U of Alberta - 2009 / Damon & Radisson

[Elaine L]

I would feel better about this situation if the ravens were to quickly find good accommodation in the vicinity.  The female was very close to laying her eggs, and this must be very difficult for her and her mate.  I cannot get down to the site until the weekend, so I hope Bev can provide some information before then.

[bcbird]

It would seem the nest box status is back where it was a few weeks ago.  It is by past history a very attractive site for peregrins, and now a hopelessly doomed site for ravens.
We were worried before about competition for this site by the females, and we still are.
Maybe now, though, at least we don't have to worry further about the peregrins being ambushed by ravens.

[bev.]

You are right  as usual , Tracy. that is why we were so torn, as time went along.  That is what was said all along that this box was put there for engendered species.  And we all know How I feel about this.  I took a lot of flak from some. But when the nest was built again, I was surprised that they let it go so far.  
 They were ready to lay eggs.  Do you not think you would have taken it down sooner. Or maybe they had to let the ravens know they meant business. Now I know your stance Tracy . I kept posing the question, what would you guys do if it was at your site, and this was happening.

This is a good site(even though there are more buildings than usual).The male and female can see directly into the box from their home roost across the way.  there are many places and roofs for the young to hop and fly to. (although the helicopter will pose more of a hindrance this year). they can branch out further along the campus to more grassed areas. and this year there are 3 more cranes behind the hospital for them to roost on. Last year they used these after they had fledged for a bout 2 weeks.
I will try and draw out a better map than what I had last year, and you can see.

so now is a wait and see. but I will go and see when I can if I can see them . Thre are so many places for them to build. I think I said that earlier. 

[The Peregrine Chick]

Its entirely possible that George & Weezie will find a spot on campus that will suit their needs much better AND they will be able to use it over and over again.  We had a pair on the U of M campus last summer - they chose a telecommunications tower (pyramid shape) that worked beautifully - they had 3big, fat, happy, glossy black chicks that were hilarious hopping around the parking lots near the nestsite after most of the students had gone - they had a penchant for french fries.

[Loriann]

I'm just happy to see that 'softer side' from everyone.. and still wish for a good outcome in the end.  I know the raven's are not endangered, but I still disagree with the second destruction of a completed nest.  I had nothing to do with it, and i feel guilty and bad that it happened.

[ballywing]

Some very balanced and sensible input TPC!! (As per usual ) - I just wish the nest wreckers would NOT have waited so long each time, til the nests were all finished and nice & comfy - before doing what they had to do.   I guess we Phanatics are too emotional and sensitive and wishy-washy and want everyone to be 'happy every after'.  Nature so often doesn't work that way.... each season we're learning more & more about that side of things.  

[carly]

Fancy me saying that. the first  time yes, but when it got so far along and the fluff was there???

George had me at the fluff too Bev.  When they came back after the first dismantle and I saw him looking around the empty nest with that piece of fluff in his mouth..I actually choked up.  He looked so cute and they both looked so confused..*sigh* we are such softies 

I guess now we watch and wait and hope for the best for all birds involved.

[The Peregrine Chick]

Here's a bit more to add to the mix ... the box was installed to help an endangered species.  Ravens are neat birds but they are not at-risk.  In my last post I mentionned that this site was hotly fought over last year ... from a project perspective, that would be a site I'd want for exclusive peregrine use because for whatever reason (I don't know the layout of the site well enough to make a definitive statement) that site attracted not two but three females last year.

And I would be evicting the ravens from the Radisson or West Winnipeg or Brandon nestboxes were they setting up shop.  I would do it fast and consistently so that they quickly learn that they were not going to nest in peace in that location.  If something had tried to nest at the Hotel last year after June 6th, I may well have done the same thing even when we knew the adults weren't going to re-nest - specifically so there wouldn't be anything to deter the peregrines this year. 

If this were happening in Winnipeg:  Its a question of priorities.  Project priorities are to assist nesting wild peregrines.  Raven priorities are to nest somewhere.  My job is to make the first happen while my ethics make me do the latter as humanely as possible.  I have to believe the peregrines will return soon.  I do believe that the ravens will find a new location (near or far) and that they, being the particularly bright birds they are, will not want to repeat this season's upset next year which in turn makes me happy since disturbing them is not something I particularly want to do. 

And I daresay you would get similar answers from the folks out in Alberta.

[bev.]

I had already in my head, figured out where a nest box could go for the falcons. but then I am not a biologist but I know all the hangouts of the peregrines and I think some good places. 

Yup, this sis too bad. Fancy me saying that. the first  time yes, but when it got so far along and the fluff was there???

[irenekl]

Oh Bev, I'm all over the map along with you on this one.  I feel sick about the second disruption to the nest even though initially I wanted the ravens out of there.  Would it not have been an idea to put up another nestbox somewhere in the area so both could have had an option?  How close is too close for ravens and peregrines to share airspace?  And, theres also the issue of the falcons still showing up and battling so the concerns are not even close to being resolved.  Oh man......this is all too bad.  But....an interesting lesson in nature. 

 

[bev.]

If they do not come back here I will  check out around the area. they will not go far.

[carly]

Ohhh, those are super pics Bev! ......I think in the beginning, we all instinctively wanted those Ravens out of there no matter what!!! - But those feelings/opinions seem to have shifted for most of us after a bit of time and observation - now I wish they'd just left the nest in peace the 2nd time around.  - how sad for this Raven couple .....

Well said Ballywing 

[ballywing]

Ohhh, those are super pics Bev! ......I think in the beginning, we all instinctively wanted those Ravens out of there no matter what!!! - But those feelings/opinions seem to have shifted for most of us after a bit of time and observation - now I wish they'd just left the nest in peace the 2nd time around.  - how sad for this Raven couple .....

[bev.]

this was my favorite.

so see Loriann, I do not hate them, they grow on you after awhile.
this is a nest of drama. but I truly thought they would leave the nest this time after letting it get that far.

[bev.]

here are some shots