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.
They came out just after 6:09am and began pecking and tugging.
Taking a stance, then adult arrives. They are amazing to watch and it’s a delight to see them doing so well, hungry but well. No food yet today and the chicks are all around the shed pecking and tearing at the carpet.
Tugging on the carpet is excellent practice for feeding skills in their future.
Beautiful!
Taking turns flapping.
One flaps and then the other, they get going at the same time but the trick is getting a clear photo.
Wing feathers are most noticeable today. They are growing so fast.
Fayeee spotted them early. As I decided rest or cams, took the rest and missed out on a carpet tugging flapping adventure, but got Fayees notes as follows.
5:53am parents leave
6:41am adult flies down
6:47am adult brings Remy to the sink
7:00am Remy plays with feather
7:26am almost off cam view playing with a feather
7:36am Remy goes to get Sara.
7:41am both are hopping and flapping
7:43am Sara moves the rug, green carpet, both play with it
Since then, they have been playing, pecking the ground and flapping.
Currently, at 9:48am they are sleeping in Stevie’s old nest bowl, to the right
The Return of Remy and Sara!
Fayeee noted male enters the shed (again.)
What has happened that they run and
extend their wings a lot the last two days.
They may be simply teaching the chicks. Very similar situation occurred with Stevie, in 2013. He disappeared for 6 days if memory serves me well.
Out of the blue, a chick emerged much more grown, it was him.
The Vulture Shed Lower level, with camera placement and alleys, hallways too.
Times like these, I capture many more photos, then edit and post the most interesting ones here and add even more at the Raptor X Forum.
See the Links in ORANGE, to the right. Enjoy!
Remy was picking up everything in reach, playing with the red cord, sticks, small feather and tiny little objects, no idea what they were, small sticks maybe. 3 of 3.
May be a small morsel, not a lengthy feeding at all. Getting bigger everyday. 2 of 3.
A few nice moments in view before Remy exits, going to add them.
Tip of his tail is still visible atop the sink.
-1 of 3.
Adults exited and Remy played for a few minutes before returning down the alley and making a left.
Three of the four were seen at this time. As seen, by Fayeee and myself. the male flies to the sink, female with Remy.
Fayeee commenting while I was getting photos, a win/win.
Once I look at the photos and read her comments, it usually a match.
Male walks in, then female flew in from cam area .Remy comes out to the nest area from the alley. Seems they are in front of the sink, since Remy’s return back there, we saw a quick left turn.
Comparison photos of the 2016 BLVU adult pair are work in progress.
The close ups of the female were first taken after her egg arrived,
to assure at least at that point, it is the female 2016. (right)
The close ups of the male were taken following a shift change. At that point,
it is the male 2016. (left)
Adding from the Archives:
5/08/2016
As roost time fast approaches, seems they wouldn’t return to the familiar nest bow.
First night they stayed outside the nest area.
Beautiful empty nest area.
So many play things and no one to play with them.
Smiling.
Then Remy… Last sign of them today and it appears they are sleeping elsewhere tonight.
Sara follows first in line behind the adult.
Heading off… Following adult.
Sara, wings down, Remy “appearing taller” head atop Sara.
Still noting this as a behavior.
They are too cute!
Similar photo, minutes before they left cam view.
Note: Remy’s V brow and Sara’s lighter colors on the face.
Fun!
Remy, left. Sara, right, wings down, stretching.