FRIDAY FUN WITH RAPTORS

Me with "Nova", a 4 year old male Peregrine Falcon.  

Rob and I both took this past Friday off work so we could volunteer with the Canadian Peregrine Foundation at the Toronto Sportmen's Show. The first time we did this was in 2011, and it is just as thrilling now, as it was then to be so close to these amazing birds. It's also fun to be able to share information with the public about birds and raptors, and you hear a lot of interesting stories as well.

I got to give "Tigwaq", a first year male Snowy Owl a shower!

Giving "Tigwaq" or "Tig" as we call him a shower.  

He really liked it!

I was enjoying it too!

He'd shake himself off like a dog, it was adorable to witness.

  Rob has a "mad crush" on CPF's European Eagle Owl, "Boo", and was quite happy to give him a little shower. All the birds really do enjoy it, except "Seamus", their Barn Owl, he prefers to bathe in private.

Rob giving Boo his shower.

His ear tufts looped over due to the water, he looked extra funny for a while.

Nova checking Rob out. This was the first time either of us had held one of the Peregrine Falcons.

Rob educating the public, who look on in awe.

The CPF booth was very popular with the public.

Nova peeking over my shoulder.

 Rob and I feel very lucky to be able to get up close and personal with so many amazing raptors.

You can learn more about the Canadian Peregrine Foundation and their educational programs by clicking here.

OUR SNOWY OWL ANNIVERSARY

Us with our feathery friend, Alex, on our first wedding anniversary.

Rob and I had a most memorable first wedding anniversary. It was the day we had a Snowy Owl in our truck.

Three years ago, when we first heard about and visited the Owl Foundation, Rob signed up to be a volunteer driver. They have volunteers all over Ontario who transport injured owls to their facility in Southern Ontario. This past Saturday, November 30th, was our one year wedding anniversary and the first time we helped deliver an owl to the foundation.

Now, Rob and I are never happy to hear about an injured owl or any bird or animal for that matter, but getting to help one this day, made the day even that much more special for us. We didn't have any real plans for the day and when we got the call we were more than happy to help. The volunteer drivers often work in teams to get the owl to the foundation and today was no exception. Our friends Murray and Debbie, who are also volunteer drivers, drove about an hour north of Toronto to pick up the owl, brought it to our place, and we made the drive south to the Owl Foundation.

It was a cold and quiet drive. We didn't turn the heat on for the owls comfort. No music was played and very little talking, as we didn't want to cause the owl any more stress. During the drive I couldn't help but think "I can't believe we have a Snowy Owl in the truck!". The owl didn't make a peep the whole drive.

We were happy to deliver the owl to the foundation and after a quick peek at our special passenger, a gorgeous female Snowy Owl, and a few words with the staff, we were on our way back to Toronto.

Feeling good after delivering our special passenger.

We made it back to the city in time to visit the open house event going on at our local Wild Birds Unlimited, who had some special guests of their own. Tracy and Bruce from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation were there with a couple of the educational birds, Alexandra, a Great Horned Owl, and Cheyenne, a Peregrine Falcon. We have never seen the store so packed! We also volunteer with this organization, so it was nice to see so many people there to check them out.

Rob relieved Bruce for a while by holding Alex, as she can get a little heavy after a while. 

Rob was thrilled to hold Alex for almost an hour.

Tracy with Cheyenne, not sure who loves who more.

Bruce with Alex. Bruce was in charge of fledge watch at our site this year.

After spending over an hour at the store we had to leave to get ready for our dinner date. We were finally trying a restaurant I'd been wanting to check out for years, La Castile. The food was delicious, and I loved the atmosphere. I felt like I was in an old castle, and Belle and Beast (Disney) were going to walk around the corner at any moment. It is a place to go and enjoy a long, leisurely dinner. Rob's parents often go here to celebrate their wedding anniversary, which is part of the reason we decided to go here, and we will make it our anniversary spot as well. As great as the dinner was, I'd be lying if I didn't admit the birds really made our anniversary as special as it was. 

It really was a pretty amazing first wedding anniversary for a couple of bird-nerds!

NOTE: I called to inquire about the Snowy Owl today and was told she is doing very well. Due to the seriousness of her injuries she will be over wintered at the foundation. They believe she was hit by a car due to the bruising and swelling. She has some eye damage as well, but no broken bones. They were moving her to an outdoor enclosure today and she is eating well, all good signs. I will call again in the new year for another update and we are all hopeful for a good recovery and release. She's in the right place for both.

There seems to be an irruption of Snowy Owls this year, please read and share the following advice. Thank you.

OUR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Being silly at the Woodbridge Fall Fair.

