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.
Male continues his shift.
We are noting that the male has lighter legs and female has darker legs.
forum is ok
Cropped image of egg, taken from screen shot as the male approaches.
He is settling down for longer periods of time.
Currently, it is 11:11AM. In his first hour of his first shift change, the male is much more relaxed and resting still.
Head is turned, perhaps listening for his female to return.
After quite a few attempts the male settles, but not for long. He’s a bit unsure and takes a few more times shifting things around to get comfortable.
Sticks and stones, a corncob and twigs. Carefully positioning.
He’s preparing to settle. Meanwhile, Bob watched as the female sipped water outside and flew off.
Male has first moments with his egg.
She slowly walks off and here is his moment. Beautiful markings visible on the egg.
Beautiful lighting and he still awaits the chance to see his egg.
Soon, but not yet.
She allows him a look, but with her head down she’s not moving off as of yet.
A wonderful time.
They nuzzled beaks, she gave a slight beak rub requesting food, but none at this time.
He was focused on seeing the egg and gently nudging her still.
Beak nuzzling between the two and with his head lowered, he requests a closer look.
Top left corner, incoming male. First visit to his egg is coming!
Beautiful female, color cam.
Morning stretch and egg roll.
Sleepy time.
Female settles upon her egg,, good night.
Time to rest, female settles atop her egg, so beautiful.
She has done it.
Tiring event for her, after ups n downs n circling,
They were 5 minutes, then a couple minutes apart
And female standing upright laid her egg
Soon, …
Someone is in the nest napping. Been there since i checked in at 7:24pm est. 🙂
A Fantastic bonding time. They are in the center hall, inside the sink.
Lynn,
Thanks so much for posting the images and for descriptions. Truly amazing creatures!!
Bob, thanks for the info:) Im looking forward to watching the blvu pair and family again this year. Stumbled upon it last year and is fascinating!!
The “patio area” named by Fayeee.
From this cam, the adults are seen flying to the wall, walking the path into the shed and this is another place where the chicks enjoy spending time enjoying sunshine and fresh air.
Quite a big day when they finally hop to the wall and/or cross the threshold.
A squirrel visits inside the ground tire.