Wednesday Aug 3rd - 2011
Thank you to Donna from NJ for sending in these shots she snapped yesterday - (Wednesday Aug. 3rd).
Yes, its Sunshine!!
Donna writes:
Checking the Cam and look who’s back for a visit! So nice they are still around. Could this be Sunshine?
Donna in NJ
We just received word from a friend of Big Frank’s that a juvenile peregrine with the band number 24 X and green tape was seen at Bluffer’s Park this past week feasting on a juvenile gull. After some investigation, Frank and I identified the bird as Sunshine who was hatched at the Toronto Downtown Sheraton Hotel this past spring. We will be making contact with the photographer to see if we can post the pictures taken on our website so please check back!! Good going Sunshine!!
July 26th - 2011
Another quick update from Eileen with several snap-shots from the web camera at the Toronto Sheraton nest site as both Cinnamon and Sunshine continue to frequent the nest ledge. It is very nice to see them still doing well, as we had some serious concerns with regards to baby Cinnamon given that he was so small and so far behind in age from his other siblings.
We all tend to forget that although the the fledgelings are far more independent these days and not frequenting the nest ledge every day, they are still looking to their adult parents for food and protection, and any “hand-outs” are always most welcomed!!
In addition, the nest ledge is still the only safe place they have known, and its still home until the juveniles migrate in the fall.
As we have already long since documented year after year over the past 17 years while intensely monitoring these urban nest sites here in southern Ontario, - (and a huge benefit of having the nest cameras), all of the resident peregrines, especially that of the resident adults frequently utilize their nest ledges throughout the entire year,, - spring, summer, winter and fall.
Its still home don’t you know.
Monday July 25th - 2011 - 11AM
We have only just received some bad news from Toronto Wildlife this morning regarding little Kate from the Toronto Sheraton nest site. In a telephone call this received this morning, we are told that Kate passed away early Saturday morning in her sleep.
While the results of the blood work that was done for blood parasites came back negative and the serious of chest x-rays didn’t show any real clear evidence of Aspergillosis,, Aspergillosis is highly suspect given her condition. She was very much underweight and simply had no energy or fire as we say. The young birds are especially vulnerable as they have yet to develop strong immune systems to fight off all of the usual nasty ailments they are exposed to while they are still growing and developing.
To explain Aspergillus in short:
Aspergillosis is a respiratory disease of birds caused by the fungus Aspergillus, which is found almost everywhere in the environment.
A. fumigatus is the most common species of the fungus to cause disease, although A. flavus, A. niger, and others can also cause problems. Aspergillus grows readily in warm and moist environments. The microscopic spores of the fungus become airborne, poor ventilation, poor sanitation, dusty conditions, and close confinement increase the chance the spores will be inhaled.
Usually, the fungus does not cause disease, however, if a bird does not have a healthy immune system, it can cause illness. Predisposing factors include other illnesses, stress, poor nutrition, poor husbandry or unsanitary conditions, another injury to the respiratory system (e.g.; airborne pollutants).
The combination of the number of spores in the environment and the presence of predisposing factors determine which birds are most at risk of disease.
Aspergillus is everywhere; it grows on everywhere, including on living tissue. Every speck of dust and dirt has spores of at least one species of Aspergillus. A bird does not usually succumb to the disease when it has a strong immune system. Over time it has built up antibodies strong enough to wage a proper war against the spores. But, a weakened immune system or ingestion of a huge amount of spores is what causes this disease. Every animal with lungs breathes in thousands of Aspergillus spores every day.
The spores cannot grow in the lungs of a healthy body, but a diseased lung can easily become a host. Aspergillosis can consume a bird with a weakened immune system. Poor nutrition, another illness, anxiety, loneliness, old age, unsanitary conditions or disturbed soil can also bring on this illness. A constant and gradual exposure can create a chronic (long term) infection and the causes are all too commonly found in places you would never expect.
Given the hot dry conditions we’re been having, this is an ideal environment for the airborne spores to spread around in the dry air.
We are truly saddened to receive this news this morning, and it’s very nice to see that little Cinnamon (another one of the Toronto Sheraton juveniles that we believed might not have made it given his small size and underdevelopment) that he is going strong today!!
July 25th - 2011
A huge thank you to Donna from Rochester NY who was monitoring the Toronto Sheraton web camera this morning and cought some interesting activity.
Donna writes: Watching the cam this am - July 25th, and I found these two young Scavengers playing on the nest ledge 
. So nice to see them back at the nest and doing so well.
Donna
At the same time, Eileen from New York State e-mails and writes:
Good morning!
An extra special treat this morning…2 juvies on the ledge! Again, captured by Donna. So, the big question is… Was Kate released from care? Or was it Sunshine and Cinnamon? Only CPF knows for sure!
Whoever it was, they look beautiful!
All the best-Eileen
Donna
July 24, 2011
Good afternoon
Rhea Mae has spent quite a bit of time today on the nest ledge. And we had a special treat…Tiago stopped by as well for a moment of bonding! Credit for the capture of Rhea Mae & Tiago goes to Donna-another of the Rochester gang!
Regards-Eileen
Sunday July 24th - 2011
A quick look at the Toronto Sheraton nest ledge via the colour camera this afternoon and we were able to take a quick snap-shot of the one of the adults back hanging out on the nest ledge as he/she is seeking a little shade and safe quiet time space.
As we have long since learned, the nest ledges that have a back stop with over hanging cover and side walls offer the peregrines an ideal place to go where they are sheltered from view, one that allows them a safe space from prying eyes (and any perceived dangers from above). Truly a “safe house and place” that offer a stress free environment from the big city rat race.
In addition, as you can see in the photo, he/she has tucked themselves behind the ledge, and a shady place to escape the hot midday sun!
July 21st - 2011 - 10:30 PM
While a little eerie looking with the glowing eyes, the Toronto Sheraton nest camera is still telling a story and producing a live updated image throughout both the day and night.
Meg happened to catch some night shots and writes:
Happened to take a peek at the Sheraton Centre webcam last night and caught one of the adult falcons relaxing on the nest ledge. Couldn’t see the bands to confirm whether it was the male or the female. Screen captures attached.
Meg Langley Grainger
July 21st - 2011
Good afternoon
What a treat to log in and see Rhea Mae visiting the nest ledge this morning! Looks like she just had a tasty meal!
All the best-Eileen
A surprise this morning to see a juvenile on the nest ledge this morning. It’s Sunshine, the juvenile!
We already have too much sunshine today with the record breaking heat and humidity. Today Toronto reach 38 degrees C. by 2p.m. and the day is not over, with the humidity it felt more like 49 degrees C. We have not had any rain for almost 23 days, so there are no puddles for the peregrines to stomp around in for cooling.
Sunshine remained on the nest ledge hunkered in the far corner in the shade. I hope there was a breeze up there. She was still there well into the afternoon.
