Zen and then...

With most of us returning to work this week after the Christmas and New Year's time off, I took advantage of a bitter cold Monday morning before I started work to scope out a lake park here in Toronto for any Snowy Owls. I figured I would be one of the very few crazy people out there strolling around in the deep freeze. And I was right in every sense of that last sentence.

I'm not in hot pursuit this season to see as many Snowy Owls as I can like I was the last few years. I went from a proud light search in 2011/12 with 13 to "I stopped counting at 2 dozen" in 2013/14. Who doesn't love these majestic birds? In no way am I sick of them. I've decided to not be in competition with myself this season and just take it easy.

The only thing I was hoping for this season was one great sighting. By that I mean a bird in decent range, get a lovely photo and it didn't have to be a flight shot either... and if possible have that zen moment I like with the birds (no bullshit due to some selfish idiot trying to get the perfect shot by any means). And yesterday I got all that... mostly.

I decided to hit a different lake park where one was being reported near home throughout the weekend (actually there may have been two). It was nice and sunny out but no way could anyone feel the warmth of the rays with those cold lake winds. I was bundled up and only had to deal with a freezing face through my walk. The search for anything was looking pretty bleak unless I was into Canada Geese where I found dozens. That's okay. It's part of the thrill of the "chase". And the fact there were so few people around made things even more pleasant.

I was giving up after 40 or so minutes out. The walk back to the truck seemed so long. I was okay with not seeing a Snowy Owl. I chalked this walk up to getting some fresh air and hopefully burning a few calories from all the holiday treats. The truck is in sight now and suddenly so was this...

The Snowy was sitting here the whole time, almost in front of the parking area. But from the view point of the lot it could not be seen due to the lower elevation along with shrubs and rocks.

I got moving rather quickly now, heading up to the road with a quicker pace instead of staying along the lake trail where my movement despite being far off may spook the bird. From his location, there was a higher level of rocks on land that I could sit and watch the bird with ease. He was just over the mound out on the water. No full body view but it was nice to see his head, partial body and take in a peaceful moment with the bird. He was aware of my presence and tolerated it, not giving full attention to me. I watched, took some pics, and just chilled out with him. As time passed, my stillness paid off and bird went back to preening, yawning and just doing his thing.

I was accompanied by another person. They were in awe at the sight of this bird. They could not believe that Snowy Owls show up in Toronto. It's great to see the joy and excitement in another individual. They were taking pictures throughout our time.

Unfortunately they weren't content with this for very long and wanted to move in closer. I said "please don't, the bird is going to fly away" but they didn't listen. I also said that from down below they would not be able to see the Owl, that this was the best spot of viewing. I watched them climb down from the rock ledge and try to sneak across the rocks going out from shore to this small island (not sure what else to call it). I wanted to yell and lose my shit on this person but didn't. She was 5 foot nothing and seemingly just an inexperienced overly curious person. I didn't want to terrify her or the Owl. I chose to sit back and watch as I was certain how this was going to play out, and maybe a lesson would be learned. I also expected a photo op coming. I knew she wasn't going to harm the bird. I figured worst case scenario would be her losing her balance somewhere out there and maybe damaging her gear.

She tried very hard to get closer to the bird. The Owl was well aware of her the whole time. They can hear rodents under 3 feet of snow, they certainly can hear us big humans clunking around, trying to keep our balance on rocks over the lake.  The Owl would stretch his head up as she moved closer (the above photo was about as close as she could get).

And as expected, the Owl took flight and got out of there.

He landed further down the beach.

She stood up, laughed like a happy little girl and said "you so lucky!" I said "I told you so". It was near time for me to leave for home. I waited for her to climb back to land and tried to educate her one last time about respecting the bird's space. As conversation continued I realized she wasn't such an innocent overly curious person. She talked about the St. Catherine's Snowy Owls from last winter. And everything to do with these birds was about how close she could get to them for photos. UGH!