We had a busy but fun-filled Thanksgiving weekend. Saturday morning we visited Hobbitstee, Toggenburgs and Wildlife Refuge. Though not open to the public, we are helping with a fundraiser next month and needed to pick up a few things. And of course we had a visit with the founder, Chantal and a few of the resident animals. 

"Molly" is the friendliest Donkey, and comes to meet you. 

"Grump" is super friendly too, and loves to be scratched and petted.

I got to name the newest educational animal, a groundhog, meet "Bilbo!"

Molly and the Toggenburg Goats hanging out.

After our visit there we stopped for a late lunch/early dinner at one of my favorite places to eat, Jake's, in Burlington, it's right off the highway which makes it convenient.  

Saturday evening we enjoyed sitting out in the backyard under the stars enjoying a few drinks. It was nice not to have to worry about mosquitoes.

We had some company Saturday evening in the backyard.

Sunday morning we visited the "Woodbridge Fall Fair". It was raining but we went anyway and made the best of it. We enjoyed looking at the exhibits and the baking contest winner displays made me hungry! Our main reason for going was because we knew the Canadian Peregrine Foundation had a booth there, as Rob had volunteered with them there the last two years.

Meeting "Tiguaq" for the first time. (Male Snowy Owl)

  I was surprised when Marion said we could "pet" the newest member of the CPF's educational bird team. We don't normally pet the birds, but Tig, as he is already known, is young, and new, and this would help him get use to people (the CPF's volunteers) handling him and also to the crowds looking at him and taking pictures. As Tiguaq matures he will lose most of his black spotting and be almost pure white. The females remain black speckled as adults.

Alexandra is an old pro at these shows. (Female Great Horned Owl)

It's awesome to see these amazing birds up close. This is Nova, a Peregrine Falcon.

I see Seamus everyday, as his sponsorship certificate is on our fridge.

   We had a great visit at the fair and the CPF booth, and I grabbed a fair staple on the way out, a cotton candy!

Sunday afternoon was the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with Rob's family. I hadn't been for Thanksgiving dinner in two years, so it was nice to be there this year.

The holiday Monday was a quiet day spent at home, just the way we planned.

Even Misfit slept in on the holiday Monday!! (she sleeps on her swing)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

TORONTO WILDLIFE CENTRE OPEN HOUSE

Photo of baby Opossums from the TWC Facebook page.

This past Sunday Rob and I joined three of our friends, Murray, Debbie and Patty to check out the Toronto Wildlife Centre annual open house. Rob had been once before, but it was the first time for the rest of us, and we were all looking forward to it.

I was immediately impressed with how organized it was. There were many display tables; educational, merchandise, refreshments and volunteers and staff on hand to answer questions.

The tour started with a short slide presentation that was very interesting. You learned the history of the centre and about the many programs and services they provide, including; rescue, recovery,  rehabilitation and hopefully, release. They also offer educational out reach programs to various other organizations. 

After the presentation we were given a behind the scenes tour, and it reminded me very much of a hospital. Our guide, Lisa, was awesome. She was very "matter of fact" and didn't candy coat anything, and I liked that. She was also willing to answer any questions we had, and we all learned something new. I came away with a greater appreciation of all that goes on there, and have a great respect for the people who work and volunteer there.

The opossums pictured above are 2 of 9 siblings that were brought into the centre after they were found clinging to their dead mother, who had been struck by a car. We were able to watch the unfortunate, but adorable critters climb around in their cage and sleep in a "pile of possum" in their hammock through one way glass.   

Start of the slide show.

Display table.

Containers of various turtle eggs that will be released after they hatch. How cool is that!?

Who knew Grackles would eat scrambled eggs?!

The eye of a Sandhill Crane through his inclosure. He's recovering from a broken leg.

 I'm sad places like this are needed, but grateful that they exist. Rob and I are proud to be monthly sponsors. 

Debbie, Murray, myself and Rob after the tour. Pic by Patty!

 
Footnote:  During our tour we noticed that a Peregrine Falcon had been admitted the day before. All of us being Canadian Peregrine Foundation volunteers had us immediately curious and upset. Seeing our concern, and only because it was Open House, we were able to watch some the of falcons exam through the window and the vet even took some time to go over the X-rays with us. We were to find out it was a falcon known to us, and more so to Murray, Debbie and Patty, who participate in "Fledge Watch" where the falcon, Kendal, is from. His injuries are serious, but he is in good hands and we all wish him a speedy recovery so he can get back to his nest site in the east end of the city.
 

CONNECTING THE DOTS

A Peregrine Falcon chick after banding at the Sun Life nest site, May 29th, 2013.  

