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 3/10.
Perplexed at the changes in her legs.
Will search archived photos and events to note any changes/differences back then.
Again, her stubby talon is visible.
Adding one more from 3/1 showing her legs as the marbling color begins.
Adding from 3/1.
Her new behavior of covering the eggs is not the only noted change.
Seems she has begun defecating on her legs, changing their color.
Both two unusual behaviors from her.
Why now did she choose to do these things?
Protecting the eggs? Cooling off? Antiseptic purposes?
It’s reason for a bit more uncertainty in identifying the adults, but there’s the facial features and behaviors to consider.
Adding from 3/1.
Female continues to cover eggs in a severe approaching storm.
Very high winds.
2 of 2.
Some auto color correct and darkening of feathers once again.
Adding from 3/1.
Female had the eggs nearly 3/4 covered over with dirt and tiny twigs,
at the time a bad storm with high winds was very close.
1 of 2.
Adding from 2/28
Female, lighting shows detail to her face.
Returning to the 2/27 photos and activities.
Two beautiful eggs.
As of 2/27 Eggs are 6 days and 3 days old.
Adding from 2/23 Identifying traits of the adult female.
Deep v brow, crooked beak, darker colored legs and her middle right talon nail
is very short. It was noted in close up photos in previous seasons as missing, broke off or very short.
Added from 2/27 earlier AM. Beautiful sharp view of the female,
Added from 2/27/2017 Regularly rolls and examines the eggs.
2/25/2017 continued adding photo.
Adding from 2/25/2017.
It was a balmy day in the area, with plummeting temperatures from almost 70°
dropping 30° in one day.
Warm, safe n dry though.
Forum is up and running. Thanks to NY Mike. Thanks!
At 12:25pm noticed she has left the nest.
Two beautiful eggs.
A warm breezy day in the nest area.
At least twice the female requested beak to beak feeding from her male without success.
I imagine they need to find food. This time of year it gets easier for them due to RK and increased critter activity.
Still continuing from earlier today, she gets back to her task at hand.
After multiple attempts he gives up. At this time she is an hours time from egg #2 arriving.
The male left and returns for another attempt at a shift change…
At this point they have changed positions after his return and their shouldering of each other.
He tries again, they take turns rolling the egg back and forth.
Female has the egg, male has his head in the corner before trying again.
As described.
From earlier this morning:
Note the light colored legs. Last season’s male had lighter legs.
We continue to suspect perhaps the same pair returned for 2017 season.
Time may tell.
Here he is after nudging his way in, soon after she uses her head and shoulder to
Move him out of the way.
Female BLVU settles upon her two eggs.
Next event pending will be her male’s reaction to seeing his two eggs.
Photos to add from this morning show his arrival and
Attempt at a shift change.
She refused to move and the two had several gentle shoving moments.
He was nudging his way to the egg and when that didn’t work, he
Used his beak to roll the egg out.
She takes it back from him and this went on for several minutes.
His bond to the egg is already strong and it was amusing and beautiful to
Watch them.
Tiring event these last few hours. She prepares to settle now to rest.
Beautiful female brings her eggs together.
Shiny brand new egg #2.