The Owl was just down the hill from the main path now. The foliage in the top of the photo has the path right behind it. More people were out and about now and not one person saw him.

I talked to her a little more, suggesting to try and just enjoy the bird where he is, maybe use the path and foliage as a shield like I intended for one last opportunity.

All was good and now I really had to leave. I said "goodbye" and silently wished she would not try any further goofy antics. Instead of a goodbye back, she says to me "you owe me." Huh? She asked that I now take steps towards the Owl, flush him, so she could get some flight shots. I said "no way!" instead of the profanity I fought to contain. My last words were along the lines of "please leave him be where he is" and I left. As I neared the lot, I turned back and she was still in that same spot taking pictures. I hope it ended that way with her just walking away.

I expected to just get in my truck and head for home, embracing the moment prior to the goofy crap when I was stopped by an older man. He commented on the beautiful Snowy Owl, how cold the day was and all to which I agreed. He then asked me if I would like to go up to his condo for a hot chocolate and watch a porno! I used to say that the worst question asked to me when out on a nature trek was "do you know where any Owls are?"... I think this one trumps that one by a long shot. I was totally shocked by this. I said "not interested" and quickened my steps to the truck. He didn't follow me, just stood where he was, watched me get in the GMC and drive off.

See, I told you only the craziest of people would go out on such a bitter cold morning!

If you care for another uncomfortable bird outing in Toronto of mine, check this blog!

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Trash Can Hawk Final Update

2014 was coming to a close. It had been a roller coaster of a year which I will lightly touch upon soon in a "year in review". I know I did a massive year in review for 2013 which took me weeks to do but for 2014 I intend on something not so in depth.

I had been inquiring about the Red-tailed Hawk approximately every 2 weeks since I brought her into Toronto Wildlife and the updates from the girls at the centre were great, no promises of what the outcome would be, but every bit was positive and they kept the hope up for this big girl.

Angie and I awoke on December 30th to our furnace acting up. Our unit is in/around 15 years and the last 3 years have had Direct Energy on us about replacing it. Yes, one day, especially since it's a mid-efficiency furnace and the gov't has outlawed these things but who has $4,000 laying around to drop just like that? With the fear of needing a new furnace ASAP had me thinking "dammit, the year is gonna end on a low like this?!?!" Hard to keep positive when it's -9c and there's cold air blowing through the vents.

A service rep was to arrive somewhere between the hours of 8am and noon. Great! Mess up my whole morning before work, waiting and wondering, worrying about our Budgies getting a chill.

The guy arrives and I leave him be downstairs to hopefully find the problem and repair it.

The phone rings and it's someone named Stacy from Toronto Wildlife. She introduced herself and apologized for the short notice but wanted to let me know they were releasing that Red-tail in about 45 mins near the area where she was picked up. I was happy to hear about the release but with such short notice and the issue at home, I had to thank her for the call with the invite to join them and unfortunately decline. I couldn't just take off while this was going on at home. It was agreed that we both should hang around and wait for the outcome with the furnace in case it was something serious. I was kinda crushed about turning down the opportunity to join them.

See, I've brought in or been closely involved in bringing about a dozen creatures in need to TWC over the last 6 years or so. Out of those dozen, only one ever saw freedom again. I was starting to feel like the Grim Reaper driving the black truck of death with any wildlife I had something to do with going in. I am well aware that even those who were put to sleep was a much better ending than suffering any longer out in the wild. I get that, but it still sucks. So now, finally there was another one getting a second chance, and I couldn't go.

I went back to getting lost in my mess of a closet, packing summer clothes, tossing this and that, getting other stuff for Goodwill. I wanted to be alone and try not to sulk too much about this.