It's been more then a week since I was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of my friend, BigFrank. At 48 he was much too young to die, and at almost 44, I feel much too young to be attending a friends funeral, but I will tomorrow.

When I go back in time and connect the dots of all the wonderful people we've met and the amazing moments we've had because of meeting BigFrank, it is truly overwhelming. I will be forever grateful for everyone and everything he brought into my life. Without him we wouldn't of met; Murray, Debbie, Tracy, Ann, Walter, Patty, and Kellie, to name a few. Without him we wouldn't of gone to Ruthven Park that first time, and experienced all that came with going there, including banding and releasing birds. We now visit there often and have gotten to know the wonderful people who run the banding station. We wouldn't of known about Authentic Canadian Tours and had so many wonderful trips with them. Without him we wouldn't of became involved with the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, where I was able to hold a Kestrel, a Great-horned Owl and a Barn Owl. All of these people and these moments trace right back to starting with BigFrank. 

Rob had a closer relationship with him than me, being guys and all, but we had our own unique friendship too. We'd often email or chat over the computer in the early morning hours while I was having my morning coffee before getting ready for work and we had a major bonding experience at the Sun Life nest site last year, when one of the chicks was killed and I had to rescue her body off the roof. I'm glad we were there for each other that evening. 

A bench will be placed at Rosetta McClain Gardens in the coming months, a fitting tribute to the man who started the Rosetta McClain Gardens Raptor Watch many years ago, Rob and I are happy to contribute. But Frank has a "west end" bench too, on Bloor Street. across from the Sun Life nest site, where he spent many, many hours during fledge watch, and I will never not think of that bench as his.

BigFrank's "west end" bench.

 At the Canadian Peregrine Foundation's Sun Life banding this past Wednesday, more then a few of us were brought to tears when it was announced that the only male chick was being named in his honor, "BigFrank".  Rob and I will be participating in fledge watch at this site again this year, and though it will be different without him there, we will be keeping a close eye on his namesake.

I have some special memories of this man, a man who loved all birds, but had a special place in his heart for raptors, and is now free to fly with them. 

I will never forget you Frank, or everything you brought into my life, thank you so much. 

BigFrank with his friend, Cori, watching the sunrise at Rosetta.

Rob, Debbie and myself listening to one of BigFrank's stories at the CPF BBQ last September.

 With one of his loves, Alex, the Great Horned Owl.  (CPF educational bird)

Meet "BigFrank" the Peregrine Falcon chick, banded Wednesday, May 29th, 2013 at the Sun Life nest site.

CPF - FIRST ANNUAL BBQ

I couldn't of been more delighted to hold "Seamus", a Barn Owl.

Sunday afternoon the Canadian Peregrine Foundation held their "1st Annual BBQ & Corn Roast". Staff and volunteers from all over Southern Ontario were on hand to share pictures and stories, but the real stars of the afternoon were the educational birds of prey that reside at "The Barn", where the BBQ was held.

Entrance to "The Barn".

Mark, Co-Founder of CPF giving an opening speech.

People enjoying the BBQ.

It was fun to mix and mingle with other like minded people, and it was great to meet some new friends from the FaceBook group CPF has.

The highlight for everyone was getting a chance to see some of the educational birds of prey out of their enclosures. They seemed to be enjoying the BBQ as much as the rest of us!

 Here are a few of Rob's pictures from the day;

"Alex", Great Horned Owl.

  

"Solo", Bald Eagle, look at those legs!

Myself, Tracy and "Bubo", an European Eagle Owl.

Tracy is the main caretaker at the barn, she has devoted herself to these birds, she is a shining star in our eyes.

Rob's favorite shot of "Seamus" from the day.

They held a 50/50 draw during the BBQ, and I won! With my winnings I "adopted' two of their owls, Seamus for me, and Boo (Bubo) for Rob. I was thrilled when Marion (Mark's wife and Co-Founder of CPF) asked me if I wanted to hold "Seamus", who is lovingly called "Shammy".

I have to explain why this was such a thrill for me. Well, it's a thrill holding an owl any day, but this was special.

When we volunteer at the barn, we are there to work and don't spend much time interacting with the birds. I have only seen and heard Seamus in his enclosure, and when I'd walk by, he'd do his "territorial stomp" and make a most unpleasant noise. He'd just be letting me know I wasn't welcome.

Sunday was the first time I had got to see him out of his enclosure and he was like a completely different bird! He was relaxed and seemed to enjoy all the attention! Rob had witnessed this behaviour from him before and told me about it, but it was a joy to see for myself.

Someone's got our attention over there.

        Rob and I had a great day, and we look forward to next year's BBQ.