never seen Infinity sit on that sign, EVER.  A moment later, off she went to the east with a distinct purpose.  There was no chase or challenge, just a swift exit.  I knew I had to come back and confirm what I believed I was seeing.

Today Frank and I arrived at the site just before 11:00am and found a single bird on the south side of MEC 2.  We were able to confirm right away that this was the male we call Eternity.  We left him on the building and went in search of a second adult bird.  The male took off of the building at 11:45am and headed across the street to the Morguard building, landing on the “D”  He has a stash up there that he begins to eat.  Frank and I head over to the building and watch him eat, getting photos of him on the sign.  After 10 minutes, he looks up and stares back at the MEC buildings and begins to call.  Out of nowhere from behind MEC 3, a female fllies in and joins him on the sign briefly.  He takes off with the food and heads back over to MEC 3, disappearing on the north side with the female following.  Frank and I race back to MEC 1 where the two adults have finally settled.  The male was sitting on the Symcor sign and the female was on the south corner eating the food that the male was carrying.

The female looked very familiar.  This was the interloping rogue that was present at the site when we brought Infinity back from rehab for release.  She continued to eat the food while the male quietly watched from the sign.  By 2:00pm, both birds had taken to the air and there was a great deal of flying displays, mostly by the female, for the next 45 minutes.  We left the site with the male sitting on the southeast corner of MEC 3 and the female still aerial displaying around all 4 buildings. 

It is unknown where Infinity is or what has happened here.  Did she migrate?  Will she return in the spring?  After a meet with security, we know that no injured bird has been found on the grounds of any of the MEC buildings.  We will have to wait and watch this site closely as spring approaches to know the final outcome.  Wherever Infinity is now, all of us at CPF wish her good winds and blue skies and we hope to see this beautiful female again one day.

The pictures below are from both yesterday and today of the adults present at MEC.

Checking Up on Our Girl Infinity

November 19, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

Frank and I stopped in today at the MEC site to check in on Infinity and her mate Eternity. We found Eternity on MEC 2 in his favourite spot facing the nest building but we couldn’t initially spot Infinity. As we were changing sightlines, she glided in from the northeast and swooped up beautifully to land on MEC 3. She wasn’t there long before she was off again and flew lazy recon circles around all of her buildings. She made a pass in front of Eternity and he then decided to join her in the sky for a tandem flight up to the nest box. This was followed by a great deal of vocalizations with her on top of the box and Eternity on the northern most corner of MEC 1. The male then took off on a hunt while she remained on the nest building. We were then joined by Winston who we were pleased to introduce to this site and pair. We then watched as Infinity made a very determined flight to the north but she was gone only a few minutes before returning to the nest building. It was there she stayed and relaxed through the rest of the evening.

All is Well at MEC

November 13, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

Frank and I decided to check in on Infinity
and her mate at the Mississauga Executive Centre today. When we arrived, one
adult was in the air flying lazy circles around the nest building and the other
was out of our sight. We watched the airbourne bird make two flights around MEC
1, then two more above the roof of MEC 2, a quick run around MEC 3 and then
finally landing on MEC 4. The bird had made a full recon flight of all four
buildings and it was quite a beautiful, lengthy flight in rather strong winds. It
turns out that the adult was Infinity showing clearly that there are no lasting
effects from her impact with the tower just 5 days ago. We drove around and
found the male on MEC 2 facing the nest box and looking like the king of the
world. Infinity then took off and flew over to her nest box and roosted on the
top for a good half an hour. After a short nap, she took off and joined the
male on MEC 2 who wasn’t going anywhere, especially with the outrageous crop he
was showing!! Infinity stayed for a few minutes then headed back to the nest
building, this time roosting on the corner of the ledge to the right of the
box. The male took off and joined her there where they spent the rest of the
afternoon. I can’t remember the last time I have seen a wild pair so happy and
contented. It left Frank and I feeling like at that moment that all was well
with the world. It was an “aww” moment!!

!!! MEC - The Last Four Days - This is a Must Read!!!