Angie came in and talked to me. She told me to call TWC back and get up there for the release. I refused over and over despite her attempts to convince me it was okay to leave. She gave up and went back to whatever she was doing. Minutes go by, more clothes sorting, more humming and hawing, when suddenly I hear the service guy coming through the living room. It turned out to be a dusty sensor inside, so the furnace wasn't igniting like it should when it turned on. Both of us were relieved we weren't going to have to go shopping for a new unit just yet. I looked at the clock and wasn't sure I had the time left to meet them for the release but called in anyway. I swear it was like the clouds lifted, the rays of the sun shined down on me and all was good with the world again. There was plenty of time to still come for the release. I got dressed, got my camera and out the door I went. Here it is January 4th and all those clothes I was sorting are still in a huge pile on the floor. Shame on me. LoL!

Thank goodness for so many people having the week of New Years off from work as the traffic was light. I got to TWC in record time. I met Andrew and Stacy outside the building, they were in the van waiting for me, and Andrew said to just follow them. He gave me insight on where they were going in case we got separated.

We get there and I am super thrilled. I haven't spoken with Andrew in almost 3 years. He helped me with a Great Horned Owl in Lambton Woods. I read and hear about all the amazing things he does for wildlife in our city with his rescues. I admire him, and all the TWC staff a lot.

There was the formal introduction and Andrew brought up remembering me from our Owl adventure. We had a re-cap of the Red-tail's story to which I added my bit about how she was picked up in this area and then driven with a construction crew to Richmond Hill, where I picked her up and brought her back to TWC. I made mention about my feeling like the Grim Reaper and they got a chuckle out of it, knowing I was being comical. I also told him and Stacy that this was going to be my 50th release in the short time I've been signed on as a volunteer driver. It was an amazing milestone release with how this all played out. From there we went to the spot for release and he explained to me in detail about what they were doing, what to do if this or that were to happen, how I could stand anywhere providing I was behind Stacy and the bird, etc. I thought it was really cool how good and informative they were with me through this. I did not feel like an outsider by any means.

Below is a bunch of photos of the release. I told them I like to try for pictures, nothing will compare to what is in my mind but even the crappiest grainy images will take me back to this wonderful moment. The knowing this bird is healthy and free once again is what matters most. It's a privilege I am here to witness her go home.

Stacy slowly opening the box...

Out hops the Red-tail...

The Hawk stood on the other side of the box for a few moments...

And away she went...

Getting some air...

Higher...

And higher...

I thought she was flying as far away from us as possible now...

But then she does a turn...

She's coming around...

And we are getting real good looks at her now...

 She was over the road now...

And decided to land on one of the hydro poles not too far from us...

We stood and watched her for a number of minutes to see if she would fly again, but she was content on staying there...

So we left her be.  I silently wished her a good long healthy life.

I once again thanked Andrew and Stacy for this. They thanked me for all I've done. That part gets me (in a good way) as it reminds me of the police officer who thanked me for doing the Peregrine Falcon fledge watch. A little more chit chat about this that and the other. I wished them a "Happy New Year". And then we went our separate ways.

I had one of them ear to ear grins on the ride home. What a fantastic experience and how awesome of an end to 2014. Sure there was 36 hours left in the year but this certainly was putting a high note on the final hours.

I get home, tell Angie all about it. I told some of my close bird friends too throughout the afternoon. But left the majority, especially those on social media guessing for a few days. My post to them was a camera phone shot of the back of the TWC van on Keele Street and said I was on a special journey with them.

When I finally shared a picture of the released Hawk, giving a little reminder on her story and now the outcome, everyone rejoiced. There's been a lot of people behind this bird since she was admitted. I do my best to remind people that these places rely heavily on volunteers and even more so on donations (no amount is too small).

Anyways, thanks to everyone who has been following her story and sending out the healing vibes! Cheers!

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Pierre Returns!

Recently we had a number of visits from a Cooper's Hawk and I blogged about her, see here

That Pigeon was the last thing I saw her take out, which was on a Friday. She hung around all of the weekend but was unsuccessful in any further catches. She was the first bird to arrive both Saturday and Sunday with my bird counts for Project Feeder Watch, and I watched her give chase to the Cardinals and Blue Jays. It was a dismal count weekend that's for sure.

