I just read the tragic news on Facebook...just heartbreaking.
Posted 10 hrs ago from CPF
- MEC Fledge Watch Update - It is with great sadness that we have to report the loss of Gigi today. This morning she was still on the CIBC building on a low ledge where she stayed for most of the day. By the afternoon she had decided to try and make the long flight home. She flew across Hurontario towards MEC 3 and was halfway up the height of the building. She banked and turned back towards the nest building and now had too much speed but no control. She struck the nest building and died on impact. Bruce was there to witness her impact and retrieve her from the front of MEC 1. He then informed security at MEC of the tragic loss and brought her to me at the CPF Raptor Centre. This has truly been a sad day to start the season and I want to thank the team that came together at a moments notice to be there for her. Bruce Massey, Rob Mueller and Winston were all key watchers on the site and I thank you so much for your help. Building management and Garda Security at MEC have and continue to be such incredible and supportive hosts of the nesting pair here as they have for the past 18 years. They have provided everything from access to the nest, web camera cabling, the front lobby of MEC 1 for the banding and so much more. Thank you so much MEC for all that you do for these birds. The MEC tenants and community are also amazing supporters of this nest site and we are so grateful for their care and interest in the birds. I would also like to thank you, our Facebook supporters, who remain positive and uplifting while we deal with these sad events and encourage us to continue on for those birds who still need our help. Sometimes its hard to keep going but your support and kind wishes make it always a little easier. While we now must refocus our efforts onto the William Osler site beginning tomorrow, we will continue to check in on Midnight and Renegade at MEC over the coming weeks as they adjust to the changes that have taken place. We will continue to be there for them and visit as often as we can to provide you updates on the rest of their season together. Fly free dear Gigi.
Thanks for the catch, Terka- I was also watching an unbanded falcon at the nestbox just now. Glad to see Renegade, but I hope we see Midnight sometime soon, too.
Oh Wow! Is that a band I see peeking out from her feathers? Thankyou, SGB!!