Author Topic: Non-Resident Sightings - 2020 (Read 57172 times)

Kinderchick · « **Reply #128 on:** May 25, 2012, 22:18 »

Quote from: irenekl on May 25, 2012, 15:38

...Very interesting read, thankyou Tracy.

Yes, very interesting read, indeed.

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on May 25, 2012, 00:54

...At this point, she has travelled for 50 days and has covered 13,254km.

Amazing!

irenekl · « **Reply #127 on:** May 25, 2012, 15:38 »

Would sure be cool to know if she's spending her time with a male and raising chicks. Very interesting read, thankyou Tracy.

Ellie · « **Reply #126 on:** May 25, 2012, 11:31 »

TPC............that is remarkable. Amazing really. Those "kids" that she will have sure have to grow up fast and strong in order to get south somewhere and out of the cold. All I can say is WOW. Thanks so much for this info.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #125 on:** May 25, 2012, 00:54 »

Even cooler and more on-topic is that Island Girl, a tundra peregrine with a transmitter, is currently sitting at the southern end of Whitewater Lake having bopped around the Turtle Mountains area for the last day. At this point, she's flown 11,632km since she left Chile on April 15th. And she has a ways to go - she should be heading north/northeast soon to head back to her nesting territory on Baffin Island soon.

Last year she was in the same area at this time of the year. Last year, she spent the night of May 25/26 on the banks of the Souris River by Gregory's Mill (a provincial historic site) before she head out NNW over Brandon to spend the night just SW of Minnedosa. The next day she was off again in a NNW direction over Riding Mountain 271km to the shores of Swan Lake. Next day she upped her mileage to 365km for the day, from Swan Lake north to Highrock Lake west of Thompson. The next few days were short hops NNE to Sand Caribou River Park Reserve on the Manitoba/Nunavut border where she spent a couple more days within about a 1km square area just below the treeline (I checked the lat/long). At this point, she has travelled for 50 days and has covered 13,254km. Then on June 1st, she alters course and heads north east with purpose - from 1500h to 2300h, she crosses into Nunavut and covers 202km. Next day she's off along the coast then she's over water - 293km by 0700h, another 672km by 1500h and another 132 by 2200h and another 34.9km by 0600h on June 3rd close to 1000km in a bit over 24 hours. But there was a reason, she's within site of her goal - by the end of the day, she's come ashore on/over Baffin Island. From June 4th to the 9th she criss-crosses the southern half of the island and looking at the points, it almost looks like she's checking out nestsites along the shoreline(s), I don't know the terrain, but that's certainly how it looked and when I did look at some topo maps, she did seem to be popping from coastal cliff/peaks to cliff/peaks. Finally on June 10th, she heads off to her nestsite - or at least where she spends her summers. It's on the side of a lake amid a huge complex of interconnected waterbodies. Her summer "home" is on high ground with low, I'd say tidal and salt-water marshes on one side and a lake on the other with higher ground surrounding the lake and other waterbodies.

She was in the same location in 2010 and 2009 though in 2009 she was based on a different high spot just to the east, but on the same lake. In 2009 she was back on her territory by June 18th (she did alot of wandering on the west side of Baffin that year) and on June 2nd in 2010. In 2010, she went north through eastern Saskatchewan, across the NW corner of Manitoba then north of Chesterfield Inlet before going due west across to Southampton Island to Baffin Island. Bird with a mission that year, no wandering about. Will be interesting to see what this year will bring for Island Girl - but expect her to get home between June 2nd and 18th. It will be a quick turn-around for her chicks (if she's breeding) - she leaves Baffin Island pretty regularly - September 20 in 2009 and 2011, September 21 in 2010. That's 95-110 days - 14 days for egg production, 5 days to lay, 30 days incubation, 45 days until all the chicks fledge = 99 days - doesn't leave much time for anything except raising a family before its time to head south - definitely a case of having to "learn on the job" for the chicks!! No idea how much "help" they get from their parents or if they have to rely much more on their hardwiring than our (spoiled

) southern chicks.

* a day is from 0700h to 2300h

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #124 on:** May 24, 2012, 22:43 »

Was checking the HawkCount numbers and it looks like for a great many of the sites, they had more peregrines come through their sites in May than in April - in a number of cases three-quarters or more of their totals this spring. It will be nice to go back over the threads when I have more time to see when birds were turning up on sites to see when they turned up on their territories. It may be these are non-breeding birds (too young, too old or "floaters) or they could just be "late" birds.

At the Pembina Valley, they had just 7 peregrines observed in March and April - which is interesting since we know of 8, probably 10 identified birds that probably went right over Windygates and another 6-10 that played "tourist" for a day or two before continuing on their way who also used the same route.

irenekl · « **Reply #123 on:** May 14, 2012, 00:16 »

Very, very interesting. I'll be looking upwards even more now.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #122 on:** May 13, 2012, 21:19 »

About 10 days ago, BigBird, one of our members spotted a bird at Alice's favourite spot west of the West Winnipeg territory. This was just after RCF thought the pair at the Tower site in Brandon looked not like Zeus and Alice - Alice is a very big bird for a peregrine, or at least in comparison with our females. So RCF has been trying to get a better look at the Tower birds and/or their bands but no luck so far and Dennis and I have been trying to do the same with BigBird's big bird. Given that everyone who sees her remarks on her size and because she's back in the same spot she was in last year at about this same time last year, well there's a pretty good chance its Alice again. Hopefully she will hang around long enough for Wowzer to do his magic and we might be able to clear up one mystery even though it deepens the mystery as to who the Tower birds are ...?

I should note that we have another wave of peregrines on the move through Manitoba and southern Saskatchewan at the moment. This "big bird" is not the first we have seen in the last two weeks - Dennis has had three sightings on favourite migration buildings and I have had two. The tundra birds are still moving - Island Girl who nests on Baffin Island is just entering the "River of Raptors" at Veracruz, Mexico and Felipe is a bit slower, he's near Arequipa, Peru. We don't know where he spends his summers, but wherever it is, he's not in a great hurry to get there yet.

So we have anatum birds on the move again but many of them could be hatches from last year or non-breeding birds so there is no urgency to get to a nestsite. And the tundra birds, based on their previous years' schedules, should probably wander through Manitoba at the end of May, so whether you watch them on the webcams or watch the skies (or both) there are lots of peregrines to see over the next month!

photosbydennis · « **Reply #121 on:** May 06, 2012, 19:58 »

Just passing through...one bird on the back side of a high apt block, close to the main st. bridge. Returning home and as I step out of the buggy that familiar sound can be heard...then joined by a second and third, one bird circles and heads South and then some more cacking between the 2 left on the tower. Then all went quiet.
It was so obvious that even my wife noticed the bird fly over and heard all the yelling.
Just the right place at the right time kind of thing.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #120 on:** March 27, 2012, 16:04 »

Quote from: Saoirse on March 27, 2012, 15:49

TPC, I was driving from Selkirk back to Pine Falls this afternoon and saw what sure looked like a peregrine falcon on a post by the highway. Is that an area where a sighting might be reasonable?

Could be a young bird or a migrant on its way through. Forests are not great for them to hunt but open fields especially near water, particularly if there is waterfowl there could definitely attract a bird or three.

Speaking of which - check out the video of I have just posted in the News section ...

Saoirse · « **Reply #119 on:** March 27, 2012, 15:49 »

2012 NON-RESIDENT SIGHTINGS

TPC, I was driving from Selkirk back to Pine Falls this afternoon and saw what sure looked like a peregrine falcon on a post by the highway. Is that an area where a sighting might be reasonable?

allikat · « **Reply #118 on:** July 29, 2011, 22:38 »

Quote from: Cooper on July 29, 2011, 07:59

Well, don't know who this was, as seems a bit far west for the Radisson birds, but I saw a peregrine juvie flying above the parking lot of the strip mall on Portage Ave between Westwood Drive and Rouge Road. (Princess Auto/DJs/Timmies/PetroCan/TD/BMO).

