As excitement builds for the upcoming World Cup matches set to kick off at Toronto’s BMO Field, a remarkable wildlife story is unfolding above the stadium. Four peregrine falcon chicks, poised to become some of the fastest creatures on the planet, are preparing to leave their nest in the stadium’s rafters. With their overprotective parents posing potential hazards to workers busy setting up the venue, wildlife experts have intervened to ensure a safe environment for both the birds and the event preparations.
A Delicate Balancing Act
With less than three weeks until the first game, the urgency to address the situation became clear. Workers tasked with installing lights, speakers, and signage found themselves in the vicinity of the falcon family, whose fierce protective instincts could lead to confrontations. Stadium officials reached out to Dan Frankian, a seasoned falconer and founder of Hawkeye, a company specialising in bird and animal control.
“We already have a standing permit for this kind of thing,” Frankian explained. He stressed that moving the nest was not his preferred course of action. “Why do we bother doing all the nest removal, moving all this, moving all that, and then having to find a different spot?” Instead, he opted for a solution involving nets and protective measures to keep the chicks and their parents safe from workers, knowing they would soon take their first flights.
Protective Parents and Urban Nesting
Peregrine falcons are known for their aggressive behaviour when defending their nests. David Bird, an emeritus professor of wildlife biology at McGill University, highlighted the risks of approaching the nest during this crucial developmental phase. The chicks are still heavily reliant on their parents for sustenance as they learn to navigate their new world. “You would hear a lot of noise from the falcons, and the adults might dive at anyone getting too close,” Bird noted.
The choice of nesting site within the stadium rafters is not surprising. Peregrine falcons are adaptable creatures, often opting for cliffs near water bodies. In urban environments, cities provide a unique alternative, resembling natural cliffs made of steel and glass. The presence of ample prey, including seabirds and pigeons, alongside the urban bustle that deters natural predators, makes these locations ideal for nesting.
Conservation Efforts Pay Off
The conservation of peregrine falcons has a storied history in North America, heavily impacted by the widespread use of DDT from the mid-20th century. The toxic insecticide decimated falcon populations, leading to a decline in their numbers as eggs became fragile and often failed to hatch. Fortunately, the ban on DDT in the 1990s has facilitated a remarkable recovery in the species.
Dr. Bird referred to peregrine falcons as “canaries in the coal mine,” indicating their role as indicators of environmental health. Recent studies have shown the harmful effects of DDT, reinforcing the importance of ongoing conservation efforts that have helped restore falcon populations across the continent.
The Role of Volunteers
As the chicks embark on their first flights, volunteers from initiatives like the Friends of Canadian Peregrine Foundation are stepping in to assist. Sally Williams, a dedicated volunteer, describes the initial flight attempts of the young falcons as “very clumsy.” When the fledglings land, they often become disoriented and vulnerable, prompting volunteers to help them return to higher perches.
Williams and her team monitor multiple nesting sites throughout the Greater Toronto Area, ensuring the safety and tracking of these magnificent birds through banding efforts. The City of Toronto also plays a role, regularly assessing the falcon activity at BMO Field to implement necessary safety measures.
An Eye on Wildlife
Representatives from FIFA have confirmed adherence to wildlife policies during event preparations, though specific details regarding the falcons have not been disclosed. As the chicks spread their wings and learn to hunt, Frankian takes pride in his work, reflecting on the importance of coexistence between urban development and wildlife.
“Nobody got hurt,” he remarked, emphasising the success of the measures taken. “I love birds of prey just for the pure love of birds of prey. But second, and this is somewhat very important: Anything they die of, we die of.”
Why it Matters
The story of the peregrine falcon chicks at BMO Field is emblematic of the balance between urban life and wildlife conservation. As cities expand, the need to protect native species becomes increasingly critical. This event not only showcases the resilience of peregrine falcons, a species once on the brink of extinction but also highlights the collaborative efforts of conservationists, volunteers, and local authorities. In a world where nature often takes a back seat to progress, the successful navigation of this situation serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human activity.
