A young Peregrine falcon was taken from its nest July 10 and introduced to a roomful of spectators as two identification bands were clasped onto its leg. More annoyed than scared, the falcon greeted the room with indignant shrieks as she was placed on a scale, weighed, and declared a healthy female.
Her name is Micah and she’s the latest addition to a nest on the 43rd floor of the Sheraton Centre that has been home to her Peregrine parents-Wind and Windwhistler-for four years. She is part of a second clutch of eggs the pair attempted this season and the only successful hatch at this nest site.
“Mild winters are bad for Peregrines,” said Mark Nash, Director of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, because increased periods of daylight trigger hormones for breeding as early as February. Ensuing cold periods then stressed the clutch resulting in failed and abandoned eggs, though Wind took the opportunity to attempt a second clutch.
The other downtown nest site at 18 King St. recently suffered the death of one of its chicks, Sonyadore, during one of her first flights around the city. Micah, too, will soon hazard a maiden voyage within the next two weeks under the watchful eye of volunteers from CPF and FLAP, Fatal Light Awareness Program.
The identification bands will ensure recognition of Micah if she is found injured or grounded on the streets after her first flight.
