Author Topic: McKenzie Seeds - 2016 / Sol & Hurricane (Read 47498 times)

RCF · « **Reply #131 on:** October 17, 2016, 17:49 »

Quote from: dupre501 on October 17, 2016, 12:59

Really lovely photos!

Quote from: sami on October 12, 2016, 17:05

What absolutely great pics, RCF!

Thank you ladies!

dupre501 · « **Reply #130 on:** October 17, 2016, 12:59 »

Really lovely photos!

sami · « **Reply #129 on:** October 12, 2016, 17:05 »

What absolutely great pics, RCF!

RCF · « **Reply #128 on:** October 11, 2016, 19:31 »

A few photos of the McKenzie Falcons.

Sol on the left (north) Hurricane on the right (south)

Reverse seating in this one.

Hurricane

Sol

The Chicks

I especially liked this photo of Hurricane.

RCF · « **Reply #127 on:** October 11, 2016, 19:17 »

It's the end of the season for our falcons here in Brandon, I haven't seen one since Oct 7th.

The last time I saw Calvin was September 16th.

Hobbes on the other hand stayed until Oct 4th.

Sol stayed until Oct 5th. He seemed to like the north light on the clock tower, that would be the very spot I first saw him in the spring of this year.

Last but not least, Hurricane stayed the longest and was here until Oct 7th.

burdi · « **Reply #126 on:** July 24, 2016, 04:49 »

Quote from: RCF on July 21, 2016, 18:03

Hurricane is sneaky and hides where she is not that visible to the chicks and I see her do this almost every year. She hides under the black/green ledge......today on the southeast corner.

So everyone seems to be just fine after the storm blew through here yesterday afternoon.

Hahaha! What a character Calvin is proving to be, and this year, Hurricane probably has even more reason to hide from the chicks.

Love the photos!

Good to know that you and the peregrines were fine after that terrible storm passed through.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #125 on:** July 23, 2016, 12:46 »

Well done with the photos RCF! It definitely seems like Calvin is living up to his namesake - all I could think of was Calvin dragging Hobbes into that red wagon and launching it down some nearby hill.

Hopefully Hobbes turns out to be just as pragmatic as his namesake.

Liz · « **Reply #124 on:** July 21, 2016, 19:03 »

TPC, thanks for the weather updates last night. Wicked storm!
RCF, your photos are stunning and thanks for sharing them.

Love the names!

RCF · « **Reply #123 on:** July 21, 2016, 18:03 »

I think we may have a little daredevil named Calvin here. There is a walkway joining the two buildings above the loading dock. There is a space between the dock and the walkway, maybe 12 feet. Anyway after putting Hurricane off her perch at the bottom of the clock tower we saw Calvin fly through the opening between the dock and walkway. It looked like he went very low on the other side. I went around to see where he went and there he was sitting on some wires that are joined to both buildings, so of course he was just fine.

Hurricane is sneaky and hides where she is not that visible to the chicks and I see her do this almost every year. She hides under the black/green ledge......today on the southeast corner.

So everyone seems to be just fine after the storm blew through here yesterday afternoon.

Hurricane before Calvin put her off her perch

Hiding from the kids.

Calvin

Hobbes

Sol

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #122 on:** July 21, 2016, 10:24 »

Hey RCF - hope you and the peregrines weathered the storm okay ...

Brandon Sun - Storm rolls across region

If you can't access the story (some stories you need a subscription to read), here's the text ...

A lively, booming thunderstorm kept storm watchers on their toes province-wide Wednesday evening, bringing heavy rain, hail and several funnel clouds to Westman. The storm developed in the southwestern corner of Manitoba — lighting up social media feeds as it tracked east across the south of the province.

Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang said funnel clouds were seen from several locations, and a brief touchdown near Hartney, about 80 km southwest of Brandon, was reported. In Melita, another 60 km southwest, Lang said golf- to tennis ball-sized hail was reported.

Environment Canada issued a tornado watch in Brandon at about 5 p.m. By then, the dark sky had forced street lights on: above, the clouds swirled slowly, dark grey with streaks of turquoise. In the span of the span of an hour, the temperature dropped to 19 C, quenching a steamy day where the humidex peaked at 44 C in the Wheat City. By 5:30 p.m. the sky opened up, dousing the city with rain — as much as 44 mm in the west end of town and 25 mm at Brandon Municipal Airport, Lang said.

Many city streets flooded for a short period. "It all fell in a very brief period of time, which is usually what causes the flooding," Lang said.

Environment Canada also received reports of marble- and golf ball-sized hail for the Brandon area. The thunderstorm watch was ended at 6:19 p.m. for Brandon.

Some corn plants south of Wawanesa, standing about five feet tall, were pushed over by the storm, some with broken stalks and others with leaves punctured by hail. Both Rossendale and Long Plain, located south of Portage la Prairie, reported funnel clouds touching down, said Lang, which corroborated evidence of rotation that meteorologists were noting in weather maps.

Lang said the storm had lost most of its potential for tornados by the time it reached Winnipeg, but was still capable of producing strong wind, rain and hail.

» tbateman@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @tombatemann

Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition July 21, 2016

burdi · « **Reply #121 on:** July 21, 2016, 09:46 »

Quote from: RCF on July 19, 2016, 16:40

Both of the chicks seem to be flying well as of this afternoon. They were chasing each other and playing talon tag and yelling a lot.