Are you kidding me??? I used to live on Rough Rd.!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

birdcamfan · « **Reply #117 on:** July 29, 2011, 08:56 »

I was running West on Portage ave yesterday morning and saw the same thing. PF just STREAKING up Portage avenue. It did a few circles right over my head (I was at about Wall St), then headed back west and disappeared.

Cooper · « **Reply #116 on:** July 29, 2011, 07:59 »

Well, don't know who this was, as seems a bit far west for the Radisson birds, but I saw a peregrine juvie flying above the parking lot of the strip mall on Portage Ave between Westwood Drive and Rouge Road. (Princess Auto/DJs/Timmies/PetroCan/TD/BMO). This was about 7:15 p.m. last night. I have thought I've spied a peregrine there before but there's lots of crows and sea gulls usually inhabiting those skies, so I've tended to doubt my eyes. But this time I had plenty of time to watch him or her (right over my head and fairly low as there's no tall buildings in that lot) and there's no doubt in my mind that it was a peregrine. S/he came in from the southeast, first seemingly trying to land on one of the cranes at a construction site and either missing or thinking better of it, flying a circle & a half over the lot and then heading southwest. The Assiniboine river is just to the south of Portage. Whoever it was - it was pretty exciting to see!

Moonstar · « **Reply #115 on:** October 20, 2010, 14:42 »

thank you Alli

allikat · « **Reply #114 on:** October 20, 2010, 12:12 »

Quote from: Moonstar on October 20, 2010, 10:10

Quote from: allikat on October 19, 2010, 22:41
Alli, could you please post the link to the migration site. I know I could try to find it from last spring but I have a hard time finding things here...took me forever to find the phanatic date thing yeserday. Thanks

http://hawkcount.org/index.php

Moonstar · « **Reply #113 on:** October 20, 2010, 10:10 »

Quote from: allikat on October 19, 2010, 22:41

Well, well, well!

Today, I logged on the hawkcount site.
I was so excited (but sad at the same time), when I saw a count from one location, observing 38 peregrine falcons migrating.
Then, another location observed, 109 peregrine falcons. WOW!!!! To me, that's EXCELLENT NEWS for the peregrines!

I love this site!

Alli, could you please post the link to the migration site. I know I could try to find it from last spring but I have a hard time finding things here...took me forever to find the phanatic date thing yeserday. Thanks

allikat · « **Reply #112 on:** October 19, 2010, 22:41 »

Well, well, well!

Today, I logged on the hawkcount site.
I was so excited (but sad at the same time), when I saw a count from one location, observing 38 peregrine falcons migrating.
Then, another location observed, 109 peregrine falcons. WOW!!!! To me, that's EXCELLENT NEWS for the peregrines!

I love this site!

birdnut · « **Reply #111 on:** October 18, 2010, 09:37 »

HSC report: another staff person saw a bird sitting on the rooftop of the JBRC Friday 8:00ish AM. He/she was fussing alot: shaking their feet, flapping of wings, rocking from side to side. Then all of a sudden just took off to the south at high speed.
I did not see any birds at all on Friday, on Sunday or this morning.
Maybe he/she is gone.

Downtown: I was downtown on Friday night at 6:00ish. I saw a falcon soaring up on the thermals just above the Manitoba Hydro building. It was quite windy and it was cool to see how effortless he/she was soaring. He/she disappeared to the north around the building. Then later it looked like some"bird" was sitting on the nesting box, but it was getting dark and hard to see.

Doreen · « **Reply #110 on:** October 15, 2010, 18:46 »

Great pictures Dennis.

photosbydennis · « **Reply #109 on:** October 14, 2010, 20:22 »

Quote from: birdnut on October 14, 2010, 08:37

Where did Dennis take the pictures from?

The street...

RCF · « **Reply #108 on:** October 14, 2010, 20:07 »

Quote from: photosbydennis on October 14, 2010, 06:48

A few photos of Luck have been loaded.

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

She sure is lovely! Thanks Dennis

Kinderchick · « **Reply #107 on:** October 14, 2010, 13:01 »

Quote from: photosbydennis on October 14, 2010, 06:48

A few photos of Luck have been loaded...
http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/recent_photos

Great photos of Luck, dennis!

I especially love the 4th one from the left, at the top. Looks as if he/she's doing the "Hokey Pokey"! "You put your left foot in and shake it all about!"... LOL!

birdnut · « **Reply #106 on:** October 14, 2010, 08:37 »

Thanks for photos....she or some bird is sitting up on the J this morning at 8:15.

Where did Dennis take the pictures from?

photosbydennis · « **Reply #105 on:** October 14, 2010, 06:48 »

A few photos of Luck have been loaded.

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

des · « **Reply #104 on:** October 13, 2010, 08:54 »

Quote from: birdnut on October 12, 2010, 09:34

I see them on the "John Buhler Research Centre" sign over looking the old adult emergency parking lot off McDermot Ave. If you drive approaching from the east and look way up, you can clearly see them. The female likes the J and the male likes either R's in research.
I was outside 1/2 hour ago - a female whoever she is, was on the J.

Thank you sooo much for yesterday's note about the John Buhler Centre. I will look there today! I couldn't look Tuesday, but Monday night I posted (with a Radisson note) that I seen one on an L shaped antenna by huge smoke stacks at hospital "Works/heating?" building at 577 o5 677 Notre Dame. Had a great look for at least 5 minutes then I left as it got dark.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #103 on:** October 12, 2010, 13:07 »

Quote from: birdnut on October 12, 2010, 12:41

A female(Sandy?) spent the morning on letter r at HSC this morning. Just got back from a meeting at 12:15 and stood and watched her for awhile. Pigeons flew by, but she just ignored them. She took off and flew in the direction of downtown.

Nope, that's Luck ...

see Fall Migration - 2010

birdnut · « **Reply #102 on:** October 12, 2010, 12:41 »

A female(Sandy?) spent the morning on letter r at HSC this morning. Just got back from a meeting at 12:15 and stood and watched her for awhile. Pigeons flew by, but she just ignored them. She took off and flew in the direction of downtown.

birdnut · « **Reply #101 on:** October 12, 2010, 09:34 »

Quote from: des

I did drive-by's at the sites I have seen peregrines this afternoon - no luck.
Where have you all seen birds at HSC - exactly - I drove round and round - and wasn't even sure just where they have appeared there.
Help, please.

I see them on the "John Buhler Research Centre" sign over looking the old adult emergency parking lot off McDermot Ave. If you drive approaching from the east and look way up, you can clearly see them. The female likes the J and the male likes either R's in research.

I was outside 1/2 hour ago - a female whoever she is, was on the J.

carly · « **Reply #100 on:** October 11, 2010, 06:02 »

It's great to hear that Trey and Princess's legacy is continuing to thrive like this! Takes a lot of hutzpah to name a falcon 'Luck' too...I'd be worried about jinxing her...fortunately she's living up to her name

What a wonderful testament to your stewardship..congratulations Grandma....errr I guess Great Grandma now

Doreen · « **Reply #99 on:** October 10, 2010, 13:41 »

Great news. Luck was lucky you and Dennis were out this morning.

Kinderchick · « **Reply #98 on:** October 10, 2010, 13:25 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on October 10, 2010, 12:36

10 October 2010 (Winnipeg)
...Drum Roll Please ..... its Luck, 2009 wild hatch female from Brandon, chick of Hurricane and Zeus. A granddaughter of Trey and Princess (Radisson) and Mufasa and Phoebe (Brandon). Her band number is 13 over X, hence her name, lucky number 13. Silver band on her other leg - originally we put green electrical tape on that band but she has managed to get it off by this point. Luck's sibs are Fate, Karma & Kismet and no, we haven't had any reports on them to date...

WOW!

