Screeeeech!

I saw a Peregrine Falcon on my walk to work today. I'd heard rumours that a pair visited Peterborough on occasion (presumably to control the pigeon population, not enjoy a night out at The Purple Rooster). Normally, they are seen on the clock tower or the steeple of George Street United Church, two of the loftier downtown perches.

This morning, I heard a crazy cacaphony of crows and looked up to see a lovely fuzzy-pantalooned peregrine on the chimney of St Veronus pub, one of Peterborough's finer drinking establishments. (I love how it looks like they are weary downy puffy pants tucked into tight yellow boots. I'm pretty sure that's how the biologists describe them).

The crows were dive-bombing the falcon, I guess telling him the rooftop was their turf, or maybe protecting their crow-babies with a group show of force. The falcon just ignored them and finally flapped off to find a feathery breakfast elsewhere.

It totally made my day. I know for some of you (esp you East and West-Coasters) catching a little biodiversity on your way to work is no big deal. Bald eagle? Pshaw. Whale? Yawn. Moose? Zzzzz. But, for me, it was a lovely sight, especially considering that a few decades ago there were only a few hundred peregrines left in Ontario (thanks, DDT). They are definitely on the rebound, as can be seen in cities and cliffsides across the country.

Thanks Falcon Fuzzy Pants, for bringing a little excitement to an otherwise boring Tuesday morning!