Tuesday, March 18, 2014

9:30 am – 11.00 am

-2C / 28F

-7C / 10F with wind chill

Sunny and clear

Photos copyright of Bill McCreadie 

When we arrived at the Lift Bridge this morning, we found Cirrus in the nest box and Mackenzie was standing guard from the Hamilton Hydro Tower.  In a flash, Mackenzie took over nest box duties but never actually entered the box.  Cirrus went to the Hamilton Hydro Tower.  We thought for sure that incubation might have started, but I guess not.  A short time later, Mackenzie returned to the Hamilton Hydro Tower and began hunting from the very top.  After a couple of dives, he managed to grab himself a Starling.  He circled and circled screaming trying to gain altitude.  He eventually made it to the roof of the Hamilton Lift Bridge Tower.  He began showing off to Cirrus as he was flying between the Towers showing her how successful he had been.  I guess he wasn’t very hungry because he eventually stored the catch on the cat walk of the Hamilton Hydro Tower.  They were both back and forth and in and out of the nest box.  While Cirrus sat on the edge of the box, Mackenzie took off alarm calling.  We followed and found that he was after a Juvenile Peregrine, who appeared to be passing through.  Mackenzie made it very clear that it was not welcome in the area.  Cirrus watched from the nest box.  We wonder if it was one of the kids from last year.  Sure would be nice to know if any survived the winter.

Cirrus and Mackenzie have a discussion

 

Mackenzie brings in dinner

 

The Interloper, a Juvenile Peregrine Falcon

 

Mackenzie sends the interloper on its way

Mackenzie making sure that the interloper leaves the territory

Spring is definitely in the air.  While we were at the Lift Bridge today, all the guys were hard at work making sure that everything is ship shape.  The horns were blowing, the bells were ringing and the wigwams were being tested.  The Lift Bridge made it first lift of the season.  Looks like all is ready to go.  BRING ON SPRING.