But then the Hawk moved on it seemed and I've not seen her since (watch her spring into the yard now as I key this).

As far as I know, none of my hand feeding flock were present that morning she got the Pigeon. But they all knew. I did not see another Pigeon for some days afterwards.

First in, 5 days later, was my pal Snake... left bird.

Second bird, Mickey, 7 days later.

Slowly the birds were coming back, testing the area, and I believe word was spreading it's looking safe once again.

I knew it was a matter of time for my boy to come home. And sure enough, 8 days later, Pierre came in.

First sight of him outside the back door, he was all flared out, excited, head bobbing and cooing like crazy at me. This happens when we don't see each other for a number of days, especially when some crazy s**t had been going on like a Hawk or some nasty spell of weather. The coo's all sound the same but I am sure they mean something different with the scenarios.

And on the 9th day, all the birds came back. I have 6 hand feeders and everyone was present. Of course the birds are still paranoid and the slightest scream from a Jay sends them scurrying.

I feel for them being so scared to be here but I take comfort in knowing they know well enough to keep their distance when such a threat is present. Who says "Pigeons are stupid birds?"

Busy times coming with Christmas just days away. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season no matter how you spend it.

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Good Gawd!

As the holiday season rapidly approaches and we get busy with festivities, I am trying to get my "birding" fix in before work this week.

I revisited an area not far from home that I had chanced upon the sighting of 5 Long-eared Owls not too long ago. The whole park was quiet this morning, and the line of conifers I had previously found them were lacking birds. I scanned them with my bins a couple times to be sure and at one point I spotted a dead Deer Mouse draped over a branch. First thought, Saw-whet Owl stash. Those tiny Owls sometimes cannot finish a mouse in one meal and will hide the rest of it for the next day. A little more looking and I saw another dead mouse. And then a third! Okay, no way this is a Saw-whet stash. Owls are not hoarders.

I went in for a closer look with my own eyes since there were no birds (Owls) within to fear of disturbing and all the mice had broken backs due to a snap trap. So obviously someone has had the bright idea of bringing dead mice to the park. Why? Hoping to feed some Owls? Maybe this is where they keep them and are trying to launch the carcasses in the direction of a roosting Owl? In this day and age with some of the goofy people carrying cameras hunting wildlife, I can only make assumptions.

Whatever the reason is, it's pathetic!

Sad thing, this is not the first time I have stumbled upon such a sight. Two years ago there was a slightly popular Saw-whet Owl roost at another park and I discovered the same thing. The mice have no gaping holes from the talons of an Owl. None of them have been eaten to any degree either. Just full bodied dead things with crushed spines.

I've left them in the trees. I figure they will remain there and hopefully the individual will realize this idea is a waste of time. It's a totally sad visual even if most see mice as disease carrying vermin.

I saw very little bird activity of any kind this morning, only this WTF sighting. I guess I will have to get out there again... some where else. But this outing still had meaning, a reminder that there are a lot of dumb selfish and/or strange people walking the trails.

Here is one of the Long-ears that once chose this spot to roost in. I doubt they will return. I know I ruined the photo with my little scribe through the Owl...

Lastly... for Tracy. I replied to the comment you left in my last blog. Thanks for reading and commenting! :D

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Sanctuary

I had a rough day yesterday for some reason. It was an exceptionally gross Monday. Nothing went how I had hoped for it to go. And my mood went from feeling nothing more than "ya, I'm existing" to something angry and intolerable to much around me.

Of course this all went away as soon as I got home from work last night. I put my silly wife to bed. I got lots of kitty cuddles from Meadow. And I spent a little time watching this guy out back.

We actually have 2 Opossums roaming the backyards after dark now and that's just freakin' awesome!

I have a habit of tossing mostly eaten apples out on the back lawn when I get in. I normally snack on one with the drive home. It's the only time where I enjoy eating an apple and not actually get bored with it. I sure hope that doesn't go under distracted driving one of these days!

