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.
A warming moment between them. It was a greeting. She didn’t appear at all to be requesting food. It was simply a bonding moment. At this point, she has moved the egg away from him. Special moment in time.
Greetings. The male is on the egg. Female comes in at this point and gently moves the egg slightly right.
This morning, he approaches and things are changing. She no longer kept her back to him, she faced him standing up and allowed him to see the egg. He attempted to nudge her out and she denied access at first. After a bit, she actually left him an opportunity to touch and set on the egg, for all of about one minute, then she gently nudged him away and set herself on the egg. She is surely laying down the law. Meanwhile, they nuzzle beaks, really nice.
Asked permission to come closer and she said no. The male is unsure what to do at times. Perhaps a young new mate, he’s very attentive to her and he paces and stares a lot at this point.
A beautiful sight and great camera work. We get a close up view of the egg. Also, details of the female’s leg/foot, nice.
Excellent! First egg of 2016 arrives Wednesday evening at 10:13pm.
The new couple have taken up residence inside the shed.
The two are bonding well and good. Mating, preening and attentive to each other, through the day into the night.
Black Vulture News!
On February 25, 2016 two black vultures were inside the shed for approximately 45 minutes. It appears neither were tagged, but still exciting news. It’s that wonderful time of year!
Looking very still.
Recent sightings of tagged male17 and an untagged adult nearby.
If they stop by hopefully it will register on cam. A nice cool place in this heat. I last saw Both adults and Stevie, tucked under a willow tree trying to stay cool. It has been two years ago now.
Summer is in full swing. Hope the BVs are all well n good. Maybe one day I will see them and get photos…
Empty nest this season. Stevie is 2 years old. Maybe he will bring a mate next season. Official summer arrives soon.
pretty clear view, no BV.
Quiet.
Happy Birthday Stevie, two years old today! April 13th, 2013.
This photo shows Stevie at one week old with parent.
Stevie, Steven Colbert aka #26. Happy Birthday #2 wherever you are!
Happy Memories of your first hop onto this wall and your first hop out into the world. I remember a rainy day, when you didn’t want to get wet. But, enough time passed and you followed your brothers Ethyl and Thiol.
Many well wishes are sent your way. When you are old enough bring your mate home and give us some chicks.
Happy Birthday to you, Stevie. Two years old today!
another visit from squirrel 4:15pm
Winter’s tale, nearly over and spring officially begins today.
A snowy cold day in the nest area. An empty dry nest.
Empty nest. Keeping track of the ornamentals, waiting for their return!
Daylights savings had arrived, warmer sunshine to melt the snow finally. Warmer temps and we wait for you know who…
Have come to the conclusion that it’s melted snow/rainwater leaking in. Temp near 60° Today in the nest area. May be this will trigger their return!
Now, more mystery…
Snowy day ahead in the nest area. Unidentified mysterious object on the ground.
Winter storm “Thor” is wreaking havoc on the area. Heavy icing around. All the best to everyone.