Thursday, January 23, 2014

-16 C / 3.2 F + Wind Chill

11:15 am

Clear and Cold

Cirrus and Mackenzie (band not verified)

All photos copyright of Bill McCreadie

Well, it would appear that spring preparations are underway.  Cirrus and Mackenzie were both spending time in and on the next box and there was lots of chirping going on.  It was definitely cold and perhaps they were trying to get out of the weather, but I’m saying that they are preparing for spring.  I guess we had just missed Cirrus having a meal as her crop was just bulging.

 

 

 

 

 

I just had to share these fabulous photos of Cirrus (Mom) taken on January 22^nd.  Isn't she beautiful as she tries to wait out this horrible weather?    Thanks to Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) for allowing me access to these photos. Photos copyright of PWGSC.

 

 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

-16 degrees C / -23 degrees C with the wind chill
-3 degrees F / - 18 degrees F with the wind chill
11:15 AM
Sunny and Clear
Cirrus and Mackenzie both present (bands still not verified)
All photos copyright of Bill McCreadie

Much too cold for me to venture out this morning, but my hardy better half Bill did his rounds while I enjoyed the comforts of home.

The view of the lake was unbelievable.

When he arrived at the Lift Bridge, Cirrus was hanging out in the next box. She was out

of the wind and soaking up the sunshine trying to stay warm.

There was obviously no shortage of food this morning as Mackenzie’s crop was bulging

as he hung out on the old nest ledge. It’s amazing how he is able to stand on the

 cold  steel in this -16 C (-23 C Wind Chill) weather.

Sunday, January 12. 2014

+6 Degrees Celsius
1 o'clock PM
Sun breaking through the grey skies
Cirrus and Mackenzie both present (not verified as yet by band numbers)
All photos copyright of Bill McCreadie

Bill and I took a trip to the Lift Bridge for the first time in a few days, as the temperature was finally above freezing.  When we arrived Dad, Mackenzie, was sitting on the old nest ledge of the Burlington Tower and Mom, Cirrus, was sitting on one of the cable supports, otherwise known as a Picnic Table.  As we watched, Cirrus took off as if on a mission to catch lunch.  We lost sight of her as she went down behind the Lift Bridge and the next thing we knew, Mackenzie was after her.  We carefully, because of very icy conditions on the pier, made our way back to the parking lot.  Lo and behold, Cirrus was on the ground taking a bath in a puddle of melting ice in the parking lot of the marina.  We found Mackenzie sitting on top of one of the light standards watching her.  What a great photo op for Bill and everyone else who was around.  As we usually only see these birds from a distance, you forget how big they really are.  Seeing Cirrus on the ground really brought this to my attention.

After her bath Cirrus disappeared for a while and we watched Mackenzie on the cables and then on the old nest ledge.  He has the most beautiful white chest which is so visible when the sun hits it.  A short time later, Mackenzie was off and this time definitely after lunch.  After a couple of attempts, Cirrus joined the chase, but they were unsuccessful.  When we left, both birds were kiting over CCIW.  I guess they are thankful for the above freezing temperatures.

A great afternoon of Falcon watching for all.

CIRRUS

 

CIRRUS TAKES A BATH

CIRRUS

CIRRUS

CIRRUS