Fun to watch for sure!

Thanks for the great photos RCF, it sure looks like they’re having fun! I can only imagine how exhilarating it must feel as they realize their capabilities! They were probably saying - look mom! look dad! ... see what I can do?

GCG · « **Reply #120 on:** July 20, 2016, 05:57 »

I'm so captivated by your photos RCF! They are amazing. Do you post on Flickr?

kekes · « **Reply #119 on:** July 19, 2016, 20:01 »

Absolutely wonderful shots of the kiddies !

RCF · « **Reply #118 on:** July 19, 2016, 16:40 »

Both of the chicks seem to be flying well as of this afternoon. They were chasing each other and playing talon tag and yelling a lot.

Fun to watch for sure!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #117 on:** July 19, 2016, 14:48 »

Hurricane fledged in 2007 right at the time of the Elie F5 tornado, so if weather-smart is genetic, her kids have them in abundance!!

Tuck down and stay safe Calvin & Hobbes! Hurricane & Sol too of course!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #116 on:** July 19, 2016, 14:43 »

Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Issued at 13:05 Tuesday 19 July 2016

Summary

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, damaging hail and heavy rain.

An area of thunderstorms over Lake Manitoba is expected to weaken as they track into the Interlake this afternoon. Meanwhile, an increasing warm and unstable airmass is spreading over southwest Manitoba this afternoon and is expected to lead to the development of severe thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are expected to diminish this evening.

###

Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

burdi · « **Reply #115 on:** July 18, 2016, 22:26 »

Quote from: RCF on July 18, 2016, 18:48

Calvin fledged, not sure if he fledged today or yesterday. I saw him fly from the northeast pillar over to the tower, missed his landing on the tower then just went to the roof. He went to the back of the building and was there for maybe five minutes. He flew back across the street to the southeast pillar. Didn't see any other flying after that except from mom and dad.

Thank you RCF, your photos are fantastic!

Way to go, young Calvin!

By the way, that’s a cute pigeon in the photo with Calvin - kinda looks like they’re hanging out together!

burdi · « **Reply #114 on:** July 18, 2016, 22:13 »

Quote from: RCF on July 16, 2016, 17:26

Hobbes has been flying quite a bit today. I guess he's getting the hang of it, he put Hurricane off her perch on the communications tower.

You’re lucky Hobbes … Hurricane wouldn’t take that from just anyone!

Thank you for keeping watch on them. It’s great to know Manitoba Conservation is nearby when help is needed, and I felt that was super obliging of Allison to come out and watch Hobbes along with you and Rose last Friday.

RCF · « **Reply #113 on:** July 18, 2016, 18:48 »

Calvin fledged, not sure if he fledged today or yesterday. I saw him fly from the northeast pillar over to the tower, missed his landing on the tower then just went to the roof. He went to the back of the building and was there for maybe five minutes. He flew back across the street to the southeast pillar. Didn't see any other flying after that except from mom and dad.

susha · « **Reply #112 on:** July 17, 2016, 07:53 »

Wonderful pics RCF!

RCF · « **Reply #111 on:** July 16, 2016, 17:26 »

Hobbes has been flying quite a bit today. I guess he's getting the hang of it, he put Hurricane off her perch on the communications tower.

I haven't seen Calvin fly yet, or should I say he hasn't taken the leap off the building. I did see him fly from one side of the roof to the other and has been doing some flapping up on the pillars.

Calvin

Calvin and Hobbes
Hobbes is the yeller

I took these from the Eighth Street Bridge soon to be demolished. Not sure which chick it is but is lying on the old Hack Box they used to hack chicks from many years ago.

burdi · « **Reply #110 on:** July 16, 2016, 05:51 »

Quote from: RCF on July 15, 2016, 20:29

Hobbes has fledged and made us all nervous for a few hours.

Here he is walking the wall

Yikes, what a stressful day for all of you! Your story sounds unbelievable RCF, but hey - you’ve got some beautiful photos to prove otherwise!

I’ve seen stories of birds who were quite capable of climbing walls and actually seemed to be enjoying it, though I’ve yet to witness seeing that for myself (well, I might have seen it somewhat though not for more than a couple seconds), but Hobbes appeared to be holding on like a pro! How lucky it was that he turned out to be so talented at wall walking and then still had the strength to get himself safely off the narrow window ledge; he’s a remarkable young falcon. Thanks for sharing all the excitement RCF, have a great day!

I hope that things continue well - wonder what Calvin was up to while Hobbes was busy trying out his interest in flying.

birdbrain · « **Reply #109 on:** July 15, 2016, 22:35 »

Incredible pictures! Amazing story! So glad he made it ok. Thanks so much for posting.

RCF · « **Reply #108 on:** July 15, 2016, 20:29 »

Hobbes has fledged and made us all nervous for a few hours. The first time he flew he ended up on the walkway connecting the Annex bldg to the McKenzie bldg. There is no problem getting on the Annex bldg from there. He was safe there! But no, he couldn't stay there and flew across the street then flew back but losing height each time. So now he is on a two story ledge. He tried to climb the wall at one point...hanging on with his feet. I had called Allison at Manitoba Conservation and left a message. She came down and watched with us. While we watched he flew to a small window with a very small ledge on one of the walkway windows, not a good place to be!