Rose · « **Reply #97 on:** October 10, 2010, 13:24 »

RE Luck: She was the last of 2009 bunch to fledge but only by one day, she was also the biggest of the four and seemed to be a loner like her mother, she was also the prettiest. Glad to hear that she made it there and back and back here again, the same as Ty

RCF · « **Reply #96 on:** October 10, 2010, 13:13 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on October 10, 2010, 12:36

10 October 2010 (Winnipeg)

Dennis and I had a play date this morning (half past way too early ) but we were rewarded ... one bird where there had been two briefly yesterday. The sun came up and gave us more light but we were far away and could really only hope to appreciate the beauty of the bird and the lovely morning.

When Dennis got home ... don't get ahead of me here folks ... lo and behold, our little shutterbug extraordinaire had managed to catch the band number in one of his 200 images ... we already knew that it wasn't a bird from this year, adult plumage and all that. Also knew it wasn't Ivy (our only black banded adult in town this year) because the black band was on the right leg, not the left. So, could have been Trey who has a black band on his right leg but with Sandy and Ty playing on the Radisson, I would be surprised to find Trey elsewhere. So who else could it be?

Drum Roll Please ..... its Luck, 2009 wild hatch female from Brandon, chick of Hurricane and Zeus. A granddaughter of Trey and Princess (Radisson) and Mufasa and Phoebe (Brandon). Her band number is 13 over X, hence her name, lucky number 13. Silver band on her other leg - originally we put green electrical tape on that band but she has managed to get it off by this point. Luck's sibs are Fate, Karma & Kismet and no, we haven't had any reports on them to date.

If you want to see a baby picture of Luck ... http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/image/114990787/
And yes, when the Turkey Daze Pandemonium has quieted down, I will post photos in our gallery

Oh Wow!! That is the greatest news about Luck, our golden girl from Brandon.

Sure am glad you and Dennis where out this morning

and I can hardly wait to see the photo's.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #95 on:** October 10, 2010, 12:46 »

9 October 2010 (Whitewater Lake)

Some local birders took advantage of our amazing weather and made a trek out to Whitewater Lake south of Brandon to do some viewing and although they saw a variety of waders (herons, egrets) and waterfowl (ducks, geese), shorebirds, they also found a peregrine sitting patiently on a fence post near the lake for "someone" to make a mistake and become lunch.

For those who don't know Whitewater Lake (and most folks, even Manitobans, don't) it is a large prairie lake with, I believe 1 tree on its shores, or sort of on its shores. Its flat, open and a mecca for waterbirds through the year but very much so at this time of the year. When its very hot in the summer we have problems some years because the water heats up (its a very shallow lake) and avian botulism becomes a major killer of those same waterbirds that are taking advantage of it now. Two extremes, paradise or pond-o-death. This day, it was paradise for all concerned ... well, except for the prey of that peregrine waiting patiently on the fence post.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #94 on:** October 10, 2010, 12:36 »

10 October 2010 (Winnipeg)

Dennis and I had a play date this morning (half past way too early

) but we were rewarded ... one bird where there had been two briefly yesterday. The sun came up and gave us more light but we were far away and could really only hope to appreciate the beauty of the bird and the lovely morning.

When Dennis got home ... don't get ahead of me here folks

... lo and behold, our little shutterbug extraordinaire had managed to catch the band number in one of his 200 images ... we already knew that it wasn't a bird from this year, adult plumage and all that. Also knew it wasn't Ivy (our only black banded adult in town this year) because the black band was on the right leg, not the left. So, could have been Trey who has a black band on his right leg but with Sandy and Ty playing on the Radisson, I would be surprised to find Trey elsewhere. So who else could it be?

Drum Roll Please ..... its Luck, 2009 wild hatch female from Brandon, chick of Hurricane and Zeus. A granddaughter of Trey and Princess (Radisson) and Mufasa and Phoebe (Brandon). Her band number is 13 over X, hence her name, lucky number 13. Silver band on her other leg - originally we put green electrical tape on that band but she has managed to get it off by this point. Luck's sibs are Fate, Karma & Kismet and no, we haven't had any reports on them to date.

If you want to see a baby picture of Luck ... http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/image/114990787/
And yes, when the Turkey Daze Pandemonium has quieted down, I will post photos in our gallery

des · « **Reply #93 on:** October 09, 2010, 17:03 »

Quote from TPC
"Dennis has been watching the bird(s) at HSC more over the last week as it is the start of migration and it is one of our migration roost sites. Both of these birds he spotted earlier today there (which is what prompted me to hit the sky and box cams when I should be doing chores). And yes, of course he has photos. I'm going to make a wee comparison and then hopefully do some posting so everyone can play along."

Question from des...
I did drive-by's at the sites I have seen peregrines this afternoon - no luck.
Where have you all seen birds at HSC - exactly - I drove round and round - and wasn't even sure just where they have appeared there.
Help, please.

birdnut · « **Reply #92 on:** October 08, 2010, 08:30 »

They are still here.....

Looks like Princess, but I might be wrong, sitting on Ivy's favorite letter R at HSC this morning at 8:00 a.m.

One of them spent alot of time here yesterday too...saw one at 11:30, 12:30, 4:00 and 6:00.

birdnut · « **Reply #91 on:** October 01, 2010, 14:10 »

Dad is on his favorite letter "R" at HSC at 1:30 p.m. today.

there still here..but how much longer???

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #90 on:** September 09, 2010, 12:18 »

Me too Cooper, me too!

Cooper · « **Reply #89 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:44 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on September 07, 2010, 16:23

Probably a little early for multiple peregrines, particularly on the wing Cooper, though we do at times see them in those kinds of numbers occasionally as they come north in the spring. Both Dennis and I have photos of buildings with up to 7 peregrines on them. Downside is that they don't stay long ... we'll see them at 8pm and by 4am the next morning all but one will be gone and not seen again. If I had to hazard a guess, I would be inclined to say there were crows in the mix. More than once I have seen young peregrines chasing/harrassing/being harrassed by crows - they are the same body size and from a distance the same density of colour. There are a few other raptor species that have been seen in towns and in groups - saw 5 red-tails together (all adults) last week which was a first for me so it could have been something else buzzing through at a different altitude.

Of course, just my best guess as I wasn't there beside you when you saw them. I can say that we haven't had increased numbers at any of our migration roost sites, or more sightings and there hasn't been an noticeable increase in the number of peregrines spotted at migrations hawkwatch sites, so no indication that migration has begun, so ... but then, who knows

Thanks for a plausible explanation TPC. I'm just going to have to let it go with that. But I sure do wish you had bee beside me to see what I saw.

bccs · « **Reply #88 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:44 »

Oh wow cooper, maybe the key word should have been tolerate, not love

Cooper · « **Reply #87 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:41 »

Quote from: bccs on September 07, 2010, 16:28

Is he not the most idiotic boy-bah-boy you have ever met Cooper?. Gotta love him, because if ya kill him you'll go to jail

Gee, are those the only options Barb? Love him or kill him...love him or kill him...

bccs · « **Reply #86 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:39 »

Finally, some one sticks up for me

Thanks cooper

Cooper · « **Reply #85 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:38 »

Quote from: Eye-spy on September 07, 2010, 16:27

Quote from: Cooper on September 07, 2010, 14:55
Okay, at the risk of looking like the rube of the forum, I have to ask the question above.

Put the bottle down Cooper, the double vision has set in. No more lunches with Barbara.

ROFL I said rube not rubby! And Barb was no where around.

bccs · « **Reply #84 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:28 »

Is he not the most idiotic boy-bah-boy you have ever met Cooper?. Gotta love him, because if ya kill him you'll go to jail

Eye-spy · « **Reply #83 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:27 »

Quote from: Cooper on September 07, 2010, 14:55

Okay, at the risk of looking like the rube of the forum, I have to ask the question above.

Here's what happened:

A couple of weekends ago, I was downtown, just outside cityplace, and was delighted to see, flying above the Delta, three peregrines. They looked to me to be three of the kids. So I watched them circling, catching thermals, doing their little ballet, when a fourth bird joined in. Neat-o! I think it's all four kids!

So I stood and watched for a while as they circled higher when a fifth bird joined in and then a sixth! I'm just about beside myself because I think I have the whole family! So I stand watching totally mesmerized. And I keep counting to assure myself that there are actually six when, oh-oh, there's seven!