November 12, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

The last four days at the Mississauga Executive Centre has the makings of a really good blockbuster movie; an accident, a daring rescue, the impossible recovery, the triumphant return, the other woman, the standoff and the happy ending.

The Accident:  We recieved a call at our head office in Toronto on Wednesday Nov. 9th that an adult peregrine falcon had been recovered at the base of one of the towers following a high speed impact with a window.  The bird was found lying face down on the ground by the MEC security team.  They immediately recognized the falcon as being one of their resident adults and although they didn’t witness the impact itself, they knew that this bird was in serious trouble.

The Daring Rescue:  The amazing folks at the MEC security responded immediately to assist the now unconscious and tremoring bird.  They placed her in a box in the security office of MEC 1 and called the CPF office for help.  Marion took the call and dispatched Bruce Massey to the scene and informed me as I was on my way back through the area.  She then called the Toronto Wildlife Centre to let them know we were on our way with a case of head trauma.  When Bruce arrived on site, he opened the box to make a quick assessment of the bird.  Initially, it looked as though she was no longer alive.  Her eyes were closed and her breathing undetectable.  He moved to touch her and she responded with an attempt to lift her head and move her tail.  Her attempt to stand failed.  Bruce transferred her to his vehicle and headed straight for Toronto Wildlife.

The Impossible Recovery:   Upon arriving at the Centre, the bird was immediately taken into assessment for examination.  Once out of the box, she could barely maintain consciousness and was incapable of holding her head up.  Her band numbers confirmed that this bird was the resident female at the MEC site named Infinity.  The vet tech on staff that examined her placed her in an oxygen chamber and gave her an anti-inflammatory.  There was very little optimism expressed that she would survive to recover, her condition appearing too grave.  They would give her the night and re-assess in the morning.  The staff at TWC walked in Thursday morning to a most unexpected surprise; Infinity was awake and alert!!  She was assessed for any broken bones or other trauma but there was none!!  She was placed in an aviary and given some time to settle in; her recovery considered to be quite incredible and quick for a bird completely incapable of standing less than 24 hours earlier.  Marion at the CPF head office kept in close contact with the TWC as to her condition and potential for release.  By Friday Nov. 11, the TWC called our office to inform us that she was ready to go and she was behaving as if she was quite eager to be off.  The release was set for Saturday; news that we were overjoyed to hear.

The Triumphant Return:  Frank and I left early this morning to head down to TWC to pick up Infinity for release.  We were amazed at her speedy recovery and were looking forward to sending her home.  We drove out to the MEC site in silence, both of us really excited to do this.  When we arrived, we pulled into MEC 2 to check the site out first.  I had been here on Thursday to look for possible reasons why this accident might have occurred.  I was concerned that a territorial battle with another female might have caused her to crash, but there was no female on site during my visit.  That was not to be the case today.

The Other Woman:  From MEC 2, Frank and I could clearly see the resident male sitting one series of windows to the left of the nest box and to his right, there was another adult female sunning herself.  The male didn’t seem disturbed by her presence but I can’t blame him, she was huge!!  She made two recon flights around MEC 1 at low altitudes and high speeds and was definately reacting to her own reflection in the mirrored glass windows of the building.  After two round-a-bouts, this unbanded interloper then did the most unacceptable thing; she flew over and perched on the roof of Infinity’s nest box!!  There she called to the resident male in hopes of drawing him in but he stayed put.  He vocalized several times but not with a courting or alarm call; it was more like juvenile food begging.  I immediately called Mark and we discussed our options.  Three things were undeniable; Infinity needed to be released, there was another female in her territory and no matter where we released her Infinity was going to make a bee-line directly home.  We decided on a release site northwest of the nest building.  I left Frank at MEC for the inevitable arrival of Infinity so that he was in position to assist.  When I arrived at the release site, I put the box on top of a picnic table and opened the door.  Infinity didn’t even step forward before launching herself straight into the wind and directly towards her nest site.  She was on site in less than 3 minutes.

