MN / Elk River - 2008-22

[Elaine L]

Thanks for the info, Carly.  It helps to clarify things, as I was a bit concerned that our prolific pair here were not up to the task this year.

[carly]

It looks like our falcon couple here have decided that two eggs is all they can handle this year.  Mom and dad have been taking turns brooding on the eggs, and I imagine they would not be doing this yet if they had any intention of producing more. 

It's still a bit chilly there so when the sun is off the box - it's not unusual for a parent to be on them to keep them warm. The temps in the evening have been low 30's this week so that might explain it.  They have the same weather we do and with the wind chill it can feel quite cold still.

If you watch Terminal Towers in Ohio, SW has been on the eggs since the first one she laid due to the temperatures there and she laid 4 so I'm still thinking we'll get our 4 here mom usually produces.

[Elaine L]

It looks like our falcon couple here have decided that two eggs is all they can handle this year.  Mom and dad have been taking turns brooding on the eggs, and I imagine they would not be doing this yet if they had any intention of producing more. 

[Elaine L]

Looks like two eggs now, 3:30 p.m. MST.

[carly]

Caught mom laying her first egg at 8:22 am this morning...

[Elaine L]

Our female was busy making a scrape in the nestbox this morning; she called for the male a couple of times, but so far he has not appeared on the scene. 

The camera is really blurry these days, and I sent a message to Great River Energy, but so far have not heard back from them about camera adjustments.

[Elaine L]

Here is our male from last year, a rather surly-looking fellow.  He and his mate are both back this year.  I hope the weather improves for them soon - I think he needs to have something to smile about!

[2kawaii]

Hmmm....it appears that Elk River got the snow Winnipeg was suppose to get.  

Was watching the birdies this morning at work, sitting in the snow covered box , it still snowing and icicles dripping down the camera shot....bird thinking "Now why did we come back this early???".  

Couldn't get a screen shot on the computer at work but I can get one now that I'm home.  Appears the sun has now come out for the afternoon and most of the snow on the box has melted; birdie looks much happier.

[Elaine L]

Falcon in the nestbox doing his leg exercises just now.  He is the male from last year, judging from the full black cap, and from the photos from 2010; he is the third photo in from last year, and a rather fierce-looking fellow he is, too, in this photo. 

[Elaine L]

Thanks for letting us know, Carly; I saw the female off and on over the past few days in the nestbox, but no male, so I am very happy that he has finally arrived.  And so is our female falcon, I am sure!

[carly]

Dad showed up from migration today!!  He's been photo ID"d by the BCAW watchers and he and mom were bonding in the box just awhile ago! 

[Elaine L]

Falcon in the nestbox, I believe the female, doing some housecleaning and calling for help with the work, but no sign yet of a helper.   So, she decided to have a snooze.  I will watch for her mate to show up.

[Elaine L]

I just got a good look at this falcon, and I believe that it is the same female as last year, based on the photos from the 2010 season.

[Elaine L]

And there is someone there right now; I cannot see any leg band. 

This is such a good falcon cam, and I am glad it is up and running despite the snow and cold weather in Minnesota right now.

[carly]

2011 NESTING SEASON

GRE cam is up and running and someone is home right now...on top of the nestbox!!