But, I really don't believe they were seagulls. They all circled and circled with one another higher and higher until they all disappeared.

As I say, I don't want to sound like a dumb bunny, but I'd swear there were seven falcons all flying together in concert.

Put the bottle down Cooper, the double vision has set in. No more lunches with Barbara.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #82 on:** September 07, 2010, 16:23 »

Probably a little early for multiple peregrines, particularly on the wing Cooper, though we do at times see them in those kinds of numbers occasionally as they come north in the spring. Both Dennis and I have photos of buildings with up to 7 peregrines on them. Downside is that they don't stay long ... we'll see them at 8pm and by 4am the next morning all but one will be gone and not seen again. If I had to hazard a guess, I would be inclined to say there were crows in the mix. More than once I have seen young peregrines chasing/harrassing/being harrassed by crows - they are the same body size and from a distance the same density of colour. There are a few other raptor species that have been seen in towns and in groups - saw 5 red-tails together (all adults) last week which was a first for me so it could have been something else buzzing through at a different altitude.

Of course, just my best guess as I wasn't there beside you when you saw them. I can say that we haven't had increased numbers at any of our migration roost sites, or more sightings and there hasn't been an noticeable increase in the number of peregrines spotted at migrations hawkwatch sites, so no indication that migration has begun, so ... but then, who knows

bccs · « **Reply #81 on:** September 07, 2010, 15:10 »

Wow Cooper, most definitely a question for the Chick.

Cooper · « **Reply #80 on:** September 07, 2010, 14:55 »

2011 NON-RESIDENT SIGHTINGS

Okay, at the risk of looking like the rube of the forum, I have to ask the question above. At first I was not going to ask, thinking I could not possibly have seen what I saw. But it's been bugging me for the last couple of weeks.

Here's what happened:

A couple of weekends ago, I was downtown, just outside cityplace, and was delighted to see, flying above the Delta, three peregrines. They looked to me to be three of the kids. So I watched them circling, catching thermals, doing their little ballet, when a fourth bird joined in. Neat-o! I think it's all four kids!

So I stood and watched for a while as they circled higher when a fifth bird joined in and then a sixth! I'm just about beside myself because I think I have the whole family! So I stand watching totally mesmerized. And I keep counting to assure myself that there are actually six when, oh-oh, there's seven!

I say this cannot be! So I count again and sure enough there are seven. Of course by this time they are so high that I can't really be certain that they are our falcons and because I know there can't be seven, I tell myself that one or more must be seagulls.

But, I really don't believe they were seagulls. They didn't fly like seagulls. I know the first three were falcons. So, surely seagulls wouldn't join up with them. I watched for quite some time, so I know it wasn't a fly through kind of thing. They all circled and circled with one another higher and higher until they all disappeared.

So, could the neighbourhood kids have come for a play date? Would a stranger in town be permitted to fly with the family?

As I say, I don't want to sound like a dumb bunny, but I'd swear there were seven falcons all flying together in concert.

carly · « **Reply #79 on:** August 02, 2010, 11:57 »

Hard to believe that time of year is coming around again already. Feels like they just got here $:-\$

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #78 on:** August 02, 2010, 11:42 »

Yesterday I received my first email on fall migration sightings from the hawk-watch stations in southern Canada, the US and Mexico. First three emails came from Pennsylvania (they have a number of stations) and they reported an American Kestrel, a bald eagle and an osprey. Guess some of the folks are starting to move even if its not southward bound yet ...

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #77 on:** May 07, 2010, 17:45 »

Quote from: allikat on May 04, 2010, 22:56

Hey, is there any news on chinook or Mistral?

Nothing so far, but thanks for asking!

allikat · « **Reply #76 on:** May 04, 2010, 22:56 »

Hey, is there any news on chinook or Mistral?

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #75 on:** May 04, 2010, 13:55 »

Quote from: Kinderchick on May 04, 2010, 12:59

Well then, could it be remotely possible that Trey is still on his way? $:-\$

Anything is possible ... Dennis and I have been hitting all the favourite spots around the City over the last few days just in case someone we know comes bombing in/through. With all the changeover - every site has a different male this year, we thought we would hedge our bets ....

Kinderchick · « **Reply #74 on:** May 04, 2010, 12:59 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on May 03, 2010, 23:10

...Have noticed over the last 7-10 days that more peregrines have been observed all the migration sites in Mexico and the US than had been seen from January to mid-April. A second wave front of peregrines coming north - Homeless (Ms Edmonton) just returned to her nestsite in Edmonton a couple of days ago. The tundra peregrines that overwinter in Chile are only just hitting Panama right now so there will another wave coming through in a couple of weeks, one that will fly right over us heading for Baffin Island and other High Arctic locations.

Well then, could it be remotely possible that Trey is still on his way? $:-\$

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #73 on:** May 04, 2010, 11:40 »

We get surprised

from time to time too Dupre!!!

dupre501 · « **Reply #72 on:** May 04, 2010, 10:57 »

Wow...

Thanks for the spring migration update. Didn't realize that so many falcons "passed through" Winnipeg.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #71 on:** May 03, 2010, 23:10 »

2011 NON-RESIDENT SIGHTINGS

Dennis was taking the long way home from work and not only did he see three peregrines on a communication mast at his office but he found five more at a favoured "port in a storm" roost location here in town. It's not a nest site, just a spot where if there is poor weather (wind or wet) peregrines in the neighbourhood will seek shelter there. Last year we had a similar peregrine "boom" during bad weather, wind in that case and there were seven there and they were all gone by 5 am the next morning and we didn't see any of them again at the location.

We thought the ones at Dennis' office might be the West Winnipeg pair as its just outside their territory but no, they were at the B&B and didn't look like they were going anywhere.

Have noticed over the last 7-10 days that more peregrines have been observed all the migration sites in Mexico and the US than had been seen from January to mid-April. A second wave front of peregrines coming north - Homeless (Ms Edmonton) just returned to her nestsite in Edmonton a couple of days ago. The tundra peregrines that overwinter in Chile are only just hitting Panama right now so there will another wave coming through in a couple of weeks, one that will fly right over us heading for Baffin Island and other High Arctic locations.

Mother Hen · « **Reply #70 on:** November 19, 2009, 11:34 »

That is sooooo cool. She is a beatiful girl.

bccs · « **Reply #69 on:** November 09, 2009, 09:49 »

Air quality check, just because I can

No birdies, but it sure ias a lovely day out there

bev. · « **Reply #68 on:** October 27, 2009, 12:24 »

Good work TPC and Pam. thanks for the shot of the male Allison.

We just never know where they will end up do we. I think we need to steer a few to Saskatchewan. (Regina ,maybe

)

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #67 on:** October 25, 2009, 14:32 »

Quote from: Donna on October 24, 2009, 00:56

Tracy......... silly question, if she was hatched in Fargo, is it natural for them to come a bit north before heading south ? she just touring ?
Donna

Keep in mind that the peregrine chicks fledged in July and once they got the whole hunting thing down and don't need Mum & Dad, they tend to go wandering. Fargo isn't that far from Winnipeg as the Peregrine flys - Holly, the resident female in Brandon before Hurricane, came from Fargo and all three of our Radisson females are from south of the border - Minneapolis for Maud and Princess, Cedar Rapids Iowa for Madame. And while we first observed Madame in December 1990 (she hatched in 1989) she could have been hanging around outside the Radisson territory for months before that.

But back to why come north ... have y'all noticed how many wetlands we have up here? It would be simple for her to follow the Red River* north, hunting all the way, until she hit the Netley-Libau Marsh at the south end of Lake Winnipeg. After a few meals of shorebirds, waders and small ducks, a left turn would take her to Oak Hammock Marsh for a few more meals and OHM is only 5-10 minutes as the peregrine flies from downtown Winnipeg. The Radisson has always been popular with peregrines (that's why we have a nestbox there) so with Trey & Princess absent but prey remains still in evidence (ick) and both the Red and Assiniboine Rivers nearby, OHM not far away and really stoopid KDW (Kraft Dinner with Wings) all over the place, here she hung out for a bit. Could also be that a storm blew her up here, but can't think of anything from the south at the end of September/early October that might qualify ... either way, she's fine, provided everyone with a little mini "fix" and she is back on her way again now ...

