MN / Elk River - 2008-22

[Elaine L]

Yes, I have been watching her preening and cleaning - I believe she is taking a good look around before she heads south, and she looks strong and healthy.  What a pleasure to see her again before her departure.

[JL]

   Mom's on the ledge enjoying the sun if anyone is still watching.

[Elaine L]

Mom is still around!  Apparently the rain and the cold weather down there have not yet scared her off.  I can see her tail perched on the edge of the nest box at 3:18 p.m. MDT.

[JL]

Mom's quietly perched and looking around.   

[JL]

Mom's been around nestbox today.  It looks very windy there.  She's now looking out from the nestbox after scraping around a bit early.   

[maggieblue]

Thank you Alison for that happy story and the great photos.   
I have to admit that I kept looking at the feet of the Elk River birds and couldn't understand why I couldn't see anything wrong. Nice to have the mystery solved. 

[carly]

What a great report Alison, thank you for posting it.  Sad to see how the weather all over North America has effected the wildlife this year but good to see the success stories as well 

[Alison]

I don't think it was the female perched outside in the rain.  I watched it for a while and both feet looked normal, so I was guessing it was the male.  The female has a damaged foot - I forget which one.

I was under the impression all season that the female was the same one as last year, who is missing two talons on one foot. When I read the 2008 Banding Report from Raptor Research, I found that there is a new, unbanded female at Great River this year. The female from last year, 30/B, returned to her former location at Sherco. She had moved to Great River last year after her nest box was destroyed by lightning. A new box was installed at Sherco, and 30/B and her mate had four babies at Sherco this year. Below is a pic of her babies, and a pic of one of the adults at Sherco.

 

[carly]

Yes, I see and hear her 

[maggieblue]

Mom, I think, has been back at the box for about 10 minutes, and making lots of noise. 

[JL]

Mom was back earlier scraping in the nestbox but I didn't post because it was a short visit.  She's back again sitting on the outer ledge like she's guarding territory.  Maybe she just don't like those pigeons hanging around.   

[JL]

   Bright and early, Mom is perched on the outer ledge quietly basking in the sun.  Wonderful to see that she's still hanging around. 

[maggieblue]

Falcom back in the nestbox vocalizing.

[maggieblue]

No birds on the cam, but I hear calling

[Pchemist]

fiddlesticks.  I need to just have it open again, I guess.  But I'm delighted to hear they are still visiting.  Today it's nice and sunny (and the train is loud!)