Yesterday, Bill and I tried to get to the Lift Bridge to check on the birds.   We were unable to get anywhere close.  The normal parking lot and driveway was still closed by the workers doing the Lift Bridge repairs and the walkway on the beach side was closed because of the Hydro work going on.  There were men standing on the roof of the Burlington Tower directly above the nest box so I’m not certain that the maintenance work in the Tower has been completed.  As of Friday, I would have bet my last dollar that the chance of a successful breeding season was slim to nil.

Today, we made another attempt to check on the birds and we were able to access the pier from the beach side of the road.  The gate to the normal parking lot is still filled with work trailers and the gate was locked.  I am happy to report though that it appears that the repair work on the Bridge has been completed as all 4 lanes on the bridge are open once again.   

We arrived around 10:00 am and spent a few hours watching.  When we arrived, Cirrus was sitting on the Hamilton Hydro Tower and Sir was sitting on the cables close to the next box.   Sir did a few flybys of Cirrus chirping and I assume begging for food.  He then flew to the nest box and disappeared inside.  I guess Cirrus was curious and flew over to check it out.  With that they both took the air and did a couple of circles around the Burlington Tower.   He then landed on the nest box and she landed on the buffer housing on the Hamilton Tower.  Eventually she took to the air and disappeared from our sight behind the Burlington Tower.  After a short time, we could see her returning with prey in her talons.  She landed on the Burlington Hydro Tower and proceeded to prepare her meal.  I guess Sir was out of her line of vision as he continued to sit on the nest box. 

We are assuming that it is the resident pair of Cirrus and Sir Adam Beck.  We were able to read a partial band of Black K/Over Green ?? (Cirrus is Black K/Green 83).  Were we unable to read the bands of the other bird.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

If Ontario Hydro would hurry up and finish their work, perhaps a successful breeding season is not out of the question.

I had not seen Jack for the past  week or so and was wondering when he would drop by.   Apparently he’s been a busy bird!

We  are aware that Jack has mated with the female at the TR site - looks like it’s going to be an interesting season!

Her errant mate did pay a visit on Monday and there was some vocalization between them however no signs of any courtship rituals at all compared to last year at this time.  He seems to be spending the bulk of his time at his other site the past few weeks and with news that the former resident male there will be extending his stay in rehab past mating season - I expect he will definitely be nesting there this year. 

The question is will he attempt to nest here as well or can we expect a new mate for Angel.  It is still early days and I expect in the next few weeks we should know the answer to that question as Angel is usually the first to lay her eggs in the city.

Stay tuned…

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.

It certainly is shaping up to be an exciting Spring.  I will endeavour to keep my posts more current.

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)