The Red River of the North flows north from northern South Dakota, through Fargo-Moorhead, Grand Forks and on to Winnipeg before emptying into Lake Winnipeg.

birdcamfan · « **Reply #66 on:** October 25, 2009, 12:57 »

Maybe cross-border shopping for a little Peregrine Kraft dinner!

Kinderchick · « **Reply #65 on:** October 24, 2009, 22:25 »

I have been following this story about the "mystery" peregrine falcon on our Radisson nest ledge. Yes, great detective work, TPC & Pam!

But I too am wondering what brought her north instead of south, this time of the year? $:-\$

Pam · « **Reply #64 on:** October 24, 2009, 17:35 »

Thanks, Tracy - great to put a name to the face!

sami · « **Reply #63 on:** October 24, 2009, 16:20 »

Or did she misplace her compass?

Donna · « **Reply #62 on:** October 24, 2009, 00:56 »

Tracy......... silly question, if she was hatched in Fargo, is it natural for them to come a bit north before heading south ? she just touring ?
Donna

carly · « **Reply #61 on:** October 23, 2009, 19:52 »

Wow...good detective work and what an interesting history, some of the names are familiar to me too but only as I've read them elsewhere.

Great photo of dad too Alison, I see the family resemblence in that 'look'

I hope wherever she goes, she stays safe

Alison · « **Reply #60 on:** October 23, 2009, 19:11 »

What great news that you've been able to identify her, TPC! And fascinating family tree information. I'm familiar with most of the names there. I wonder where she is now.

Here is a pic of her father, Dakota Ace.

Photo by Wick Corwin.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #59 on:** October 23, 2009, 19:02 »

For those who didn't see the photos of Sandy earlier ....

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #58 on:** October 23, 2009, 18:56 »

The mystery bird that spent a week-ish making a mess at the Radisson has been identified. It was a female (good eyes Pam!), hatched this year from a wild-nest at the Community First National Bank in Fargo, North Dakota. Her band number is black over green, sideways V over sideways E (*V/*E). And her name is Sandy.

For those of you who think the location is familiar, it is. A few years ago, one of our birds was the resident female there, actually the female was a daughter of Winnie from Winnipeg who nested in Omaha, Nebraska for a number of years. Winnie is a kid of T-Rex and a half-sister of Trey. Now Sandy is not related to Winnie or any of the Manitoba birds so far as I can find (at least not so far

) but here is her immediate family tree (sorry, haven't figured out how to more easily post the family tree hierarchy information.

Sandy (two sibs: female=Crest and male=Harrison)

-- Dakota Ace (father = 1997 captive-bred bird hack released in 1997 in Sioux Falls, SD) resident male in Fargo since 2001 (Winnie's kid was his first mate)
----- parents are captive breeding pair in South Dakota

-- Miracle (mother = 2004 wild-hatched chick from the Sherco Power Plant in MN - webcam on Forum) resident female since 2008
----- unidentified male (material grandfather)
----- Seminoe (maternal grandmother = 1999 wild-hatch from Prairie Island Plant in Goodhue county, MN) resident female at Sherco Plant since 2002
-------- Maverick (maternal great-grandfather = 1988 wild-hatch from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN) resident male from 1990-1994
----------- parents are captive-breeding pair in Minnesota
-------- Comet (maternal great-grandmother = 1988 wild-hatch from Rouchleau Pit Virginia, St. Louis county, MN) resident female from 1990-1998
----------- parents are captive breeding pair in South Dakota

allikat · « **Reply #57 on:** September 28, 2009, 22:08 »

Well TPC, to quote you, "No news is good news"

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #56 on:** September 28, 2009, 21:46 »

'Fraid nothing on Chinook or Mistral or their Grandma Madame ... but then, unless it happened here, I wouldn't hear about it yet ....

allikat · « **Reply #55 on:** September 24, 2009, 20:53 »

Have you heard any news of Madame, I have a feeling I should know this answer but I don't?

Or Chinook and Mistral ?

Thanks for the information....

Kinderchick · « **Reply #54 on:** September 24, 2009, 18:37 »

Very interesting info, TPC. Thanks!

Cammie · « **Reply #53 on:** September 24, 2009, 17:34 »

Thanks TPC. I appreciate the info.

birdcamfan · « **Reply #52 on:** September 24, 2009, 15:08 »

Great questions. Thanks for the ever informative explanations.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #51 on:** September 24, 2009, 13:49 »

Sorry BCBird, the "good" was in reference to overwintering, don't know if they are particularly good or not in locations other than Scotland/Spain where they evolved ... $:-\$

bcbird · « **Reply #50 on:** September 24, 2009, 13:00 »

Madame had Spanish & Scots subspecies in her genetic grabbag...however...none of those really good genes were passed along to her kids...

TPC, why are Scots and Spanish subspecies genes especially good?

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #49 on:** September 24, 2009, 12:14 »

Quote from: Cammie on September 23, 2009, 15:28

When do the peregrines typically leave Winnipeg?

I wish there was a typical date ... but there really isn't. Depends on the bird, the pair, the location, the weather, what else is migrating and when, etc.

Quote from: Cammie on September 23, 2009, 15:28

I remember reading somewhere on one of the threads that sometimes they stay all winter (maybe Trey's mother did?).

Madame is to our knowledge the only one of "our" birds that overwintered. I should say that she originated in Cedar Rapids, Iowa but turned up here the following year (1990) and was last seen in the West Winnipeg territory in 2005, the year after Princess took over the Radisson territory.

Quote from: Cammie on September 23, 2009, 15:28

While I'm wondering - does something trigger the urge to leave? I'm thinking night-time temps or fewer hours of daylight.

Food. All the good stuff heads south. Alternative is Kraft-Dinner-with-Wings for 6 months. Wouldn't you leave? Seriously, our subspecies (anatum) is hardwired to migrate though some in recent years haven't - but whether that is because they have some non-migrating subspecies genes in their makeup, I couldn't say. Madame had Spanish & Scots subspecies in her genetic grab-bag, neither of which migrate but whether that's what made her stay here all alone, I have no idea. I would appear however that none of those really good genes were passed along to her kids however as none of them seem to want to hang around downtown past about early November ...

Cammie · « **Reply #48 on:** September 23, 2009, 15:28 »

When do the peregrines typically leave Winnipeg?

I remember reading somewhere on one of the threads that sometimes they stay all winter (maybe Trey's mother did?).

While I'm wondering - does something trigger the urge to leave? I'm thinking night-time temps or fewer hours of daylight.

carly · « **Reply #47 on:** September 21, 2009, 15:33 »

This time of year is bitter sweet, you are thrilled to see all the birds migrating and hoping to catch a glimpse of the ones you followed but also sad to know they are leaving.

I wonder if that was our P&T's kids they saw in the bundle of three

Saoirse · « **Reply #46 on:** September 21, 2009, 13:02 »

What a great report to get! Given the way our chicks tended to hang together a lot, maybe they were the 3 that Al and Dorothy saw in the space of one minute. At any rate, they certainly had an eventful couple of hours.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #45 on:** September 21, 2009, 12:39 »

Just read a report posted by Paul G through the Manitoba Bird Loop ....

Al & Dorothy S were at Windygates (south of the City) yesterday making raptor observations for about two hours. During that time they saw (in his words): "we saw 8 Red-Tail, 2 Osprey, 5 Vulture, 2 Harrier, 1 Merlin, 1 Sharpie, 1 Bald Eagle imm., 2 Broadwing, and 9 Peregrine Falcon!!! In one minute and in view of each other, we saw 3 Peregrines. During a different minute, we had the eagle, the sharpie, and a broadwing. "

Thanks Al & Dorothy for spotting and letting Paul know about the peregrines in particular! Thanks too to Paul for posting the sighting.