Usually it's a Squirrel who finds the apple remains in the morning and finishes it up. But the 'Possums are taking them if they come around. It's that time of year where food is scarce and something like this is appreciated. I am not hand feeding them, just throwing it out back and if someone comes along and finds it... score!

They know the hollowed out half log down at the back of the yard that I dragged home last year and use it often as a place to hide. This is where they take the apple cores to finish them off.

View from the back. You can sort of make out the exit. I tried to fill it in with dirt through the fall and then cover with leaves, downed cedar branches but they keep digging out a hole. I guess it's for the best in case something wicked comes for them through the front that they aren't trapped. This is well away from the house. We are fortunate to have such a deep backyard.

View from the front.

This is barely noticeable from the deck as well!

Be it a winter scene.

A summer scene.

Or those gross days in between.

We are still seeing the Skunks the odd night, or early morning too.

Our Raccoons seem to be in semi-hibernation now. I see signs of their night time visits on occasion, be it a stool sample behind the shed or tracks in the snow. I miss the nights with the kids.

I love where we live! Our house may be a near 100 yr old shack but home is where the heart is, and it goes beyond these walls. It's our sanctuary... and theirs.

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The Enemy Within

We have a new predator on scene. A big a$$ Cooper's Hawk only known as She-Beast. It's a term my friend Tracy and I refer to a certain big a$$ Peregrine Falcon we know and love.

With this bird on the hunt here, everything clears out, even the other predators. No Shirley Sharp-shin, no Waldo the Cooper's Hawk. How do I know this is not Waldo? My observations have me believe Waldo is younger, smaller/thinner (male?) and lighter in color. The personality between the two differs. Waldo carries a curious attitude, not quite disturbed by my presence. This one, She-Beast, wants nothing to do with me when I am outside. First sight of me when she's hunting the yard and off she goes.

I know it's a bird eat bird world out there with these creatures, I accept that, but I don't have to like it. I won't interfere as in chase her away but I won't hide indoors when I have things to do out back and she's hunting. Mind you, I do back off temporarily while she's caught her lunch and is having it. I know I've mentioned in other blogs about letting them have their well deserved meal. I spooked a Red-tail one day and I felt bad, it left it's kill in the snow, barely eaten because I stepped outside.

She-Beast first made her presence known last Thursday during the snow storm when she caught a Starling and ate behind the house next door. I watched her from the kitchen window. It was so tempting to try and sneak out there for some good gore shots but I didn't.

Friday she flew in fast and hard, and nailed one of the Pigeons. Once again taking it down in the yard next door but this time way at the back. I know none of my birds were present this day (so far), but it still sucked for this other Pigeon. I let her be for quite some time to eat it before I went out the front of the house, snuck up the side and tried for a few photos. She is a magnificent specimen of this species. We've not had a Cooper's Hawk like this in the yard for some years now. The last one was taking 3 Pigeons a week!

She-Beast trying to get a big piece of meat down.

Look at the crop on her as she is done with the meal.

I do fear for my friendly flock but they seem smart enough to back off with the activity. I've not seen Pierre or any of the others since the day of the storm after the Cooper's had left, done with her lunch. Funny how the birds know these things.

There was one really angry black Squirrel that raced up and down, and around the tree base near the Hawk while she ate. He made lots of funny noises at her through this which got her attention and she'd flare right up at him, which was something to see. It was her defense, or perhaps a warning to Mr. Squirrel to back off, by making herself look twice her size. Our Shirley has done this before as well.

She-Beast and the Squirrel.

Shirley Sharp-shin trying to scare off a Squirrel as she sits on a Starling.

This Cooper's has made things quite interesting... and quiet. It was dismal numbers over the weekend for our counts with Project Feeder Watch. We saw her both days. She was the first bird to arrive on scene. It was a busy weekend for Angie and I, but I've found no new bird remains about the yards.

I shouldn't call her the enemy as I don't hate this bird.

