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.
She’ back!!!
For updates and videos check out https://www.facebook.com/NYBarredOwls
Beautiful and Unwelcome visitor.
Center Hall cam. Looking good!
Rear Hallway cam. Looking good!
Thanks for the wall view, BV Watch…!!! Excellent clear cam.
Another image from one year ago today. Confirmed it was #17. Sunshine and snow didn’t allow a nicer image, but it’s clearly the tagged male BV.
Come back!!!
One year ago today, a cold, snowy day…
Tis the season, high hopes the BV cam pair return soon.
Yesterday afternoon I spotted my regular BV pair on our shed rooftop.
Preening, bonding and breeding, at least twice.
The cam is not on my property. But, I realize it is quickly approaching nesting time for them now!
8:34AM Color Cam. Hint of the morning light shows on the pallet.
Will add at least a weekly screenshot to keep track of any changes in the ornamentals.
Recent sighting of tagged male #17. He was spotted in the area with a few other untagged vultures. Thanks to J. and Bob for sharing the good news.
Last recorded breeding of the TSBV’s was Feb 11, 2013. Tis the season, for courting and bonding. The male will hopefully be bringing ornamentals into the nest area in the next couple weeks.
Black Vulture Watch begins!
Black Vulture Watch!
Vulture Watch!
Late night view.
Back Live, thanks to all for taking time out of your weekend to fix the problem!
Two BV and two TV visited my yard today. Food fights, using there wings and I felt each one got a good amount to eat. But, unusual battling. Stealing is typical, but they were using their wings to attempt to mantle and shove the other birds away.
The two BV, seemed to have begun a bit of courting. For nearly an hour, beak nuzzling and bonding. Perched on the shed. Sunny with brutal winds, they left after a huge gust.
I missed a photo op since they were on the grub before I could get inside the house and set up the camera. I had the camera set up just not fixed through the sheer curtains. As much as I wanted to photograph them, I didn’t want to startle them moving the curtains. They must have been very close by. Beautiful healthy looking vultures.
I imagine the TSBV would be showing interest soon! High hopes!
Is the weather effecting cam? Old screen photo with black screen now.
Arctic blast and a coating of snow in the area today. Clear view, no live action.
In my yard vultures line up ornamentals and gifts. They align bones in rows. Keeping tabs on the arrangements here and in the nest area.
Thanks for the view.
Seems someone is bringing ornamentals inside!
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse… fantastic view.
Two suspected mice ran across the shed floor and seems I forgot how to use Control, Shift, 3. Missed getting a better photo.
Posting image now.
Looks like possibly 3 long feathers in the nest area today. Have been away and unable to watch.
Snowy day in the nest area.
A Happy Thanksgiving to all, tomorrow.
Health, wealth and shelter for all humans, critters and animals of all kinds.
Low/mid center, a hint of suspect green turf/carpet. Upper/mid right corner, looks like a piece of green turf/carpet.
The three chicks had great fun dragging the remnant around the shed.
Joy filled and comical as it was to watch, they were learning the very important life lesson of dragging prey.
Deer mating season is here and the local roads are seeing more road kill deer than usual. I will try to visit the area in the next couple weeks and try to locate the tagged BV family.