... makes me wonder if that's all the kids and a couple of adults or if 7 of those 9 birds were the ones that hung out one night all together in Riverwood ...

(note: last names not reprinted for privacy's sake)

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #44 on:** July 24, 2009, 17:37 »

Quote from: LinderLou on July 23, 2009, 11:30

Question for TPC, My friend in Sandy Hook was telling me a couple of weeks back that she had read in the local area paper, could be Gimili, that a pair of peregrine falcons were released in the area. Have you heard anything about this?

No, and I'm pretty sure I would have been notified. There is a hawk watch in Sandy Hook so maybe it was just a sighting? Any chance you could ask your friend for more details? Even just information on where/when s/he read it? If there was a release, I need to track down band numbers ....

Linder · « **Reply #43 on:** July 23, 2009, 11:30 »

Question for TPC, My friend in Sandy Hook was telling me a couple of weeks back that she had read in the local area paper, could be Gimili, that a pair of peregrine falcons were released in the area. Have you heard anything about this?

dupre501 · « **Reply #42 on:** July 22, 2009, 23:23 »

I think it was in the Brandon thread, but didn't TPC mention that word from Dan was there was possibly another nesting pair in rural Manitoba?

Is there any futher news/confirmation on this? Are the falcons banded? ....

willmax11 · « **Reply #41 on:** July 22, 2009, 07:14 »

Thanks to your links and the sound clips I was able to eliminate all but 2 of the Raptors from that day. Merlin and Peregrine.
Whichever it was can only be a good thing.

I regret even mentioning OHMarsh as I don't live anywhere near there. It was just a nice place to visit at the end of that day. Whichever Raptor I saw was probably from around here and gives me a reason for exploring my area along the Red river and keeping my eyes and ears tuned to the sounds around me.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #40 on:** July 21, 2009, 16:01 »

There are always "other" peregrines around the province Willmax because of the amount of water and food, but from your description you were describing a bird in very juvenile plumage and the birds around here (Sask, Manitoba, North Dakota, Minnesota) just aren't old enough to be that far away from their nest sites. Its a question of the timing that's all. By the time the birds return next spring (so March) our chicks won't look like your description, they will look like adults, perhaps not entirely like Trey and Princess, but close enough that they won't look like your description. And yes, peregrines nest right into the high arctic and are circumpolar, however they nest later than ours so definitely not the tundrius subspecies chick at this early date.

Hence the suggestion that it was one of our other "brown" raptor species - merlin or perhaps prairie falcon though that would be a very rare sighting I think. The others, Coopers, Swainsons, Broad-winged have definitely been seen near OHM in the last little while. The one I didn't mention and I should have was Northern Harrier - the females are brown and they live at the Marsh and will perch on anything. They are also very sleek, gracile birds, so easy to think they are perhaps peregrines.

Northern Harrier - www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/id

(and your video link from yesterday @ 0744 just leads to a search page and there are a number of videos there - best probably to let folks know which video you were watching - and yes, all those videos are of peregrines ...)

willmax11 · « **Reply #39 on:** July 20, 2009, 16:32 »

In watching the Radisson clan we have all become more "tuned in" to our other feathered friends. Amazing how our minds/ears tune out in our noisy world.

Isn't Merlin showing in town? And can he change shape? LOL

Now that TPC showed me what Merlins sound like I am not sure what I saw.
The raptor I saw was just looking for a high point to rest from the brutal
wind that day.

BirdLover · « **Reply #38 on:** July 20, 2009, 16:10 »

Speaking of Merlin, I was driving to work this morning and finally got to see one of the West Brandon Merlins sitting on the side of the road. As I approached it took off right in front of me. Been hearing these guys for about a month now and couldn't find them, until today.

Kinderchick · « **Reply #37 on:** July 20, 2009, 15:41 »

Quote

Hadn't read this information before I answered on your new thread Willmax, but from your description, you saw a merlin, not a peregrine.

Yes, willmax, that's what I was thinking it was, a merlin, but was having a "senior's moment"!

I remember when TPC came to my school to visit the Kinderchicklets, she mentioned that merlins like to move into abandoned crow's nests, in very tall evergreen trees. They do look a lot like our peregrine juvies, don't they?

willmax11 · « **Reply #36 on:** July 20, 2009, 15:07 »

I rec'd this reply from the Oak Hammock Marsh Resident Naturalist today.

I have not heard of any recent sightings of Peregrines at Oak Hammock. But I know most years the adults do hunt at the marsh when raising their young and there were a few sightings earlier this spring. Later in the summer (usually August) the young and adults show up to learn to hunt and hunt and are seen quite frequently.

Resident Naturalist
Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

So maybe I can switch my watching to an area outside Wpg. in the future.
Gets me out of the house anyway.

willmax11 · « **Reply #35 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:44 »

I defer to your greater wisdom of course and thanks for moving these postings.
I wish I had been told about this b4 I started this sep. thread.
Now that I have more info about the calls I def. will get video next time, even if it only records the sounds of the calls.

I thought I read on the Nat. Geographic site that Peregrine’s range was up to the Tundra.
Perhaps b4 their decline.

I live very near the Red River, OHMarsh is 20KM. away to the North West.

On this site the one video of a Falcon chasing a Duck may be another type of Falcon.
http://macaulaylibrary.org/search.do

So, to clarify; Since 1989 there are only 3 sites in Manitoba that have nesting
pairs of Peregrine Falcons. Therefore it is impossible to have any sightings
of unbanded Falcons elsewhere.

Helen b · « **Reply #34 on:** July 19, 2009, 11:29 »

Thanks Peregrine chick for this explanation, the more things I read on the differnt species the more interesting it becomes. I think over thewinter I will read more on the species so that next year I can identify the various birds everyone is seeing and hearing.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #33 on:** July 19, 2009, 00:18 »

Quote from: willmax11 on July 16, 2009, 15:14

O.K. 14:26 Today. I go and pick up my mail from the local boxes. I see a bird fighting the NW wind and finally land on a 40' fir tree. Just as I am opening my car door what do I hear but "THAT" call. I grab my binocs from the car and spot a Peregrine youngster perched about 20 yards away swaying in that tall fir tree and calling out. I can def. see the tan chest feathers and as it turns it's head I see the black eye-patch. But the call was what first alerted me. I kept my glasses on it for about 15 minutes.

Hadn't read this information before I answered on your new thread Willmax, but from your description, you saw a merlin, not a peregrine. Merlins have the malar stripe and young merlins and many adult merlins look just like juvenile peregrines. They also sound just like peregrines, as well as fly, hunt, etc, etc, etc. But its the tree that gives it away though, merlins nest in crow's nests in tall evergreens - they are woodland specialists and what you described is how you see 80% of merlins at this time of the year. Peregrines are big and sitting in evergreens is difficult when you aren't built to fly through branches ... yes, I know that sounds weird, but they hunt above trees (and buildings) and over waterbodies and open fields, they don't as a general rule hunt among trees - just too dangerous at the speeds they fly.

Here's a link to check the vocalizations you heard .... http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin/sounds

These images don't show the malar stripe but they do show plumage in detail ...

As for the tall towers/grain elevators nearby, that doesn't increase the likelihood of it being a peregrine I'm afraid - peregrines aren't attracted to tall structures, they are attracted to tall structures near other tall structures on the banks of rivers/wetlands/lakes/oceans - not a few miles away from water, right on the water.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #32 on:** July 18, 2009, 23:52 »

I'm assuming that the bird you saw was identified as a juvenile by its plumage? Gold and brown, yes? Problem is, there are no peregrines in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or North Dakota (that we know about) that are currently old enough to be at Oak Hammock Marsh area hunting on their own. Our birds were here early and were not slow raising a family and are the first to fledge in these jurisidictions. And the chicks only have the brown & gold plumage for a few months, by this time next year they will look like their parents - dark slate grey & white.