We really thought he was going to come to the ground as he scrambled a few times to stay on the window ledge. You could hear his talons scraping the window. He was boxed in on three sides and the only way out was to go up or fly east or come to the ground. He surprised us and flew out and over to the mts building. Big sigh of relief from all three of us! Rose and Allison left and I stayed for a bit and watched Hobbes fly back over to the Annex building.

Here he is walking the wall

RCF · « **Reply #107 on:** July 14, 2016, 16:28 »

One of these chicks has fledged, don't know which one it was. I only saw it flying after Sol between the McKenzie building and the Scotia bank building. I didn't see either of them after that. Hurricane was perched at the bottom of the clock tower never moving so I can only assume one was still on the lower roof.

burdi · « **Reply #106 on:** July 14, 2016, 11:37 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on July 12, 2016, 14:29

Quote from: GCG on July 11, 2016, 08:37
Have the chicks been named?

Yes, they have. And even though they haven't fledge yet and I'm twitchy about publishing their names, everyone else has been named so here goes ... Calvin (red tape) and Hobbes (no tape/silver). As RCF's photo showed they are busy popping around on the roof of the building which is great for building their strength and figuring out what the big flappy things are for. KNOCK ON WOOD it serves them well when they decide to take their first flights!

Cute names.

sparkster · « **Reply #105 on:** July 13, 2016, 16:53 »

This is a general comment regarding all of the chicks, but I am putting it in this section. The names of the chicks at all sites are great and the family portraits are so cute.

Moonstar · « **Reply #104 on:** July 13, 2016, 12:08 »

awwwwe so cute. Names fit perfect.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #103 on:** July 13, 2016, 11:52 »

2016 McKenzie Seeds Chick Portrait

newchick · « **Reply #102 on:** July 13, 2016, 08:55 »

Loving Calvin and Hobbes! Great choice!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #101 on:** July 12, 2016, 18:53 »

Can't take credit for these names - the folks at Manitoba Conservation in Brandon came up with them.
Wish I had though ...

susha · « **Reply #100 on:** July 12, 2016, 18:47 »

Love, love, love Calvin and Hobbes!

GCG · « **Reply #99 on:** July 12, 2016, 15:04 »

I love these names. Memories of two favorite cartoon strips are #1 Calvin and Hobbes and #2 Mother Goose and Grimm. Thanks, TPC for sharing.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #98 on:** July 12, 2016, 14:29 »

Quote from: GCG on July 11, 2016, 08:37

Have the chicks been named?

Yes, they have. And even though they haven't fledge yet and I'm twitchy about publishing their names, everyone else has been named so here goes ... Calvin (red tape) and Hobbes (no tape/silver). As RCF's photo showed they are busy popping around on the roof of the building which is great for building their strength and figuring out what the big flappy things are for. KNOCK ON WOOD it serves them well when they decide to take their first flights!

burdi · « **Reply #97 on:** July 12, 2016, 04:46 »

Quote from: RCF on July 11, 2016, 19:22

These two are about 30 to 35 days old and we hadn't seen them up on the walls so I parked about seven blocks east of the building. Through binoculars you can just see the peak of one of the skylights. I took a couple of photos and we were able to see the two chicks on the skylight and Sol was perched on the pillar to the right of them. It's not a very clear picture but can see the two chicks still have fluff on their heads and wings. Happy to see they are alive and well.

Nice to know the chicks are well - love their little white fluffies!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #96 on:** July 12, 2016, 00:23 »

Perfect place at exactly the right time RCF - well done!!!

dupre501 · « **Reply #95 on:** July 11, 2016, 19:25 »

Good job being able to see them at that distance

RCF · « **Reply #94 on:** July 11, 2016, 19:22 »

These two are about 30 to 35 days old and we hadn't seen them up on the walls so I parked about seven blocks east of the building. Through binoculars you can just see the peak of one of the skylights. I took a couple of photos and we were able to see the two chicks on the skylight and Sol was perched on the pillar to the right of them. It's not a very clear picture but can see the two chicks still have fluff on their heads and wings. Happy to see they are alive and well.

GCG · « **Reply #93 on:** July 11, 2016, 08:37 »

Have the chicks been named?

photosbydennis · « **Reply #92 on:** July 04, 2016, 18:52 »

More photos have been added...included is "Sears Portrait" of each of the kids.

http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/brandon_2016

photosbydennis · « **Reply #91 on:** July 02, 2016, 08:21 »

Brandon Banding Gallery has been started...more photos will be added in the day's to come.

http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/brandon_2016

GCG · « **Reply #90 on:** July 01, 2016, 10:01 »

Fantastic photos RCF! Thanks for sharing. Dennis, I'm guessing that is NOT Wowzer!

Kinderchick · « **Reply #89 on:** June 30, 2016, 23:25 »

Glad to hear all went well with the Brandon banding today.

RCF · « **Reply #88 on:** June 30, 2016, 20:12 »

My and Rose's view when the chicks were removed from the nest box. I am sure some of you will recognize one of these people.

