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.
Thank you Bob,
For a lot of us here this is our first time watching the BV.
Getting used to things you have become accustomed to over the years.
These BV know so much more than I have given them credit for.
Stevie knows to go to a dark corner when alone.
These parents have been spectacular with the chick so far.
Although the actions of the adults seem changed and that’s concerning.
people fear the unknown I guess, myself included. Didn’t think chick would be out n about so soon. We are learning.
Stevie’s beak, time will tell. I think of wing flaps n think of the innocence of the chick, living well but in survival of the fittest, unsure. Gnite TY
Bob, Lynn, Carol,
Hi! I have a question after reading last Bob’s comment. Is it then a “usual” behavior among Black Vultures to be switching from one place to another around the nesting site? if there is room to do this.
We will be watching Stevie’s beak situation.
Bob and Fran. In one of closeups I have taken of the nestling, the bill looks very deformed. In many other screen shots, however, it looks normal. I’ve tried to convince myself that it was just the angle or the lighting that distorted the view. Just hoping for the best.
Glad I could help, Fran. Thank you so much for updates. Had Ustream viewing problems for most of the day. I’m relieved to know that parents have been visiting the shed. Hope you are right about the little nestling and that it is safely hidden away.
Yes. There is a link to RRP. If you are interested, it is very easy to join for acccess to Forum.
Thanks Bob. I had mentioned in an earlier comment about Stevie’s beak and was a litle concern that it did not look quite right. I did see the Parents today.
As in previous years, the vulture family has moved out of view of our cameras. We are not aware of anything to suggest the chick and parents are not OK, but we are trying to learn more about the chick’s beak, which may be deformed. We do not know if anything is permanently wrong that could create problems for survival and, if so, whether anything can be done. We are watching.
7:37:19 pm, A bird lands briefly on the wood pile above the tank-double sink. In my previous comment, I left my i out of specific.
To be a little more specfic, the Parent flys or hops onto the wood pile that is above the tank- double sink and goes toward the back. After viewing this, I am feeling better that Little Stevie is ok.
Thank you Carol for answering my question. Your answer was very helpful. I have not visited the Bald Eagle site that you mentioned. Are you referring to the “Raptor Resource Project” under the word “Links” on this page about the Forum?
At 3:10:59pm today, Parent walks in looking towards dark corner. Then looks at galvanized tub to the left of screen staying in front of the pole.
At 3:13pm parent goes almost to the middle where the nest is and looks around.
At 3:14pm Parent is in the middle now right in front of the tank-double sink.
Also at 3:14pm the other Parent comes out of dark corner from around the back of tank…..right hand side facing the screen …..and leaves the shed.
At 3:15pm the parent that came in at 3:10pm leaves the shed.
At 3:16pm Parent came back and quickly leaves again.
At 3:17pm Parent comes back. The Parent flys(looks more like a hop to me though) up onto the tank and goes straight back out of view.
I quess this was a shift change. I did not see little Stevie who I am betting is on the other side of the tank-double sink. The inside of the double sink would make a nice,secure nest area.
Thanks so much, Lynn. Can always count on you to fill in the gaps I have in sightings. Very encouraged by the fact that adults are close. I missed the panning outside whenever that was done. I simply don’t know where anything is in terms of openings into the shed. I, of course, see areas where natural light comes in, but otherwise feel uncertain.
Sure, I planned on adding the photo later, but I can do it now.
5/1 10:16 a.m.
Bob, can we please have a panning and zoom out view for a while, so we can see the doorway?
Twice today the P’s entered at the nook, left center cam view. Exits mainly flying up and out from inside the shed.
Seems chick may be near the doorway if not hiding outside. Wondering if adults are on or near the low wall.Protecting chicks whereabouts, keep chick safe, keeping it hidden. Smart to not draw attention to the leaving and arrival areas. Thanks much.
Was just “censored” by robot moderator. Lynn, when you have a chance, would you please post to Forum screen captures of the adult entering at left this morning. Missed it. Thanks so much.
Lynn, if you captured shots of adult entering at left this morning, would you please post to Forum when you have a chance. Was snapping away at other sites I report on. Thanks so much.
Would also like to know how to edit Comments before posting to avoid the appearance of being an obsessed mad woman. Just passionate. Oops, probably can’t use that word.
5/1 8:30 no movement, sunlight.
Twice this morning adult flies in the left center nook area of cam.
Yesterday was awkward and feathers were disheveled, today P enters and that “slot” looks so small. Amazing.
8:10 a.m. P enters the left nook walks out door.
9:29 a.m. P enters left nook and is visibly looking for chick.
Then screen freezes at the moment it seems P crouched as if to fly up in the shed.
The chick must be close by the doorway and the Ps are protecting and keeping the location hidden by using new entries.
Is there a way to edit our comments here, I can fix my mistake. oops.
Now I’m not so sure. Is there not movement in that corner? Anyone else watching right now at 8:30 A.M.?
I see now more clearly now. Just a reflection.
CORRECTION! Today is 5/1 not 5/2. Sorry, for any inconveniences.
5/2
8:10 a.m. P flies in the left cam nook. How big is that hole? It flew in and walked to the doorway.
Using a magnifying glass on the irregular shaped triangle on the right, formed in part by the post, I keep thinking that I see nestling sitting in the area of the apex. Am I imagining this? Will continue to watch for movement.
Cob web blowing in the breeze this morning makes the shed look quite deserted. I’ve used x-ray vision and see no sign of little nestling or parents. Doting adoptive parents don’t appreciate these games. Please appear.
In previous post, I meant wandering any distance. Wandering > curiosity >
intelligence. Normal behavior for BV and TV chicks. Still think this is early for a nestling this young. Don’t know and would like to learn if so.
Wasn’t prepared for wandering this early myself. This was a commom occurence last year when I began watching but that was when the two chicks were very well developed. Bob allayed my fears then. I hope he can do so now.
All vultures are extremely intelligent. I was hoping Bob would look in on Forum and respond to my wondering about the great care that these parents have taken of the little remaining nestling and if it could be related to the absolute necessity that this one survive. When you have a chance. Bob.
5/2
Bob,
Thank you for the photos. I began to compare this years chick with previous. Those two were also precious.
Nice to see the 2013 chick Stephen is coming along as well.
I posted in the forum yesterday, the photos of chick from 4/25 and 4/29 and what a difference. Chick has a significant growth spurt.
In the photos of 2011, day 10 and day 17 are about the same age as the photos I posted, a happy coincidence this chick is about the same age. But, it shows fast growth within a week.
Can I use these 2011 photos side by side with 2013 in the forum?