Could it have been a merlin, or perhaps a Prairie Falcon though they aren't as interested in wetlands as peregrines but could have been hunting over the fields which they are definitely interested in. I do know that there are a few merlins that visit the Marsh on a regular basis. Coopers Hawk juveniles are brown and peregrine sized as are broad-winged hawks. Have only seen a couple of Coopers at the Marsh but we had huge numbers (100s per day) of Broad-wings in the spring - Swainson's as well, though they are larger, right colours though ...

Sorry to be a party-pooper

, but because of the timing and distance from our known nests, without a photo, I'm inclined to think your sighting was of another raptor species ...

Merlin - www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin/lifehistory - smaller & photo is only one colour combination for the species
Prairie Falcon - www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Prairie_Falcon/lifehistory - peregrine-sized
Coopers Hawk - www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Coopers_Hawk/lifehistory - peregrine-sized
Broad-winged Hawk - www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Broad-winged_Hawk/lifehistory - peregrine-sized
Swainson's Hawk - www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swainsons_Hawk/lifehistory - larger than the largest peregrines

If you see the bird - GET PHOTOS - even if they suck we can tell if its a peregrine or not ...

willmax11 · « **Reply #31 on:** July 18, 2009, 20:21 »

Kinderchick;
I answered your question in a new topic in the Other Sightings in Manitoba thread.

http://www.species-at-risk.mb.ca/projects/pfrp/forum/programs/index.php/topic,1266.new.html#new

willmax11 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 18, 2009, 20:16 »

I thought I better split this sighting to here just in case it gets confused with the Radisson family.

Kinderchick;
Could that really have been a peregrine youngster you saw near Stonewall, willmax? I thought that our youngsters were still hanging out in the downtown area. Do you think that maybe it could have been a kestral or a hmmm? The other species of Manitoba falcon has momentarily slipped my mind. What do you think, TPC? Would our downtown peregrine juvies be way over in Stonewall at this point in time?

To answer Kinderchick;
I said that I would look towards Stonewall. Sighting was near Lockport.
I am certain with the 70KPH NW winds that day that it was def. not a Radisson chick.
It would have been blown to Steinbach area if it was.

I would have never posted about the July 16th sighting unless I was certain
it was a juvenile I had seen. I spent a few hours sat. doing convoy zigzagging to the NW of the sighting
and ended up at Oak Hammock Marsh site. I go to an offsite place where there is a spring well
coming out of the ground. And guess what that road is named??? Peregrine Drive. LOL
I e-mailed them asking about sightings. They have the Peregrine listed on their sighting list.

B4 I left I recorded the only sound file I have onto a CD, 8 seconds on one CD! LOL
I spoke to a couple of people and let them hear the sounds. The Peregrine name means wanderer
so maybe the youngster is nearer to Lockport.
I am going to search the Red river bank along River road for a while and check the duck ponds also.
For all the birds I did hear and see if that youngster has the instinct to capture prey it is a hunters
paradise around here.

There is a cell tower across the road from here. In hindsight I should have at least recorded a video
on my cell phone or run back and got my digital camera.
At the least I know of one juvenile that was near Lockport last week, just have to find it again.

Kinderchick · « **Reply #29 on:** July 17, 2009, 15:27 »

Quote

I grab my binocs from the car and spot a Peregrine youngster perched about 20 yards away swaying in that tall fir tree and calling out.

Could that really have been a peregrine youngster you saw near Stonewall, willmax? $:-\$ I thought that our youngsters were still hanging out in the downtown area. Do you think that maybe it could have been a kestral or a hmmm? The other species of Manitoba falcon has momentarily slipped my mind. What do you think, TPC? Would our downtown peregrine juvies be way over in Stonewall at this point in time? $:-\$

willmax11 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 16, 2009, 16:02 »

Eli;
No my binocs are not that powerful, the chick was swaying in the wind and
partially hidden by the pine tree branches. I don't think it was one of the Radisson chicks. And I don't think any others were banded except Brandon.

I was thinking of getting my telescope but it flew off just then and I didn't want to lose sight, just enjoyed the few minutes. LOL

Ellie · « **Reply #27 on:** July 16, 2009, 15:47 »

Wow! Sure must have been exciting to realize there are more Peregrines nearby!

willmax11 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 16, 2009, 15:14 »

2009 NON-RESIDENT SIGHTINGS

O.K. 14:26 Today. I go and pick up my mail from the local boxes. I see a bird fighting the NW wind and finally land on a 40' fir tree. Just as I am opening my car door what do I hear but "THAT" call. I grab my binocs from the car and spot a Peregrine youngster perched about 20 yards away swaying in that tall fir tree and calling out.

I can def. see the tan chest feathers and as it turns it's head I see the black eye-patch. But the call was what first alerted me. I kept my glasses on it for about 15 minutes.

I don't know where he blew in from but there are many tall towers and tall grain bins to the west and NW towards Stonewall.

After he flew off I lost it as the trees are too thick but could still hear that call.

When the country roads dry up I will be doing a sweep to the west and just maybe spot others.
And maybe check the Lockport bridge and overpasses.

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #25 on:** November 30, 2008, 22:24 »

For folks jonesing for a raptor fix, there were 5-6 bald eagles (adults and juveniles) at Oak Hammock Marsh last week along with a couple of snowy owls and a Northern Harrier!

Pam · « **Reply #24 on:** November 28, 2008, 21:48 »

Had a great view of a mature bald eagle from the office this week, soaring about over downtown Wpg.....

Loriann · « **Reply #23 on:** November 25, 2008, 07:13 »

Well isn't he just gorgeous !.. and that's awfully close to home isn't it? Have to look 'up' more often when i'm down there... how wonderful for them to capture him on film.. very lucky indeed.

carly · « **Reply #22 on:** November 25, 2008, 07:06 »

Big Frank has had some great updates done to his site and there is alot of new content if you haven't checked it out in awhile. A few days ago they saw a juvenile bald eagle and have some great pictures of it if anyone is interested in checking it out.

http://raptorwatch.blogspot.com/

photosbydennis · « **Reply #21 on:** October 23, 2008, 21:22 »

...just my two cents worth.
Have been out that way many times...re: GHO nest, Swainsons,Redtail and Northern Harrier have all be seen perched/hunting just before the perimeter. All are about the same size...large.
Really hard to ID without a photo...but lucky you Birdcamfan to see the raptor up close.
Cheers !
Dennis

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #20 on:** October 23, 2008, 16:15 »

Migration is moving fast now ....

At Oak Hammock Marsh north of the city on Friday last week (and for the last couple of weeks, daily counts have been in the 200-300,000 range for geese (Canadas & Snows) and ducks (you name it, it was counted). Today's count is 80,000 all combined. Yesterday I saw flock of more than a couple of thousand female yellow-headed blackbirds (the females don't have the yellow, only the males) but almost none this morning.

And haven't seen any of the peregrines at all for about 10 days now ... guess its time to reset the countdown timer ...

birdcamfan · « **Reply #19 on:** October 20, 2008, 16:34 »

Thanks TPC. It was for sure not a merlin (WAY too big) as I am very familiar with them. Looking at the Cooper's Hawk...could have been a big female. I would have loved to have had my camera with me as I could have obtained a great shot from where I was. Still...closest I've ever been to a huge bird like that. It put my heart into my mouth!

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #18 on:** October 20, 2008, 09:43 »

Hey BirdCamFan,

Unlikely to have been a juvenile peregrine, they tend to avoid trees, risk of injury kind of high the way they fly and hunt - that's not to say they don't, just rarely. And at this point, it looks like all our peregrines have vamoosed, the young ones going before the adults. So even more unlikely it was a peregrine. (Sorry

)

There are two species it could have been ...

First is a merlin, smaller than a peregrine but their plumage is almost the same as a juvenile peregrine. And they are woodland specialists so you you see them in/out/around/through trees all the time. Particularly in urban areas like Winnipeg where they are regular nesters at this point and there are more than a few pairs in the area you described.

