FEEL FREE TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS BELOW OR IN GREATER DETAIL AT THE RAPTORX FORUM FOR BLACK VULTURES 2016. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN REAL-TIME VULTURE NEST CHAT
If you lose live video (which may occur during camera changes), click on the “play” arrow or refresh your screen by clicking on the circular arrow to the right of the URL line.
The Tri-State VultureCam is up and running for 2017. From the 2010 to the 2013 breeding seasons, 6 chicks hatched and another 3 orphans from other locations fledged for a total of 9 fledglings from this nest site. The nest site was not used by vultures during the 2014 and 2015 breeding seasons, and the adult male, tagged #17 in 2013, has not returned. However, an untagged pair took up residence in late February 2016 resulting in two successful fledgings. An untagged pair took up residence again in early February 2017.
One of our long-term research objectives is to determine whether the same pair tends to occupy the shed year after year or if occupancy changes, possibly resulting from some form of competition or due to disturbing the nest site by tagging adults and/or chicks. Another objective of this multi-generational study is to observe ongoing working relationships between family members from year to year.
As in previous years, we are recording selected video and audio from several cameras, 24/7 for research purposes. However, our computer only streams video to this website from one camera at a time. We try to display the most interesting vulture behavior at any given moment. Sometimes the screen goes black after switching cameras. If this happens, you may be able restore the video by refreshing the webpage (by clicking on the circular arrow near the top center of the webpage for Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers). Known technical difficulties preventing viewing will be reported at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bkvu-test-3. Real-time chat regarding nesting activities is also available at this site. Day-to-day narrative and photos of nesting activity is available at RaptorX Forum for vultures, owls, and eagles
Viewing nesting behavior over the Internet, rather than observing the birds directly, avoids activity near the nest that could lead the adults to abandon it. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO LOCATE THE NEST SITE OR APPROACH IT AS DOING SO COULD RESULT IN DEATH OF THE CHICKS AND THE END OF THIS RESEARCH.
Comments from viewers relating to observations of vulture behavior or suggestions for research are most welcome.
Chick seems to be very active under Parent’s right wing this afternoon. It has been poking it’s little head out and I think it was around 2:22pm that it gave a little nudge to the Parent in the back of the head….lol
Lynn, I wasn’t on at the time you mentioned yesterday so I missed it. I did see a little bird fly in on Thursday the 25th at 4:23pm, I believe. Was real quick but I remember the Parent watching it.
4/26 2:15 pm
Did anyone happen to notice something blue and black in the shed doorway?
Panning outdoors, neat.
Very exciting to watch increasing diversity of behaviors by our little nestling. Have seen much pecking at the floor debris and also nibbling at debris and even parents. This is all from imprinting on the parents and prepares the chick for adult behaviors. Pecking strengthens the neck of the chick and prepares it for the hard work it will have to do with carcasses later on. Nibbling or nuzzling prepares the chick for mating behaviors. These behaiors have to be learned very quickly. I just never get over how absolutely perfect nature is.
Enjoy and appreciate all comments by viewers and, of course, Lynn’s summaries. Most helpful.
Speaking of milestones, CONGRATS on going over ten thousand views.
4/26 6 viewers and 10,066 views.
* I did make a reference to Stevie as a female, saying “she” and there is no evidence whatsoever and I will remind myself when posting facts. I tend to post personal sentiments with facts. It was in fun spirit and affection, however not necessarily true, oops.
Thanks for the wider view, much better chance to keep an eye on them now.
4/26 Off Air at 9:12 a.m.
High activity today, adults and chick are all over the shed. Stevie is getting stronger legs, standing more upright when walking. Really getting around well.
Looks like another banner day for the BV’s. Already have one third of a page with notes and its only 7:30 a.m.
Stevie will be two weeks old tomorrow. Gaining stamina, leg strength and coordination. Getting around really well now!
All three off cam, both adults return, chick returns and that fast they are all gone from view.
Maybe they are in the alley?
Seems while I was sending comment both Parents arrived. All 3 were pecking the dirt and all are out of view already! Fayeee caught it.
4/26
Parents are out of view and Stevie stayed alone in front of the tank for about 15 minutes, picking up objects and preening. Then decided to go to corner. Came back out, returned to corner and is still there.