]

burdi · « **Reply #87 on:** June 30, 2016, 16:32 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on June 30, 2016, 15:42

Sorry, driving and chatting and texting means I forgot to mention that RCF and Rose were our ground-crew today in Brandon. They were in charge of keeping track of Hurricane and Sol as we were focussed on the chicks and the pigeon mess!!! Actually, RCF's got downtown Brandon so well scoped out for camera angles I think a) they do t miss a thing that goes on at McKenzie Seeds and b) the peregrines consider them as odd-looking members of the family (because humans would be odd-looking to peregrines NOT that RCF or Rose are odd-looking!!!)

Haha that’s funny! But seriously, they must consider RCF and Rose family - after seeing them so often!

Sounds like you had a fun day!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #86 on:** June 30, 2016, 15:42 »

Sorry, driving and chatting and texting means I forgot to mention that RCF and Rose were our ground-crew today in Brandon. They were in charge of keeping track of Hurricane and Sol as we were focussed on the chicks and the pigeon mess!!! Actually, RCF's got downtown Brandon so well scoped out for camera angles I think a) they do t miss a thing that goes on at McKenzie Seeds and b) the peregrines consider them as odd-looking members of the family (because humans would be odd-looking to peregrines NOT that RCF or Rose are odd-looking!!!)

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #85 on:** June 30, 2016, 15:24 »

Banding here went very well, well except that the mess the pigeons had made in all the places we needed to hang onto or kneel on! Hurricane and Sol were understandably miffed that we had come back yet again but hey, what's new. Was cloudy until we arrived then went sunny but not too warm which made the work easier but there were still 7 flights of stairs, then a truly nasty spiral staircase and a landing that was equally pigeon-abused. Getting the chicks pretty much the easiest part of the process. Two boys, as yet unnamed (just whittling our final choices) were feisty but not boodthirsty little terrors. They looked good - just like young peregrines should! Will post longer when I get back to town.

Kinderchick · « **Reply #84 on:** June 29, 2016, 23:31 »

Good luck with the banding in Brandon, TPC & Dennis.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #83 on:** June 29, 2016, 22:38 »

Oh and RCF is pretty convinced it will be a boy and a girl ... If she is right (and she likely is

) then the boys will outnumber the girls this year!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #82 on:** June 29, 2016, 22:35 »

We will be in Brandon tomorrow (Thursday) banding Sol's and Hurricane's two chicks. Since we have to use a ladder to get up to the nestbox and we need to repair the camera window, we are very much hoping the weather forecasters are correct about tomorrow's weather in Brandon!!

burdi · « **Reply #81 on:** June 27, 2016, 20:23 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on June 22, 2016, 11:47

Yup going to have make sure that window gets fixed - the thought of pigeons inside (again) is too traumatic to think about (again)

Quote from: RCF on June 27, 2016, 18:48

Pigeon Hole

uh-oh!

burdi · « **Reply #80 on:** June 27, 2016, 20:08 »

Quote from: RCF on June 27, 2016, 18:48

Hurricane was serving lunch when I was there today.

Look at all those lovely little feathers on this chick

They’re looking good! Thank you, RCF.

RCF · « **Reply #79 on:** June 27, 2016, 18:48 »

Hurricane was serving lunch when I was there today.

Look at all those lovely little feathers on this chick

Pigeon Hole

Sol and Hurricane just after a mid air food transfer

GCG · « **Reply #78 on:** June 26, 2016, 06:03 »

Quote from: sparkster on June 25, 2016, 21:27

Quote from: burdi on June 25, 2016, 17:21
Quote from: RCF on June 25, 2016, 16:13
Quote from: burdi on June 24, 2016, 17:32
Have you seen their little heads lately RCF?

I just saw them today and they look bright and perky.

[img width=400 height=263]http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/2016%20McKenzie%20Peregrines/McKenzie%20Chicks%20June%2025%202016%20012.jpg[/

Oh what a nice surprise (I just want to hug them), they’re way too adorable!

Thanks so much for sharing your awesome photos, RCF.

They are very sweet! Great photos. Thank you.

RCF, your photos are fantastic! Have you thought about starting your own gallery?

burdi, you may want to rethink about hugging them, unless you want your ears pierced.

Shocka88 · « **Reply #77 on:** June 26, 2016, 01:09 »

They are so cute! Thx RCF.

Kinderchick · « **Reply #76 on:** June 25, 2016, 23:27 »

Quote from: RCF on June 25, 2016, 16:13

Quote from: burdi on June 24, 2016, 17:32
Have you seen their little heads lately RCF?

I just saw them today and they look bright and perky.

Cute as can be!

sparkster · « **Reply #75 on:** June 25, 2016, 21:27 »

Quote from: burdi on June 25, 2016, 17:21

Quote from: RCF on June 25, 2016, 16:13
Quote from: burdi on June 24, 2016, 17:32
Have you seen their little heads lately RCF?

I just saw them today and they look bright and perky.

Oh what a nice surprise (I just want to hug them), they’re way too adorable!

Thanks so much for sharing your awesome photos, RCF.

They are very sweet!

Great photos. Thank you.

burdi · « **Reply #74 on:** June 25, 2016, 17:21 »

Quote from: RCF on June 25, 2016, 16:13

Quote from: burdi on June 24, 2016, 17:32
Have you seen their little heads lately RCF?

I just saw them today and they look bright and perky.

Oh what a nice surprise (I just want to hug them), they’re way too adorable!

