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.
Checked comments, high possibility it is the adult female. It was also noted that there was no feeding at this time, attempts but chicks were declined.
High probabilities are a given with attempts to ID any one of them.
Try as we will.
Adding from 5/18/2016, early morning.
Suspect adult female with Sara, wanting to eat. Remy, sits near the sink.
However, not for long. Both chicks flap and chase the adults for food.
At times they flap hard and chase, they also stand head and wings down.
Just occurred to me, is this different behavior with a different parent?
Will try to take notice if both female and male enter with wings open, or is it only one. Comments and photos may help recognize a pattern.
Fayeee commented that the female arrived for the evening, spread out wings.
She’s with her chicks, the end of a fantastic day.
Adding another from 5/18/2016.
Didn’t locate Sara’s profile from both sides, but this shows a good close up comparison of the two.
Remy still seems to take a lead, head down, eye contact. Often still seen taking ornamentals and toys away from Sara. Remy will peck at Sara’s beak if chick picks up something. It’s subtle but it’s there.
Adding another from 5/18/2016. Remy. Trying to show both sides of their faces.
Adding from 5/18/2016. Remy, stunning chick.
Adding from 5/18/2016 Sara. Stunning chick.
A good day, filled with play, bonding and fun. Remy still continues to stay a bit “taller” than Sara. Showing or suggesting a bit of control, maybe.
Adding from 5/17/2016.
Sara with adult male, feeding occurred.
FE/LH Once again, we each suggested the adult seen is the male.
Note: Sleeping in the rafters, he had droppings on his feathers.
Adding from 5/17/2016.
Chicken legs. Comical, playful chicks. They don’t even know how beautiful and funny they are.
Vultures are indeed social creatures. The interaction between them is a delight to see.
Adding from 5/17/2016. A fantastic Day, continued.
Adding from 5/17/2016
Life Is Good. Plenty of food and plenty of energy.
Feathers are coming in. Noting the playful mimicking and eye contact between them.
Another from 5/15/2016, this is 3 of 3.
Left to right Sara, Remy/center and adult, male on right.
Back to 5/15/2016 again.
From 5/16/2016 2 of 3. Adult and chicks at feeding.
Adding from 5/15/2016. Three photos of adult male with the chicks.
Right, adult male, middle, Sara and Laying down, is Remy, left.
Thanks to Fayeee again. We compare adults and chicks and when we each agree, it is fairly safe to say.
1 of 3.
From 5/15/2016 Sara, 3 of 3.
From 5/15/2016 Sara, 2 of 3.
From 5/15/2016 Three photos of Sara. 1 of 3.
Same time frame, Sara left, Remy, right. 5/15/2016
Adding from 5/15/2016:
Sara on left, Remy on right. That is one full crop.
2 of 2. Remy close up. 5/15/2016.
Adding from the archives:
Got a few from 5/15/2106 to add. Will add photos from 5/15 to current date.
1 of 2. Remy close up.
From 5/16/2016 for a glimpse.
I want to mention the hours of work that went into getting all these cameras going. NY Mike, DE Mike, of course Bob. Days, nights, weekends, time away from families for these beautiful birds, for us viewers, for science.
This one’s for you.
For any one who stared at the bottom of a sink wondering where are the chicks, you know what this means!
I will be going back and add more beautiful photos and behaviors. Come back soon!