Empty nest area.
6:01 a.m. seems an early time for the parents to be out and about. It’s been about 50 minutes no adult is visible.
You are very welcome.
I keep a journal and will create a highlights folder.
The parents had nuzzled this morning, not a food event, but a greeting. The parents give me a sense that they are gentle and kind to each other.
Stevie is such a joy. She enjoys playing with sticks and preening. The flapping wings get me every time. Child like innocence but the instinct to head for a darkened safe corner when exposed and alone. They are amazing.
Been away all evening and need to read and look at today’s photos.
May wait until morning, thanks all.
Gretchen it’s nice to be able to view both parents at the same time. I missed it at the time you stated.
Lynn, I agree with Bob. A very nice summary! I am pleased to hear that you also spotted the orbs. I have seen them before at night but did not mention it. But at 12:07:53 am on 4/24, this particular orb was very bright, larger in appearnace than the others I had seen and very well rounded. It moved right in front of the camera before exiting out of view. It wasn’t flying like an insect but more like bobbing or dancing in air….that is the best way I can describe it. Now with all that being said, there could be a very good explanation of what it was. I know what my first thought was but without seeing or reviewing the tape it probably would be premature to say. Thanks Lynn!
Nice daily summary. Thanks Lynn!
The parents were allopreening at 9:51 and then both left. Stevie walked off stage at 9:57 and then I temporarily lost internet access…
4/24 5:15 p.m. Chick napped on the ground in the daytime.
4/24 8:47 p.m. Chick sleeps on the ground in the evening.
I apologize, wanted to add this since it is important,
Stevie first solo nap in the dirt,that I saw day and evening.
Short highlights from 4/24
twice early Stevie left nest, when alone,
both times coaxed back by P/male digging in the dirt.
many feedings, shift changes.
Stevie napped laying down.
Parents beak nuzzled.
15 minutes nonstop Male and chick worked on pecking and moving nest objects, Chick flaps and flaps wings at him. But no feeding.
Saw two types of bees in the shed.
Close up cam, great day in the bv’s nest.
4/24 Highlights from the day
6:14 a.m. Feeding
6:25 a.m. P leaves
6:30 a.m. chick leaves view
6:31 a.m. P returns to front of tank
and heads toward the corner and coaxes chick back out.
8:50 a.m. beak to beak food drop.
female leaves, shift change
Close up Cam!
3 feedings
10:15 male leaves
10:16 Stevie leaves
10:17 P and Stevie return to tank close up view
10:20 feeding
10:50 beak nuzzles, no food drop, more a greeting
shift change.
this went on and on, a busy day with many feedings,
a very full chick crop.
1:43 P.M. chick alone, but not for long, was still in place when
I got a view. Usually chick goes to safe dark corner when alone.
1:44 P/Male returns.
15 minutes of pecking and moving objects in nest area. Chick helped.
5:03 p.m. Female is with chick. She woke chick and nudged and pushed chick to get it to move up. She wanted chick out of the bowl area.
Once in position where she wanted chick, they both settled.
8:47 p.m. shift changed Male
as Male sleeps upright, chick is sleeping on the ground, stretched out, head resting in dirt.
9:54 first orb appears. Fran, I saved that for you. Seen spider webs and insects before, have no idea what these orbs are!
Fran,
I saw the little orbs last night, that you mentioned before. Got photos. Well, havent checked them yet.
Yes, it was a lovely day. Saw a few “firsts” today. As I type chick is sleeping on the ground P is sleeping standing up.
It appears that chick’s bill is misaligned. Will this be problem as it matures? Thank you
Wonderful close up of chick and parent at 3:00pm. Chick looks right into the camera. So cute!
What a lovely time in the shed. 4/24
17 viewers, watching Stevie walking, eating and just being too cute.
The male is showing chick pecking at the dirt and small objects, sticks and things.
Third time now, I have seen P leave, chick leaves, instinct to go to a safe place, Stevie heads to corner when left alone.
Parent/ male returns after short departure and both go to the tank front. Feeding and nap. Parents wing is visibly moving, the chick is active underneath. Good times for them.