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.
4/13/2016 11:34:27AM
Another feeding.
4/13/2016 8:50:50AM
Yesterday morning, both had eaten at this time.
Feeding time.
Sara (left) Remy (right) The BLVU chicks of 2016. Female walked away before turning around and coming right back. Got to see them upright and huddled for a brief moment. Fantastic Day.
This is another screen capture of the early evening feeding.
I couldn’t be happier than to see the start of a another BlkVu family here in the shed. These two beautiful, healthy chicks will be a joy to watch as they develop.
Captures are of an early evening meal. Only observed the feeding of the older one at this time.
Congratulations. Two little perfect bundles of joy.
Today, the BLVU nest holds two wonderful chicks and two caring adults.
Welcome Remy, the oldest chick and Sara the youngest chick.
May the family of four all live long and healthy lives!
Second chick hatched and looking healthy. Summary of 2016 nesting season so far:
2/25/16 to 3/2/16 Two adults making nest and mating in shed
3/2/16 10:13 PM First egg laid
3/5/16 9:45 AM Second egg laid (2 1/2 days after the first)
4/10/16 7:15 PM First egg begins to hatch (after 39 days)
4/11/16 9:15 PM First chick totally out of egg (after 26 hours hatching)
4/12/16 4:00 AM Second egg begins to hatch.
4/12/16 11:30 PM Second chick out of shell (after 19 1/2 hours hatching)
Busy morning, Fayeee said the male showed up for usual shift change and female did not leave, nor did they have their usual beak nuzzling greeting to each other.
Beautiful. She hopefully will get some rest, she’s going to need it.
Beautiful female, attempting to keep the chicks underwing. Feisty older chick wants out.
She thermoregulates by fluffing her feathers. Currently 44° in the nest area.
11:33:39 pm April 11, 2016 A beautiful smiley face to end the day and the hatching of chick #1.
10:20:12 pm chick #1
9:37:36 pm Chick #1
9:22:00 pm chick #1 completely out of egg shell. Adult female consuming what is left of inside of the spent shell.
Hatching of chick number two…
9:17:47 pm chick #1
9:09:41 pm chick #1
Pic from 9:09:17pm chick #1
The hatching of chick #1 from last night starting at 9:09:17 pm
Introducing the two black vulture chicks of 2016.
Congratulations second chick has arrived!
Wobbling legs, chick is doing great. Pip visible, a lot going on for the BLVU family. Female bonding with her chick. I hope to capture the male seeing his chick.
The circling nervous anticipation has been heartwarming to say the least. Giving important science information, it’s also a joy to watch.
Three feelings from 4am-4:15am, fantastic… And it gets better. Good size pip is visible!