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.
There was a rdkll deer in the area and I saw an amazing sight.
A wake of vultures on the deer, about a dozen and immediately looked for a yellow tag, none, nor would I be able to ID either adult. But, soon after I arrived home and noticed the adults were arriving frequently and fed the chicks multiple times over a couple days.
Fayeee noted the frequency of feedings and large quantities, they ate very well.
Adding from 5/12.
Previous photo from 5/10 and the next from 5/12, the chicks have explored many new areas in the shed and both parents have to search them out most times.
Adding from 5/10.
Here they are at Remy’s rock.
The corner of the rear hallway and center hallway cam is at the end of each hall.
Adding from 5/12.
The last few days have been filled with wonder for the chicks. Slowly turning new corners and exploring. The two were sleeping in the corner of the center and rear hallways, close to Remy’s rock.
Even the adult female has to track them down now.
Adding from 5/9.
Adult Male flies up to his favorite spot, noted by Fayeee.
Perhaps he is escaping them, and/or encouraging them to flap wings.
They hiss and grunt at new things, but then they do seemingly seem curious too.
Check the green carpet location…
Adding from 5/9.
Adult male visits and is encouraging the chicks to follow him.
The male usually takes the role of teacher, amazing to watch them taking it all in.
Adding from 5/9.
Chicks are mobile and Bob frequently changed cams to follow them.
Tori seen, Ren partially in view.
Adding from today.
Female entered the nest area for a brief visit before returning to Remy’s rock.
Fayeee noted seeing her and partial glimpses of chick.
Adding from 5/6.
Early riser, chick is at Remy’s rock.
Rock got nicknamed by Fayeee after last seasons first recorded female chick.
She would set atop the rock and occasionally napped atop the rock.
Adding from 5/6.
Wonderfully relaxed. Beautiful primaryfeathers
Coming in.
Adding from 5/6.
Ren, left. Tori, right.
Growing up fast.
Adding from 5/1.
Chicks spent more time under cam and have been exploring the halls.
Adults molting, feathers are fun playthings for the two.
Wonderful! Look who is back.
Tori, is that really you?
Back On Air! Look at the size of the chicks!
They were in view then they exited the nest area.
From a bit earlier, Tori is exiting cam view and gives the camera a look.
Both chicks are very mobile at this point, walking around not scooting.
Ren, on the right, attempts to tuck her head underwing. Extreme cuteness.
She managed to hold herself in position a few minutes, then slowly fell off to the side,
in a sort of slow motion.
Today Fayeee says:
6:18am she can hear grunts
6:21am female looks up, male must be atop the sink.
6:47am grunting, chicks excited
7:15am chicks back to sleep
Then
8:59am adult arrives, feeds Ren and the three exit cam view.
9:03am the male returns, the chicks arrive back in the nest area and he leaves.
Handsome close up. A series of additional close ups will be located in the forum.
Evening of 4/25 the adult female sleeps with her chicks.
A couple long wing stretches and the chicks barely moved while she was up.
Last photo from this time frame from 4/25.
Situation remains the same, as usual, but notice
Tori’s stance.
Standing tall and straight, the two have grown in stature and mobility.
Adult male preens himself, Ren, middle, Tori, right.
Chicks were pushing and shoving, Tori wants inside and Ren don’t allow it for long, if at all.
Noting this as behavior. Tori is fine, but doesn’t want to settle for the outside.
Beautiful day inside, it was very rainy and windy all day and they remain dry and protected.
Male with his chicks.
Adding one more from 4/24. Family of Four!
A couple beak to beak feedings between the adults, shift changed again, and he did spend the night with the chicks. Additional photos will be in the forum.
Male spends the night with the chicks.
Ren front, Tori stares at the adult male.
They are doing great. Fun play filled days.