I worry about my buds. I'm allowed to worry about them even though I know this is not their only threat out there. They are my little friends and add to my mornings.

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Trash Can Hawk Update

A few weeks back I got a call out via email from Toronto Wildlife Centre that a small Hawk in the Richmond Hill area was in need of a ride to TWC. The species was unknown as were his injuries.

With Angie in Florida, it was Saturday morning and I had nothing going on... I phoned in offering my time and truck to pick him up.

The funny thing with this is the Hawk was actually picked up in the Keele and Langstaff (Concord) area by some contractors who were on their way to a job site in Richmond Hill. The bird was just sitting out in the middle of the street. They put him in a plastic garbage can, covered him with a moving blanket and away they went to the site, where one of them made the call in to Toronto Wildlife. Even though they went in the opposite direction of TWC, gotta commend them for stopping and helping out.

There was no other details for me as mentioned, so I got the address and away I went. Small hawk? Hmmmmmm... Sharp-shin? Maybe a Kestrel or a Merlin as some mistake Falcons for Hawks?

I arrive on scene and there was some confusion at first. I asked to see the owner of the house, not knowing the guys (contractors) were actually the ones I needed to see. I waited 10 minutes or so before the man of the house came down to meet me, looking awfully puzzled at who this soaking wet mess of a long haired guy was standing at his door wanting to speak with him. It was a wet snow/rain mix coming down as I waited out front. From there, it all came together, and I was led into the back of an old cube van and shown a mid-sized garbage can with a blanket over it.

I was under the impression the bird was contained and ready for immediate transport, hence me not really dressed for standing outdoors for very long in the precipitation. I've only done a few pick-ups since signing on as a volunteer driver, and only once did I have to do something more than take the animal already in a box and go.

At this point, seeing the garbage can, I'm still under the impression it is a small hawk. Buddy removes the blanket slowly and reveals something not small at all. It was an adult Red-tailed Hawk! He was freakin' huge! I had my carrier with me and we feared it wasn't going to be suitable for the bird. My concern was more about getting him in it as the door is small, or so I think, for such a bird. The man was concerned that the bird was going to shred us. I asked how it was when he grabbed it, and he said it gave no fight. Would it tear us apart if we tried to move him again? Perhaps, perhaps not. But nobody wanted to chance it.

My heart sunk looking down at this bird. He did not look well at all. My heart still sinks looking at this photo one of the guys sent me.

This was all new to me on how to deal with this, as it was for the guys who picked him up. After some humming and hawing and pondering, the head contractor told me to take the can and blanket, and not worry about returning it. I asked if he was sure despite how old and used the items appeared; and he assured me it was all good. So off I went with this Hawk in a trash can. Thank goodness for having the GMC as this would not have sat well and upright in most cars!

I made a quick post on social media about having a Hawk in a trash can on route to TWC and of course it got people wondering. I should have added to that as many thought someone shoved him in a garbage can for some cruel reason. Nope, this wasn't cruel at all. But today, I learned something cruel with the story... why the Hawk was down on the street and unable to fly. Someone had shot him through a wing with a pellet gun! What the hell is wrong with some people?!?!?!

It's sad to know that there are many cruel acts committed to animals almost daily in our city. It's best not to relate the many I already know, for your sake to read them, and for mine to type them out.

So, anyone reading this, please send him some love and well wishes, hoping he may return to the wild once again. I feel bad being the one who brought him in as my "return to the wild" ratio is not good at all. It's a sad reality that many animals brought in are at the point of near death, most try to conceal their sickness as a defense, and only when they get too sick or weak, do we find them or are able to catch them. But euthanizing to end their suffering is better than what they will face in their finals days in the wild.

I should add that TWC relies a lot on public support, through volunteers and donations. Angie and I are monthly donors plus I've signed on to help with emergency drives when needed. Maybe some of you reading this would consider helping out some how? They also have a wish list on their website.

Here's a happy healthy Red-tailed Hawk I am often seeing with my drives to and from Toronto Wildlife...

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