Thanks so much for sharing your awesome photos, RCF.

birdbrain · « **Reply #73 on:** June 25, 2016, 17:16 »

I love your pictures RCF,, thanks for posting them and keeping us updated about what is happening in Brandon. These latest ones are so cute! It looks like they are having a conversation about the world out there. Thanks again.

RCF · « **Reply #72 on:** June 25, 2016, 16:13 »

Quote from: burdi on June 24, 2016, 17:32

Have you seen their little heads lately RCF?

I just saw them today and they look bright and perky.

From the parkade across the street, they are getting feathers

burdi · « **Reply #71 on:** June 24, 2016, 17:32 »

Quote from: RCF on June 20, 2016, 16:19

We had very strong winds here yesterday and I think it blew the front board off the camera window. Hurricane and Sol are fine and were both perched on the building.

Thankfully Hurricane and Sol weren't injured in that wind the other day. I’m wondering how the chicks are doing.

Have you seen their little heads lately RCF?

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #70 on:** June 22, 2016, 11:47 »

Yup going to have make sure that window gets fixed - the thought of pigeons inside (again) is too traumatic to think about (again)

GCG · « **Reply #69 on:** June 21, 2016, 05:49 »

Quote from: bccs on June 20, 2016, 18:35

RCF, fantastic pictures, as always.

Ditto that!

bccs · « **Reply #68 on:** June 20, 2016, 18:35 »

You are welcome GCG.

RCF, fantastic pictures, as always.

RCF · « **Reply #67 on:** June 20, 2016, 16:19 »

We had very strong winds here yesterday and I think it blew the front board off the camera window. Hurricane and Sol are fine and were both perched on the building.

Sol

Hurricane

Both

Cam window

GCG · « **Reply #66 on:** June 20, 2016, 06:19 »

Thanks bccs for the update.

bccs · « **Reply #65 on:** June 19, 2016, 05:58 »

Quote from: GCG on June 11, 2016, 13:45

I now remember. Rose! Where are you, Rose?

I do believe that Rose "has left the building".

moka · « **Reply #64 on:** June 16, 2016, 08:30 »

Quote from: Kinderchick on June 10, 2016, 23:49

Your photos are extraordinary, RCF! Thanks for posting them.

Bless you! Love the comments & photos.

GCG · « **Reply #63 on:** June 11, 2016, 13:45 »

I now remember. Rose! Where are you, Rose?

GCG · « **Reply #62 on:** June 11, 2016, 12:55 »

Quote from: Kinderchick on June 10, 2016, 23:49

Your photos are extraordinary, RCF! Thanks for posting them.

I echo Kinderchick's post, RCF. You are our eyes, our ears and the best to post photos, words and comments to my/our posts Thank you so VERY much! I am unable to provide the name, but I often wonder what has happened to your/our comrade.

??

Kinderchick · « **Reply #61 on:** June 10, 2016, 23:49 »

Your photos are extraordinary, RCF! Thanks for posting them.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #60 on:** June 09, 2016, 19:59 »

Looks like we might just have two in Brandon this year ... it has been two days since the chicks hatched and it looks like the two remaining eggs are intact. We will check again early next week (if possible) just to be sure.

Camera was zoomed in, window was a bit dirty and it was very shady in the nestbox!

Kinderchick · « **Reply #59 on:** June 08, 2016, 22:59 »

Nice to hear of the 2 hatches here.

burdi · « **Reply #58 on:** June 08, 2016, 03:35 »

Nice to see Sol and Hurricane looking well. Thank you for the great photos RCF!

RCF · « **Reply #57 on:** June 07, 2016, 20:30 »

I caught a feed around 3 pm today.

Hurricane taking away the prey, looks to be a shore bird of some kind.

Here's Sol, I didn't see him sneak in when she went for a 5 minute break.

Hurricane having a stretch after the feed. She had that feather on her face the whole time

Sol seems to be a good mate, he sure is fast getting in the box when Hurricane leaves.

RCF · « **Reply #56 on:** June 07, 2016, 19:38 »

Good news about the first two hatches!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #55 on:** June 07, 2016, 09:09 »

First two chicks have confirmed to have hatched as of this morning. We think they hatched overnight/this morning (June 6/7). Two more eggs to go. If the last two do hatch out, it will solidify the timeline. Our estimated start of hatch was June 4-10 and like everyone else, these chicks seem to have chosen right in the middle of the range to get down to business.

We hope Sol & Hurricane will hatch them all out - all our sites had four eggs this year, but only 3 have hatched at both Radisson and West Winnipeg. We think Logan might have 4 but the kids there won't un-pile enough for us to count them properly!! (yet at least). Would be nice to have an even number out in Brandon but we'll all be happy with whatever Sol and Hurricane are willing to share with the world.

No photos - we might get some yet and if we do, I will post them here of course.

Pam · « **Reply #54 on:** May 30, 2016, 20:04 »

Thanks, RCF!

bev. · « **Reply #53 on:** May 30, 2016, 08:51 »

nice photos as always

RCF · « **Reply #52 on:** May 29, 2016, 18:43 »

Just a couple of photos from today.

Sol coming out of the nest box.

Hurricane making the leap from the east light to the top of the clock tower.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #51 on:** May 13, 2016, 16:50 »

Quote from: Moonstar on May 13, 2016, 10:21

Is it possible that one day they may demolish the building? If that does happen is there a plan for a new nesting site for the Peregrines?