The Standoff by Frank:  We called Mark Nash to advise him of the situation and seek his advice about
where to release Infinity. We were going to release her but where? To
release right at MEC seemed like we were setting her up to be attacked
immediately without time to collect herself. Where then? Mark
and Tracy discussed possible sites, each with their benefits
and drawbacks, while I waited in the car,contemplating the very same things. We
all figured that she would immediately head back to MEC no matter where she was
released.  Leaving MEC and going a
great distance away would have meant no one was on site to observe if
Infinity came back, witness if a territorial battle took place and affect a rescue
should one be necessary. After much discussion, the plan was
to take Infinity several kilometres off site and release her in a park
nearby fully expecting her to return to MEC ASAP. We thought the distance would
give her time to adjust to her regained freedom. Tracy set out for the
location while I waited at MEC with carrier and rescue towel in hand and binoculars and
camera at the ready. Both the adult
male and the “intruder” left my view towards Square One Mall. Tracy called at that
moment and said she was moments from releasing Infinity. Tracy and I knew that
with both falcons away from the site that it was perfect time. Tracy called back to tell me Infinity
flew immediately on her release with speed and purpose in the direction of MEC.
I began scanning the sky for her arrival, hoping there wouldn’t be a territorial
battle. Inifinity arrived in under 3 minutes and headed straight into HER
nestbox. She had reclaimed her territory and loudly announced her return. The
male came in flying fast with the “intruder” female close behind. She made a
pass of the nest building and then landed right on the landing platform of the
nestbox. I thought OHHH MY!! there is going to be trouble! To my surprise only a
stare down took place,with the “intruder” female flying off the box without an
audible sound. Soon all 3 falcons were in the air over the building.  The male
decided to get out of the way and let the ladies settle things. He sat quietly
on the ledge over from the nestbox. Infinity landed at the nestbox again and the
“intruder” went the other direction. Crisis seemingly over Infinity decided to
fly around the corner of the building and sit on the Symcor sign. Soon the
“intruder” returned screaming at Infinity. I knew when she went out there she
would be forced into action. Infinity took off and from above her the “intruder”
attacked,going into a stoop. Infinity took evasive action and no contact was
made with her. Infinity chased the “intruder” out of sight towards the mall.
Minutes that seemed like hours later,one bird returned and flew to the nestbox.
Tracy arrived
back at this point and began taking photos. We were both reasonably certain the
returning falcon was Infinity,but that was clinched when Tracy began jumping up
and down with excitement and joy that she had taken a photo which showed the
Peregrine in the box had a band on,which meant it was definetly Infinity. Over
the next several hours Infinity moved around very little,guarding HER nestbox.
She called out a few times when the “intruder” made rather distant flybys.
Eventually she was comfortable enough to fall fast asleep,assured in herself
that she had chased off the intruder. 

The Happy Ending:  We left the site as the sun was starting to go down feeling safe in the knowledge that Infinity was back as resident female at MEC.  She was tucked in next to her nest box with her head under her wing in a deep sleep.  All the while, her dashing male sat on the northern corner watching over her and thinking about spring.  Frank and I will be back on site tomorrow to ensure that all is well with the happy couple and that the ”other woman” has not returned. 

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!!! New Pollutants Found In Peregrine Falcon Eggs

November 11, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

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.eggs 

Another Sunny Peregrine at MEC

November 05, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

During our rounds today, Frank and I also stopped in at MEC.  After searching all four buildings, we found Infinity sitting one section over from the nest box enjoying the afternoon.  There was no sign of her mate while we were there but it would seem from our time at this site that he is usually off hunting in the late afternoons and at times even bringing home some leftovers for her.  It really is different behaviours we see in the adults when juveniles are not present, they don’t have nesting on their mind and territorial defense is not at the same critical level.  It’s almost as if the true “personality” of each individual adult can shine through.  Infinity looked so at ease as she sat overlooking her domain.  It was very nice to see.   

!!! Putting a Name to a Face at MEC!!!

