Hamilton’s Urban Peregrine Falcons

Dayna, North End Resident and Reader

“I look forward to the always-prompt delivery of the next edition to my mailbox, and to receiving the email alerting me to its availability! I so appreciate that there remains a local community paper at a time when so many others have ceased publication. It’s been a great introduction to the North End!”

Kristina Santone

“Being a part of the North End Breezes board for the past two years has been a privilege. The team does amazing work within the community and serves as a resource hub for all. They are committed, and most importantly, passionate about preserving the North End’s legacy, while also continuing to foster its growth. Whether you are new to the area, or a longtime resident, I encourage you to volunteer with the Breezes in some capacity if you’re able. This team is small but mighty and they are always looking for more support. I’m grateful for the relationships and community I’ve been able to build while serving on the board.

I’ll be joining Welcome Inn as the Executive Director and look forward to taking on a new role in the North End Community while staying connected to The Breezes. “

By Mary Anne McDougall

The Sheraton Hamilton Hotel downtown is well known for its lovely guest rooms, swimming pool and dining room, but did you know that Peregrine Falcons have been calling it home since 1995? The south face ledge on the 18^th floor has provided an excellent replica of the cliffs that would have normally been chosen in the wild. Many pairs have used this site over the past 29 years to lay their eggs and raise their young. Urban nesting Peregrine Falcons have become quite common in large cities with tall buildings and a never-ending supply of pigeons to feed upon.

This year our resident pair McKeever (female) and Judson (male) are nesting here for the third year. In both 2022 and 2023 they successfully fledged four chicks…but not without the occasional rescue by our volunteers at Hamilton Falconwatch. Busy King St below the nest can be a danger if a first flight goes wrong and landing on a low building can be difficult for a juvenile falcon to get back up to the nest ledge.

As of publication McKeever has laid three eggs, one on March 17^th followed by a second on the 19^th, and a third was visible on March 22^nd. It is possible she may lay another one over the next two days. Incubation is 30-35 days from the date of the last laid egg so we may see the white fluff of newly hatched eggs around April 27^th. At three weeks they are removed from the nest by a trained mountain climber and taken inside the Sheraton Hotel where they are examined, weighed, sexed and banded. Each permanent band identifies the bird as to where and when it was hatched and a temporary-coloured band is placed on each chick so that we can identify them through binoculars and on camera as they learn to fly.

Juvenile falcons take their first flights at about 40 days of age. However, last year was exceptional with several rescues happening before the chicks were 35 days of age. Whether due to the windy conditions or over eager young falcons we are not sure. Fortunately, none were injured, and they were successfully placed atop the roof of the hotel where the parents could reach them to offer feedings.

This year a new camera was installed, and the images are brilliant. Please check out the live webcam at www.falcons.hamiltonnature.org

Volunteers will be needed to monitor and track the movements of the chicks as they take their first flights. The schedule is set up in two-hour time slots between 5:30am to 9pm. Paid Coordinators are on hand to organize monitoring and if a rescue were needed experienced volunteers from the Rescue Team would be called. An orientation meeting will be held to train volunteers, date TBA.

The Hamilton Community Peregrine Project is a non-profit organization relying on donations and volunteers to continue this important work. Please consider donating and/or volunteering. You can do both by going to our website and clicking on the corresponding tab.