MN / Elk River - 2008-22

[Baffled]

Well that was interesting!
Dinner arrived around 10:30CDT. It was a blue jay. A fully intact blue jay. 
Mom pulled it into the nest box, but then seemed to be having trouble decapitating it and "butchering" it while the chicks cheeped at her. So she disappeared with it. The chicks quieted down.
I thought maybe Mom changed her mind and wanted the snack all to herself?
15 minutes later, Mom is back with "butchered" blue jay and feeding commences.
Questions: Does it usually take that long for a falcon to prepare a feeding? Don't they usually bring food into the nest already prepared?
Love the falcon cam--I see new things every day!

[Baffled]

Uh-oh, parent (still out on the perch) has started screeching/calling. Maybe breakfast is late? Or they want a break from chick-duty!

[Baffled]

Just turned on the cam . . . seems like the parent (can't tell who, back is toward us) is having a break and is perched looking out at the river. The chicks are in chickpile by themselves, but they've got some shade to keep them from getting too warm. Parent is strectching wings and tailfeathers . . . I bet sitting/standing over chicks all day gives one cramps! Looks like a beautiful morning in Elk River.

[carly]

the other parent perched nearby is still vocalizing. Complaining about how long it took?

Allow me to translate for you:  How dare you leave me here for hours with these screaming brats, after all I do for you!!   They are unruly and undisciplined...they are YOUR kids...not mine!! 

[Baffled]

What a loud dinner! The chicks are cheeping but the other parent perched nearby is still vocalizing. Complaining about how long it took? Giving thanks for the arrival of food? Just chatting?

[Loriann]

and dinner is served, and for once from the other side so we can SEE !  

[carly]

Holy moly!  You think they hadn't been fed in days, they're almost leaping for the food 

[allikat]

I'm checking ...usually you'll see the adult coming in when called! 
If this one who's calling out flies off, you know food is on its way!

[eagle63_1999]

Parent is vocalizing: FOOD FOOD FOOD AND FOOD!!!!!!!!!!

[allikat]

Adult very near by...probably just on the outer edge of the nestbox calling out to mate for food!!!  Should see a peregrine fly in soon here!!

[Baffled]

Someone is nearby making lots of noise. Perhaps a parent perched close? Wondering where dinner is?

[allikat]

Just looking at the Elk River cam now..and still a chick pile.  They sure sound like they are hungry...not too sure why as it seems that these four are very well taken care of.  Maybe they are just a little chilly nd just want Mom or Dad to warm them up.  Most likely not though, me thinks they have food and only food on their minds 

[Baffled]

Currently there's an uncovered chickpile here. Perhaps a feeding soon? Once chick was pecking at the beak of another chick. No food there, buddy.

[Loriann]

very loud food party at elk river..... what a noisy bunch you'd think they were starving for heavens sake. Not sure what that is they are eating, but it was a silver gray color.. saw parent bring it in.. too small for pidgeon...

[Pchemist]

and yet another feeding!  wow.