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.
Hmm, Fran. Won’t say a word.
Shhh….don’t say anything…..cam is mysteriously back on….now where is Woodra? lol 7/18
Many thanks to Bob and all others involved in the Tri-State Black Vulture Project. This has been a truly extraordinary learning experience for which I am very grateful. I look forward to the return of these lovely Black Vulture parents and next season’s activities in “THE SHED.”
I know I will forever be comparing the incomparable Stevie with all future Black Vulture youngsters. Sometimes, the heart rules the mind as much as we would hope otherwise when we aspire to be true citizen scientists. I offer no apologies. Thanks again.
The vulture chicks have fledged and have not been returning to the shed. We will now discontinue streaming video for this year. Four family members are tagged. If you see black vultures with yellow wing tags, please report it on the “Tagging and Tracking” page. Thanks to all.
Hi Carol, It’s a hot day in Delaware. I would imagine that they are keeping cool inside the shed and/or the surrounding vicinity. It has been very interesting to watch them and was helpful in diverting our attention from missing the beautiful “Black Vultures”. But, like you, I am hoping not.
Fran, site is off air this morning. That may be it for “Woodrow
(Woodra) and Friends.” Hoping not.
Yes they are ,Carol. I was able to get a screen shot of 2 today at 2:07pm. Last night the screen shot was dark but there were 3 of them then. Posted to the Forum.
Well, now, Fran, Woodchucks are getting their due. You know how I feel about them. I have to get caught up on Forum. We had severe storms for most of yesterday and no power until early this morning. Hope I haven’t missed too much. Will see you soon on Forum.
The woodchucks are so cute!!! Thank you for letting us view them Tri-State. Carol, I wonder if they have done anything with Stevie’s green carpet? Earlier, one was all stretched out on the stone wall. I imagine it is cool on their belly.
Bob, we now have a justification for leaving the camera running – to observe Stevie’s interaction with the menagerie of little critters that visit the shed – some ghosts, others not. Just kidding.
Fran, absolutely priceless. A new chapter in “The Adventures of Stevie.” When you have a chance, see my Forum post.
Hi everyone. Stevie meets the “Ghost Rat Woodchuck” this evening at 6:21pm. I have the description on Forum and some screen captures. Have a great night.
Good to hear from you again, Larry. That has to be the strangest Black Vulture nest there has ever been (as far as I know). Black Vultures fledge between 10 and 14 weeks. Stevie fledged at almost 12 weeks. He took flight on July 4; he is 12 weeks old today.
Just be sure the parents do come to feed the chicks. If you don’t see them do that on a regular basis, you would want to contact a local rehab center. Sometimes they can be introduced into another nest as was done here with two chicks who had lost their original nest (barn was to be torn down-not a good reason). It’s s little late, however for that I think. Again perhaps Bob can make some suggestions here.
Good luck. Keep us posted
Bob & Carol…thanks for the replies. BTW, I figured out what happened to my other comment…user error. I had commented on the Steven Colbert page, too. Duh. Since I posted here, we went on vacation and yesterday (7/5) was the first time I was able to go back to my mom’s place. Looks like we have 2 black vulture babies. They were huddled together and looked like little brown fuzzballs of down feathers. Mama/Papa were not around (this was around 8AM) and I was glad because I don’t like disturbing them. How long will they be in the nest? I want to make sure they are gone before we get rid of the old truck they are in.
Lol Carol,
I saw your screen shots…very nice. I posted some to the Forum too. I have 2 screen shots of the Ghost Rat posing the exact same way but at different times…. amusing… It was acting almost playful tonight, I thought.
Fran, so glad I’m not the only one still preoccupied with this mystery. Your fellow Ghost Rat Buster has just posted screen shots.
Carol,
Are you watching the reappearance of the “Ghost Rat”? It’s having a good time running up and down the path….. sitting on the wall just a chewing. It is comical to watch…..
Thank you very much for the banner, Carol. I love it!!! It’s on page 69 of the Form and so is Stevie’s picture.
I posted a banner for you. You’re probably floating on air. That’s all we needed to put that pesky question of what’s what away – or at least for the time being.
Thanks Carol!!!! I posted the screen capture to the Forum. I couldn’t get one of him actually in flight it was just too fast. But, I did get him after he landed on the wall. I witnessed him flying from the yard and landing on the wall twice. I am so excited!! Like a child at Christmas!!!Lol
Congratulations, Fran. That is exciting. I think he was ready to go yesterday. He kept looing up to the roof of the shed. I believe an adult was there, since every once in a while I would see a large shadow. I can’t wait to see your screen capture.
Stevie just Flew in onto the wall at 12:27pm and at 12:33pm. I have a screen capture of him at 12:33pm. So excited that I saw him fly!!!! What a nice way to start off the 4th of July.
Carol,
I posted info. to the forum that may help you.
Lol, Carol. I know how you feel!!!
Fran, don’t laugh. I’m thinking ‘possum now. When you have a chance see my post. I may need you help.