The McKenzie Seeds Building is a heritage building and I'm sorry I don't know specifically what the rules are other than it isn't just a case of "oh well, knock it down". Here's a story from this time last year that provides a bit more information on the trials and tribulations of renovating the building
http://www.brandonsun.com/local/developers-not-giving-up-on-mckenzie-towers-295589501.html

As for alternate plans, we always have alternate plans. One has had to be scrapped because the building has since been torn down. Fortunately, the peregrines don't have much infrastructure associated with them (nestbox & some gravel) so IF we were ever to get to the point where there are serious discussions about tearing the building down, we aren't starting from scratch. Ultimately however, it will be up to the peregrines to choose which site they prefer. Or sites, some pairs like to bounce between nestsites so we will try to accommodate their preferences.

Moonstar · « **Reply #50 on:** May 13, 2016, 10:21 »

Is it possible that one day they may demolish the building? If that does happen is there a plan for a new nesting site for the Peregrines?

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #49 on:** May 12, 2016, 17:48 »

Quote from: GCG on May 12, 2016, 13:48

How I wish this site still had a cam.

Me too!!!

We haven't given up but there are serious technical difficulties. We used to be able to tap into an existing line but recent demolitions cut all the connections to anything and everything in the building and it is surprisingly more difficult to get this kind of thing reconnected. It doesn't help that the building is long empty and not slated for renovation in the near future. We've lost a whole bunch of power (no elevators and most of the lights) - each year it seems like something else is "gone". Except of course the important stuff - the peregrines.

GCG · « **Reply #48 on:** May 12, 2016, 13:48 »

How I wish this site still had a cam.

moka · « **Reply #47 on:** May 12, 2016, 10:49 »

Great news, four eggs!

RCF · « **Reply #46 on:** May 11, 2016, 18:08 »

Glad to hear about the four eggs! Hurricane seems to be fairly consistent over the years.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #45 on:** May 11, 2016, 13:46 »

Got confirmation yesterday that there are 4 eggs in the box so RCF's sharp eyes did catch the start of hard incubation! Start of hatch should be somewhere between June 6-12.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #44 on:** May 07, 2016, 21:11 »

Timing is right too from Sol's return - nice to see Hurricane keep to her usual schedule!

RCF · « **Reply #43 on:** May 07, 2016, 18:31 »

These two are now in hard incubation. Rose and I saw them do a nest exchange this afternoon......my suspicions have been confirmed.

photosbydennis · « **Reply #42 on:** May 07, 2016, 08:11 »

Great pics RCF...Cheers !

burdi · « **Reply #41 on:** May 05, 2016, 19:02 »

Wouldn't it be a nice surprise to hear we're getting a cam in Brandon this year!?

Pam · « **Reply #40 on:** May 05, 2016, 15:17 »

Thanks for the updates, RCF!

bev. · « **Reply #39 on:** May 04, 2016, 00:38 »

glad you have eggs and therefore young ones to watch

RCF · « **Reply #38 on:** May 03, 2016, 20:27 »

Quote from: GCG on May 03, 2016, 10:50

Are there any updates? So look forward to following this nest and miss the cam.

Nothings changed since my last post a few a days ago.

GCG · « **Reply #37 on:** May 03, 2016, 10:50 »

Are there any updates? So look forward to following this nest and miss the cam.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #36 on:** April 30, 2016, 23:37 »

Quote from: RCF on April 30, 2016, 20:31

Hurricane landed above him on the tower. She looks to have an egg butt.

I don't know about egg butt

but I was estimating about May 6 for their first egg but she was often early with Brooklyn, have to see if it is the same way with Sol. I padded her usual lay start time by a few days just in case she needed a bit of extra convincing to accept Sol. Will be interesting to see how these two do this year ...

birdbrain · « **Reply #35 on:** April 30, 2016, 23:01 »

Thank you for the great pictures! That egg butt looks very uncomfortable! Exciting though to hear about another nest with eggs.

RCF · « **Reply #34 on:** April 30, 2016, 20:31 »

Hurricane landed above him on the tower. She looks to have an egg butt.

He started to eat the prey, a good sized chunk of meat....couldn't tell what it was. After 15 minutes of waiting for her gift, she took it from him. I think she was scolding him.

He left and flew over to the south light, she ate her meal.

RCF · « **Reply #33 on:** April 30, 2016, 20:15 »

I think we have eggs here! Hurricane has been in the box in the south corner, we saw her in there yesterday and today.

We watched Sol bring her a food gift today which he took to the communications tower.

He sat there for a bit and called but she never came out of the box until he flew around the McKenzie building with the prey and then going back to the tower. That's when she left the box to go to the tower.

carly · « **Reply #32 on:** April 19, 2016, 19:56 »

You are right RCF, you can really see the 'family' resemblance in the photos you posted.

RCF · « **Reply #31 on:** April 19, 2016, 19:07 »

I have to say that Sol looks very much like his mother. They have the same head shape and somewhat the same markings on the side of the head, from a distance it is really hard to tell the two apart. On more than one occasion I have got their ID wrong.

It was much easier telling Brooklyn and Hurricane apart.

