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.
Adding from 6/7 and 6/8.
Creature of habit.
Adding from 6/07.
Ren, Tori and adult.
Investigating the new tag on sibling.
(laughing) waiting to get clear photo of both chicks and visible tags.
Adding from 6/07.
Funny chicks, L-R Tori and Ren, not showing off the new tags.
Adding from 6/6.
Captured, taken to Tri-State and now both chicks are tagged #294 and #347.
More tagging information to come, with photos.
Our beautiful chicks from 2017, Ren and Tori.
Adding from today.
Both adults on the wall, similar to the photo of the chicks, who
watch, learn and explore.
The adults are searching for their two chicks, who were captured and taken to Tri-State for tagging.
Adding from 6/5.
Looking at their faces, the adult/adults fly by and show them they were born to fly.
The chicks heads follow them, it is too cute.
They still have the innocence about them, but each day, it is another step forward, new feats
everyday.
Adding from 6/5.
Then from the wall to the tire stack.
Four times this morning Fayeee saw Ren in short flight, from the wall to the tire stack.
It was a 5 foot hop of sorts, but the stack is higher than the wall so chick got air for lift!
Adding from 6/5
Didn’t take much time at all, before they went beyond the wall, into the grass.
Adding from 6/5..
Continuing to arrive later in the evenings.
Feeding at 6:17pm.
Adding from 6/3.
Minutes later, all four are on the wall, fantastic!!!
Mainly Ren has been hopping to the wall from the pallet.
Today and without hesitation, both chicks hopped up.
Adding from 6/3.
Originally posted adults arrival at 8:30AM. It was 8:14AM
Lovely together on the wall.
Both adults arrive together more and more now.
Adding from 6/2.
Where do they come up with these play things?
They were playing tug-o-war and taking the sticks from
each other. Playful and enjoying the day.
Adding from 6/2.
The adult male enters the shed and he was inside quite a few minutes, then he walks out with his handsome wing spread. Alone.
Adding from 6/2.
Early risers today, it’s been a while since the adults arrived this early.
Also noted by Fayeee, the adults both visit later AM and later in the evenings lately.
With the exception of today. The temperature was 10° warmer this morning.
Adding from 6/2.
Fayeee’s early morning comments.
She catches their comings and goings.
At this age 60/59 days old, when they get moving around,
it’s amusing to even try to keep up but Fayeee does pretty good.
Her comments are seen daily in the Black Vulture Ustream, Social Stream.
Adding another from the adult feeding time, it was amazing to watch them.
The curious chicks sit still and look on.
Adding from 6/1.
Family of four together, female requests food from her male.
The chicks watch and learn.
Adding from 6/1.
Faye comments on the beautiful tail feathers.
They rest and relax. The baby down is nearly off the tails and wings entirely now.
Adding from 5/31.
Small steps for vulture chicks, getting closer to the threshold and wall., but not yet.
Adding from 5/30.
The two have begun a little independence now also.
Used to be very common to see them “touching” and staying together.
This is a big step. Since the 93° days when they still cuddled, they are growing up.
Adding from 5/30
The chicks are gaining strength daily, as they use the pallet planks to resemble branching. There are less wobbles and they wiggle toes which is adorable, but fantastic learning experience for them.
Adding from 5/29
Tori’s head on Ren’s body.
They still enjoy cuddling even between growing pains.
Ren doesn’t sleep on the inside.
Tori is in the back, facing out and Ren is stretching.
Adding from 5/27.
Was looking for a photo of a chick from this angel… then discovered a “shadow”
This view is just inside the shed, just left of the pallet.