October 15, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

After many days and lots of long, hard looks Frank and I have now confirmed, without a doubt, the band number of the resident female at the Mississauga Executive Centre!!  This female wears a Black 8 over Red 8 band on her left leg; both top and bottom digit being rotated 90 degrees to the left.  Following up on our discovery, we contacted Barbara Loucks of the New York DEC and she identified her conclusively as a having hatched at the Statler Tower building in Buffalo, New York in 2008.  We immediately shared the news with Connie Adams, the bander of the chicks that year in Buffalo, and found that although banded, she was not named.  As we sat having lunch today with our friends from Rochester that we affectionately refer to as “the girls”, we were remarking how the horizontal 8 was just like a symbol for Infinity; and thus she was named!!

From our documentation, Infinity arrived at the MEC site in spring of 2010 as nesting season was starting.  The resident female, Tessie, who was the victor in the battle last year that prompted the fostering of the 3 chicks ( see MEC 2009 for the full story), and an unbanded male were deep in the throes of courtship   The two adult females locked talons over several days and Infinity won the site that year.  She paired with the unbanded male and produced 4 healthy young; three males and one female.  This year, she continues to be the resident female at this site and has again paired with the unbanded male, easily recognized by his paler back and white chest.  They were not succesful this year in producing any young from their three eggs but continue to reassert their bond with one another with next year’s nesting season in mind.  As more information about this Statler Tower female who we now call Infinity comes in, we will be posting it here so check back soon for all of the details!!

More Bonding at MEC

October 06, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

This afternoon, Frank and I attended the MEC site to catch up with the adult pair.  Upon arrival, the female flew onto the nest ledge at MEC 1 and was calling for her mate to join her.  Within 10 minutes the resident male arrived and both adults entered into the nest box and were having a very intimate and yet loud conversation about next year’s nest season.  It was quite nice to see the pair cementing their bond with not only one another, but also the nest box as the location to be!!  The female left a few minutes later and headed straight north until I could no longer see her.  Within the next few minutes, the male left in the same direction, only to return with a small bit of food which he finished off on MEC 2, their favorite eating ledge.  From my vantage point I could see where the adults have regularly stashed food on MEC 2 to be retrieved later as there was a nice, neat pile of feathers in three separate corners on the expanse of the ledge.  I will be back on site next week as I continue to deliver our Project School Visit program in the area and will post further updates and pictures then.

Adults Still Present at MEC

September 29, 2011 - Mississauga - Executive Centre

Tracy Simpson Reports:

While in Mississauga this past week, I was able to spend some time at the Mississauga Executive Centre site and check in on the resident adult pair.  Upon arrival, there was no immediate sign of either male or female until I circled back around the far side of building 4.  This seems to be a very popular roosting site for both of these adults as I have seen them there off and on all season.  The male was sitting right on the southeast corner of the building and a little further down the ledge, feathers were just a flyin’ out of the sunken section of the ledge.  At first I couldn’t see what was causing the shower of feathers until the resident female finally popped up onto the edge with an enormous pigeon in her talons.  It was clear that she had been eating for a while as her crop was quite full and her face quite decorated with bits of food.  After a good 20 minutes of continued plucking, she left the meal and headed directly over to the nest box where she stood and called her mate.  The male took up where she left off, moving into the ledge on 4 building and snacking on what remained of the pigeon.  The female remained on the landing platform of the box for the next 2 hours, enjoying the rain shower that was currently falling and then preening herself once it had stopped.  The resident male took up a better viewing position on building 2 and followed suit with his own preen-fest.  The female then left the nest box and headed back over to building 4 to finish off any remaining scraps of food only to return to the box for a good long nap afterwards. 

Although this pair diligently incubated their clutch of eggs this year, they were unsuccessful in hatching any young.  This is the first time in the history of this nest site that young have not been produced and is in keeping with the lower productivity we have seen at nearly all nest sites in southern Ontario this year.  This is where the vigilance of the monitoring the CPF does pays huge dividends in that we track these trends in productivity of this still recovering species year after year.  The decades of experience, statistics and knowledge we now have allows us to immediately respond to negative trends and assist the Peregrine falcons breeding in southern Ontario, thus ensuring their future success in producing strong and healthy young.  We look forward to seeing this pair continue to successfully breed at the MEC site next year as they did in the years past.  As I currently watch this resident pair reaffirming their bond, I am very excited about seeing them with young in the next breeding season and I will continue to visit with them again next week so please check back for further updates.