Introducing Elding and Olive! The Newest Additions to the Lakeridge Health Family!

Meet Olive and Elding, sister and brother chicks that hatched early in May to Lakeridge Health’s resident pair of Peregrine falcons. In 2014, the pair of falcons were discovered by members of Lakeridge Health’s Engineering team. A nest box was set up for the birds’ wellbeing and safety. The Peregrine falcon pair – who mate for life – have successfully raised chicks atop Oshawa Hospital every year since.

On May 29, the chicks were banded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Peregrine Foundation. The male chick, Elding weighed 500g, while Olive, the female, weighed 790g. As recently as 2014, Peregrine falcons were considered endangered, but because of recovery efforts such as what is happening at Lakeridge Health, the bird is making a comeback in Ontario. Banding is an integral part of monitoring the species and ensuring their continued success.