MN / Elk River - 2008-22

[JL]

I don't think she can get too mad over those cute little darlings, even if they poop on her.   

[Pchemist]

holy!  that was an impressive poop shot that nearly hit mom in the back!   

wonder what her reaction would have been...

[Pchemist]

sure does look nice.  Mom is out on the perch and being fluffy.  Chicks are sprawled and fidgeting. 

all looks good, which is good because I've got too much to do today and can't stick to my screen!   

[LouLouBelle]

looks like a lovely day at Elk River, saw a couple feedings this morning and those chicks are getting strong! another week till banding..

[Pchemist]

there is a slightly fidgety chick pile in the back-middle of the box, while mom (pretty sure there) stares into the light from the edge.  Actually, I think the adult's eyes are closed, but it's hard to tell....


mine will be soon.   

[Liz]

I'm glad to see them safely tucked into a beak-first chickpile!  Parent on guard at the ledge.  Good -- I'm worried about one of them getting too curious about the edge. 

[LouLouBelle]

second feeding within an hour, all four at full attention and the competition is on! I'm amazed at how quickly they are growing and so much more stable (and adorable)..

[Baffled]

The chicks are getting to be fairly mobile now . . .  spreading out from the chick pile, exploring the nest box a bit. Their technique is not great yet: still slow and unsteady.
They are all huddled in the far corner now except for one brave explorer who wants to see over the edge of the box.

[Liz]

omg, they're already forming a line!  deja vu to The Three Amigos! 

[Liz]

Now this is funny -- the chickpile has re-formed of its own accord!  I didn't see it, but obviously some of them are moving themselves around --can't wait to see that!  And there's one really pink tummy facing the cam! 

[Liz]

Wow, I can't believe they're already out of the chickpile!  It seems so much faster this year, but I'm sure it's not. 

[JL]

Feeding time, let's waddle over to see what's on the menu.   

[maggieblue]

The chicks change so fast.  In one day these guys have gone from always being in a chick pile to suddenly all moving about the nestledge.  Hey, we can walk, and let's go over to the edge and yell at mom for food, and maybe I will just climb over my sib, and, tired now, face plant by the wall. 

[JL]

It must be pretty warm there today; the chicks are all sprawled out in the shade.   

[The Peregrine Chick]

Questions: Does it usually take that long for a falcon to prepare a feeding?

It can do, especially if there is some nibbling involved - heads (or what's in them) are adult delicacies for some birds.  They take off head, wings, sometimes legs, a bunch of feathers then bring it in.

Don't they usually bring food into the nest already prepared?

Depends on the age of the chick.  Younger chicks food usually comes ready-to-serve.  Older birds, they will just drop off in some form, usually with lots of feathers for them to figure out what to do with it ....

Love the falcon cam--I see new things every day!

New dead things in particular - good identification on the blue jay!