Meet Maple, Oak, Willow, and Aspen: The Newest Peregrine Falcon Chicks at Lakeridge Health!

What’s faster than a cheetah, part of the raptor family, and living high above Lakeridge Health Oshawa? Our resident peregrine falcons, of course. 

Back in 2014, members of Lakeridge Health’s Engineering team made an unexpected discovery on the rooftop of the Oshawa hospital: a pair of peregrine falcons nesting. While peregrine falcons are well known for being city dwellers, these patients were well outside our scope of practice. We needed experts. 

With support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, a nest box was installed to give the birds a permanent and safe place to return to each year. More than a decade later, the same loyal pair of love birds continue to raise chicks each spring. 

Meet Maple, Oak, Willow, and Aspen 

On May 22, experts from Friends of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation visited the nest to carefully band this year’s chicks born to parents Alfreida and Velcro. 

During the banding process, each chick was given a gentle examination, including measurements, such as wing length and talon size. This process helps researchers collect important information about the chicks’ health, gender, and development.  

Staff and bird watchers alike can now keep an eye out for the newest rooftop residents from the streets below or by viewing our YouTube live stream: 

While it may look like a simple check-up, the annual banding is an important part of monitoring peregrine falcons and supporting the species’ continued recovery in Ontario. 

Getting ready to take flight 

With their official bands now in place, the four chicks are entering one of the most exciting stages of development: learning to fly. 

Under the watchful eyes of their parents, they are beginning short practice flights to build strength, confidence, and instinct. Before long, they will be soaring above Oshawa and beyond. 

A shared success story 

The continued success of the nest reflects years of partnership and care. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Friends of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and dedicated staff at Lakeridge Health, these once-endangered birds are thriving.