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.
Sorry to report the camera(s) will be offline for at least a couple of days while some important adjustments are made to enhance our viewing abilities. Vigilant viewers please be patient, these upgrades will be worth it in the long run. Thank you for your support.
No “flying cigars” either. Used to get a fleeting view of nest tower, but now nothing.
I spoke too soon — even ran a congratulatory banner on Forum. Thanks for yesterday anyway. It was great to be back in vulture land
Bob said, it takes a village to view a vulture… Well
The vigilant vulture viewers await the return of the villagers to return video.
Thank you once again.
Curious, if activities in comments will help. So, this is it!
5/12. Off Air.
5/12. Good Morning, Off Air since yesterday, please help!
Greg, Mike Please help. The live feed is off air since last evening.
Thanks so much,
The V-cube
It was wonderful to see the Chick energized this morning with Tagged Parent present. Yesterday, when Chick was alone for the morning, exiting and returning to upper hallway, it seemed almost lethargic, even when playing with a small object or exercising wings.
A very different story this morning. There was much hopping and wing flapping and a great deal of bonding between the two. Once the Chick stood in front of the sink and looked up to area above where parents had often entered back area. Would not want to humanize these magnificent creatures in any way, but I almost saw in my mind’s eye the little wheels turning in that sweet, four week old brain. “I can do that. Well, almost”
Have posted screen captures from yesterday morning and this morning to Forum.
I had a LOT of help. It takes a village to view a vulture.
Great, Bob. It’s been holding for the past 15 minutes, from 6:45 to 7:00. You’re a miracle worker. Thanks
Made some settings changes in software. Video streaming OK. Problem appears to be fixed!
11:48pm Parent #17 is with Stevie by the tank. Stevie occasionally flaps his wing. Parent #17 sleeps standing up beside Stevie. Stevie lays down….covers his little head like parent does with his feathers but his head keeps sliding out…. maybe his neck isn’t quite long enough yet ……bless his little heart…Stevie keeps on trying though….. been watching for several mins. now….just so cute.
4:10pm….. Stevie stretches both legs out behind him a couple of times while lying on the ground then finally stands up. Parent feeds Stevie….. lost camera again….just keep getting the ads then goes off air. In my earlier comment, I meant peek not peak.
* Peek
Checked in at 3:48pm for a quick peak and hoping Ustream was working.
My goodness Stevie has gotten big! Lots of preening and beak nuzzling with Parent. So endearing. Ustream acting up again. Glad I was able to see them for a few minutes.
And what must it be like to hold an adult Black Vulture in your arms as part of such an important project? Unimaginable.
An inspiring call to volunteerism in our local bird rehabilitation centers.
5/10 Thanks so much for sharing this tagging information with us.
To see BV adult up close, being kept in the caging area, seeing the smiles on everyones faces, job well done. As life returns to normal for them as they eat, sleep and go on as usual. Congratulations again.
A new page titled “Tagging & Tracking” has been added to demonstrate the challenges and care involved in capturing, tagging, and tracking black vultures.
I have just added more screen captures from this morning, several showing Tagged parent alone and several showing parents nuzzling and preening.
Thanks, Bob. The activity I was able to observe this morning in between the interruptions (less than a minute)was worth the wait.
I have posted to Forum a sequence of screen shots:
The first group goes from 5:15 to 5:53 A.M. when the Tagged Parent (17) was alone in the main “nest” area, exhibiting a number of behaviors including a peck at the tag.
The second group extends from 6:11 A.M, when the second parent emerged from Hallway A until both left at 6:31 A.M. The interaction between the parents was absolutely extraordinary. Speaking about endearing, I was entranced by the nuzzling and preening. Great way to begin the day. Now for THE CHICK.
Hi Carol-
Haven’t had a chance to follow up on the chimney swift thread yet. Still sorting out compatibility problems with Ustream. I’m looking forward to following those amazing swifts.
Have already told the little one, Fran. Saw him this morning and posted only a picture or two. Was also having difficulty with Ustream. Still am.
Hi Carol and Lynn,
Carol thank you for the link….I haven’t tried it yet….been real busy….will let you know if it works when I get a moment….. Saw Stevie last night and Parent but most of time when I have come on ustream isn’t working… is off air now as I type. Lynn, we did get rain yeterday off and on…..today sunny and now cloudy…but warmer…. If either of you see Stevie today…tell him I said HI…lol …have to go have work to do.
Bob or Mike, I’m beginning to add basic information to my Chimney Swifts Thread on RRP Forum. I will eventually provide a link to building a nest tower, but I thought it would be great if you could give some specifics about the Tri-State tower Mike built, since that’s the one we will be observing. Of course, no location.
The Thread appears under Other Bird Cams as “Tri-State Chimney Swifts” – real imaginative.
I ask on here only because, at this point, there seems not to be too much activity in the Comments section for any of the other Tri-State nest sites. Quite understandable under the circumstances.
Thanks so much.
Thanks, Bob. Also have problems with Chimney Swift camera (and Blue Birds, and Tree Swallows.) Have just opened a thread in Forum, as I mentioned, and want to make sure that Forum members or anyone else can view the nest tower.
5/8
Flashing,…
I have sent Highlights from 5/7 waiting Moderation. Coming soon.