Second is a Cooper's Hawk - size of a peregrine but the juvenile plumage isn't so similar to a juvenile peregrine. This year I have had more calls about Coopers than I have ever had before, they are everywhere this year. And they are more falcon looking in their head/beak shape than any of the other "hawks".

Regardless of what you saw, it was a good catch considering you were driving AND where you were driving! Congrats!

TPC

maggieblue · « **Reply #17 on:** October 20, 2008, 07:49 »

Very cool encounter indeed

birdcamfan · « **Reply #16 on:** October 19, 2008, 19:52 »

I had a very cool encounter with a large bird of prey yesterday. I was driving North out McPhillips just at the outskirts of town when a large bird dropped out of a tree onto the ground right beside my car. I did a quick u-turn at the next curb cut and went back. There was another curb cut between the lanes of traffic right where I had seen the bird so I pulled in there and watched for a while as the bird was still on the ground ripping at something. I was only 2 lanes of traffic away from it and could take in the detail. I swear it was a young peregrine. I had no camera and no binoculars in my car (drat) and my cell phone takes terrible pictures. I finally decided to cross over to take a better look and of course the bird took off. I lost my chance to watch further but got to see the bird from underneath. I am still convinced it was a young peregrine even after consulting my Sibley book when I got to the lake (I felt like I must be imagining it). Is it possible that there are young peregrine falcons migrating through this area?

bcbird · « **Reply #15 on:** September 22, 2008, 21:31 »

Quote from: maggieblue on September 22, 2008, 14:25

Hi, yes the info is public. ..... Enjoy

http://raptorwatch.blogspot.com

Thanks, Maggie, this is a very interesting site.

Liz · « **Reply #14 on:** September 22, 2008, 19:22 »

I've never been to Oak Hammock Marsh. But I guess Peregrines don't go to Fort Whyte? Too much competition for space between them and the Kings of Poopers!

carly · « **Reply #13 on:** September 22, 2008, 18:35 »

There have barely been any peregrines this year

I'm hoping because it was so cold, stormy and wet most of the summer that they just decided "i'm outta here" once they fledged. It was not a good year for wildlife this year in southern ontario compared to other years.

I noticed last week the Canada Geese were headed out so unless they're hiding I expect most have gone already or there will be a burst in october maybe??

maggieblue · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2008, 14:25 »

Hi, yes the info is public. It is Big Frank's raptor watch in Scarborough and there is an entry in his blog in August that explains the background. There is a daily count of the raptors passing through over this park. Of the 5,845 counted last year, 72 were identified as peregrines. When I posted this a while ago Carly pointed out that he was her partner in the fledge watch in Toronto. Enjoy

http://raptorwatch.blogspot.com

bcbird · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2008, 13:56 »

Quote from: maggieblue on September 21, 2008, 11:55

Quote from: carly on September 20, 2008, 15:30
Just checked my email and Frank sent me an email last night, they saw peregrines yesterday at the raptor watch!!! In fact he says there were at one point 3 playing tag together and grabbing talons AND 2 were juvies and 1 was an adult!!! So ha! Maybe sometimes the parents do go with the kids or they're just very friendly with each other!!

Yeah! Big Frank has posted pictures of this on his raptorwatch blog.

Maggieblue, are those pictures available to general public to view?

carly · « **Reply #10 on:** September 21, 2008, 12:11 »

Will do Maggie. And glad I didn't go all the way out there, it cleared up for about 45 minutes and then clouded back over.

maggieblue · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2008, 11:55 »

Quote from: carly on September 20, 2008, 15:30

Just checked my email and Frank sent me an email last night, they saw peregrines yesterday at the raptor watch!!! In fact he says there were at one point 3 playing tag together and grabbing talons AND 2 were juvies and 1 was an adult!!! So ha! Maybe sometimes the parents do go with the kids or they're just very friendly with each other!!!

Yeah! Big Frank has posted pictures of this on his raptorwatch blog.

Carly, sorry that the weather didn't cooperate this morning. If you are in touch with Big Frank perhaps you could pass on my appreciation for the wonderful photos that he has been posting. His shot of the Osprey was very impressive.

carly · « **Reply #8 on:** September 21, 2008, 09:07 »

Well my birding day has gone bust and it's only 10 am!!! I woke up at 6 am (on a Sunday no less!!!) and thought I'd get ready and get out there because the best viewing is in the morning and it's a 1.5 hour trip by subway/bus for me.

Of course is was so cloudy - like pea soup thick, cloudy! So I waited and waited and actually washed my floors while I waited to see if it cleared up. Of course now at 10 am it's clearing up but if I left now I'd be there close to lunch and then have to head back mid afternoon so I've decided I don't have the energy to do that

I should have just went but I was afraid it would stay cloudy and I'd be out there all alone in an area I don't know....*sigh*

Honestly, I think my reluctance also stems from the fact that I don't want to see them go. I'd rather it was Spring and I was watching them all come back.

maggieblue · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2008, 17:05 »

I am very excited for you.

I hope that you see some peregrines

carly · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2008, 15:30 »

Just checked my email and Frank sent me an email last night, they saw peregrines yesterday at the raptor watch!!! In fact he says there were at one point 3 playing tag together and grabbing talons AND 2 were juvies and 1 was an adult!!! So ha! Maybe sometimes the parents do go with the kids or they're just very friendly with each other!!!

I'm going out tomorrow so I'm praying I'll see peregrines..Will post when I get back and let you alll know..I'm so excited!!

maggieblue · « **Reply #5 on:** September 18, 2008, 13:50 »

I seem to have messed up the link

... so I will try again, this time with the home page for Oak Hammock Marsh

http://www.oakhammockmarsh.ca/index.html

maggieblue · « **Reply #4 on:** September 18, 2008, 13:35 »

I checked out the Oak Hammock Marsh site to see if they had any migration information on peregrines. There is a little information in the bird sightings and summer bird census. I can't recall where, but I believe that Tracy mentioned that marshes were the equivalent of malls for the juveniles to hang out in. I guess that this particular marsh doesn't appeal to them.

You can check out summer bird census and bird sightings at the link below.
For those of you not from Manitoba, Oak Hammock is a major migration staging area for shorebirds and waterfowl. The first migration count of the year for waterfowl was yesterday morning and, holy moly, the numbers are high in comparison to previous years. Must be that cold weather up north this week. Maybe we should start thinking about our own migration south.

Here is the link:
http://www.oakhammockmarsh.ca//nature/wildlifesurveys/index.html

Liz · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2008, 20:41 »

I could, if someone has room in their vehicle. (car - transmission shot - care of my fledging. As some of you know.) That sounds fascinating!

maggieblue · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2008, 11:33 »

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on September 15, 2008, 00:30

There are some blogs in other parts of Canada and the USA that post results of raptor watches (or hawk watches as they are also called) from key raptor migration points. I don't know if we have a blog or website like this here in Manitoba, but since I've been asked about this a couple of times here on the forum and via email, I'll pass along the sightings as I hear them.

And for those of you who would like to go to one of our hawk watch locations to watch the birds, I'll see if I can find out when some of our local experts are heading out and if they would mind some company ... they know when the birds should be passing through and they are very quick at identifications, and counting!

The Peregrine Chick

Thank you Tracy. I didn't mean to create more work for you! I can't go out myself to one of the hawk watch locations but I would like to hear about anyone else's experiences. The closest that I get to a hawk/raptor watch is keeping an eye out for the Kestrel that hunts in my neighbourhood. And of course there is the Portage Ave watch spot

The Peregrine Chick · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2008, 00:30 »

2008 NON-RESIDENT SIGHTINGS

There are some blogs in other parts of Canada and the USA that post results of raptor watches (or hawk watches as they are also called) from key raptor migration points. I don't know if we have a blog or website like this here in Manitoba, but since I've been asked about this a couple of times here on the forum and via email, I'll pass along the sightings as I hear them.

And for those of you who would like to go to one of our hawk watch locations to watch the birds, I'll see if I can find out when some of our local experts are heading out and if they would mind some company ... they know when the birds should be passing through and they are very quick at identifications, and counting!

The Peregrine Chick