Sol Hurricane

bev. · « **Reply #30 on:** April 15, 2016, 12:30 »

thanks RCF

I know it is bittersweet.
But Ivy took over when Trey did not return, so you have good genes here

I think you probably have nice jeans also LOL

Our poor migrating a birds face so many things, hail, hurricanes , owls etc. but I believe he is with MIss Edmonton sipping cool ones on a beach

RCF · « **Reply #29 on:** April 14, 2016, 19:34 »

This morning Hurricane was perched on the nest box and Sol was right above on the McKenzie roof ledge.

After work she was at the bottom of the clock tower napping, he was on the south light.

RCF · « **Reply #28 on:** April 14, 2016, 19:27 »

The other day when I was watching, Hurricane was in the nest box chupping where I could only see her head. Sol flew up to it and then as he got to edge he bolted.

She didn't come out right away so probably making a scrape. When she did come out she was talking to him or yelling.

Anyway I remembered that she has a distinguishing feature at the back of her neck or nape, she has a white feather that has always been there.

burdi · « **Reply #27 on:** April 14, 2016, 16:04 »

Quote from: RCF on April 10, 2016, 15:07

We have been watching since April 4th and have tried to convince ourselves that the male is Brooklyn. There was just something off about this bird, he wasn't perching where Brooklyn usually did, also the breast feathers and malars were different. Today I got the band number. It is not Brooklyn, it is Sol D/20 from 2012, Hurricane and Brooklyn's son. We are glad that he survived the last four years but saddened that Brooklyn has not returned as of yet.

Thank you for all of your reports and photos RCF.

I am also feeling very sad that Brooklyn has not been seen yet.

It's really nice to know that Sol is doing well and I want the best for all of our falcons, but of course I hope this situation will not result in a father/son battle down the road.

moka · « **Reply #26 on:** April 14, 2016, 11:12 »

Interesting and fascinating. One never knows what the birds will do.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #25 on:** April 13, 2016, 11:25 »

RCF has been hard at work and she has managed to postitively and definitively ID Hurricane's band number! She's also been figuring what Sol likes to do and where he likes to hang out so I'm sure she will be sharing some of his antics and adventures over the next little while! Even though it seems like every bird would like to sit in the same places that just isn't the way it works most of the time and it will be interesting to see how Sol differs from Brooklyn and from Zeus all of whom are Brandon-hatched males!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #24 on:** April 13, 2016, 08:01 »

Quote from: Shocka88 on April 12, 2016, 13:11

So hoping Brooklyn returns......they make such a great couple!

Quote from: RCF on April 12, 2016, 19:16

Well, I am thinking that Hurricane isn't waiting for Brooklyn, I saw her and Sol mate this morning. I also saw them tandem hunting yesterday afternoon around 6:30pm just east of downtown above a field by the river. They were both diving on a whitish bird, not sure if it was a pigeon or a gull. All three birds disappeared after descending towards the ground. I sat and watched for a bit and no birds flew up, so I figured they must have captured whatever they were after.

Well that sounds like she might know something we don't. There's also been some research recently that looked at pre-return liaisons between peregrines as a kind of foreplay before they come home to their mates. Haven't read any of the research but was chatting to one of the peregrine folks down south about it recently. If Brooklyn returns that could, I suppose, mean a shorter courtship to get everyone in the mood.

Will be interesting to watch this one - more interesting for us, more work for you I'm afraid RCF!!

RCF · « **Reply #23 on:** April 12, 2016, 20:00 »

Hurricane and Sol (on the left) at the bottom of the clock tower yesterday.

Hurricane on the communications tower.

]

Shocka88 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 12, 2016, 19:35 »

Oh well, whatever will be, will be! The choice is hers and I wish her the best no matter who she chooses.

RCF · « **Reply #21 on:** April 12, 2016, 19:16 »

Quote from: Shocka88 on April 12, 2016, 13:11

So hoping Brooklyn returns......they make such a great couple!

Well, I am thinking that Hurricane isn't waiting for Brooklyn, I saw her and Sol mate this morning. I also saw them tandem hunting yesterday afternoon around 6:30pm just east of downtown above a field by the river. They were both diving on a whitish bird, not sure if it was a pigeon or a gull. All three birds disappeared after descending towards the ground. I sat and watched for a bit and no birds flew up, so I figured they must have captured whatever they were after.

Shocka88 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 12, 2016, 13:11 »

So hoping Brooklyn returns......they make such a great couple!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #19 on:** April 11, 2016, 22:47 »

I think you are probably right about Hurricane too but with Sol turning up in Brandon and Faith and Bristol out this way you all know I like to be sure of band numbers just in case. I have no doubt she'll eventually flash her leg band while you have your camera on her and it will prove without a doubt it is Hurricane home again for an eighth year.

And you are absolutely right about Fate - I was mixing him up with Luck who turned up here in Winnipeg on migration! Thanks for catching that

soaring west · « **Reply #18 on:** April 11, 2016, 17:34 »

After several years reading this forum. I believe in the boots on the ground. Thank you RCF for all of your reports and photos.

RCF · « **Reply #17 on:** April 11, 2016, 15:23 »

Karma, Kismet and Luck were the three females from 2009, Fate was the only male. I really kind of doubt that Chinook is the female falcon at the McKenzie building this year. I am very sure the birdie in question is Hurricane. Looks like her, she sits in all the her regular places. I have been watching her since she arrived in 2009. I hope you can give me a little bit of credit when I tell you who l think it is being that I could read most of her band number. Of course I could be wrong.....nobody is perfect.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2016, 13:22 »

I did miss that you had seen a 2 and Y on the female's band. Certainly increases the odds that it is Hurricane.

Of the the 2x over Y birds - only three are female (so far as we know) - Hurricane (23/Y), Chinook (24/Y) and Fate (25/Y). Haven't heard from/of either Chinook or Fate so definitely adds to the evidence that it is Hurricane back again this year.

I have no doubt she'll show you (and your camera) her full band very soon!!

And though I like that Sol has survived, I would like to see Brooklyn come home, such a pretty bird and a good partner for Hurricane.

Jazzerkins · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2016, 04:45 »

Your previous post stated "the 2 and the Y and sure as sure it's Hurricane." Did you mean to type "3" and not "2"?

RCF · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2016, 18:55 »

I also found this from 2013

Quote

We have banded 8 birds with 2x over Y.

This sequence of bands is for males. We do we know we have one female who was banded as a male in this sequence (Hurricane) and maybe two (Hurricane's sib Chinook, status unknown). All the others are male - Brooklyn (survived), Max (unknown), Ty (survived), Tupper (unknown), Fate (unknown) and Mac (deceased).

According to this post, doesn't it seem logical that it could only be Hurricane with a 3 and a Y.

Mac..........20/Y
Brooklyn....21/Y
Ty.............22/Y
Hurricane....23/Y
Chinook......24/Y
Fate...........25/Y
Tupper.......27/Y

http://www.species-at-risk.mb.ca/pefa/forum/index.php/topic,3395.msg91253.html#msg91253

RCF · « **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2016, 18:39 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on April 10, 2016, 17:01

RCF - Have we got a band number confirmed on Hurricane this year?

I was looking at your nice flight photo and it occurred to me that the cheek patch on the right (her right) side looks a lot smaller/darker than we have on record for her ...

Quote

Plus I did get most of her band number.....the 2 and the Y and sure as sure it's Hurricane.

I guess you missed reading where I posted her partial band number in my previous post.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #12 on:** April 10, 2016, 17:01 »

RCF - Have we got a band number confirmed on Hurricane this year?

I was looking at your nice flight photo and it occurred to me that the cheek patch on the right (her right) side looks a lot smaller/darker than we have on record for her ...

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #11 on:** April 10, 2016, 16:51 »

Nice catch RCF - nice to see another one of Hurricane's and Brooklyn's has survived.

Is it too early to write off Brooklyn? I would say not. I know they usually turn up about the same time each year, but that isn't a requirement, not by a long shot!!

I'll be interested in hearing how Hurricane responds to him - she may not have anything to do with him or it may take her awhile to warm up to him or it may get down to business very quickly. I'm going to hang on adding Sol's name to the subject line just in case.

Nice to see that Brandon is having some of the excitement we've been enjoying!

bev. · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2016, 15:51 »

AWe,

well at least you have one of offspring and I owuld nto like to see a fight among st them

I know how you feel. when Miss Edmonton did not return last year to Weber, it was bittersweet but at least we had one of RAdissons there. And we have confirmed Green girl at Weber again.

RCF · « **Reply #9 on:** April 10, 2016, 15:07 »

We have been watching since April 4th and have tried to convince ourselves that the male is Brooklyn. There was just something off about this bird, he wasn't perching where Brooklyn usually did, also the breast feathers and malars were different. Today I got the band number. It is not Brooklyn, it is Sol D/20 from 2012, Hurricane and Brooklyn's son. We are glad that he survived the last four years but saddened that Brooklyn has not returned as of yet.

Sol is quite the little flyer, lots of aerobatics and showing off to his mom, she doesn't seem to be impressed or receptive yet. He flew around her and looked like he wanted to mate but she never got into position for that. I am sure she will come around if Brooklyn doesn't show up. Plus I did get most of her band number.....the 2 and the Y and sure as sure it's Hurricane.

Sol

Hurricane

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2016, 12:09 »

Quote from: RCF on April 08, 2016, 08:11

There are two falcons here as of this morning.

They are consistent these two - gotta love them for it!!

Moonstar · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2016, 10:02 »

Quote from: RCF on April 08, 2016, 08:11

There are two falcons here as of this morning.

YAY

Hopefully they are Brooklyn and Hurricane.

RCF · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2016, 08:11 »

There are two falcons here as of this morning.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2016, 09:42 »

Great catch RCF!!

Hopefully the weather and the bird (birds maybe soon) will cooperate and let you get a good look/photo of their band(s).

According my records from last year - Brooklyn returned on Apr 6th, Hurricane on the 11th. In 2014, she returned on the 6th, he was back on the 9th. So, they are pretty much on schedule which is nice to see!

photosbydennis · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2016, 07:43 »

Good news, now you have your work cut out for you RCF

RCF · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2016, 19:48 »

April 4/2016

Yup! There is one peregrine here but I don't know who.

It looks male but I have only seen it perch on the north light of the McKenzie bldg, which I find unusual. Brooklyn and/or Hurricane do not usually perch on that particular light. I couldn't read the number but the birdie does have a black band on the right leg, silver on the left.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2016, 11:05 »

It'd just like them to return - snow, rain or fog

GCG · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2016, 09:56 »

Certainly hope Brooklyn and Hurricane postpone their return for a few days with all the inclement weather forecasted.