Manitoba Falcon Cam Forum
Other Peregrine Projects => Canadian Peregrines => Topic started by: carly on March 31, 2010, 18:41
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Red Deer Telus Tower
Red Deer, Alberta
webcam link: www.rdrn.ca/programs/bird-focus-group/peregrine-falcon-webcam/ (http://www.rdrn.ca/programs/bird-focus-group/peregrine-falcon-webcam/)
Red Deer River Naturalists (RDRN) website: www.rdrn.ca (http://www.rdrn.ca)
Resident Pairs & Offspring
- 2014 - ?
- 2013 - ?
- 2012 - ?
- 2011 - neither adult identified - 5 eggs laid but all proved infertile; 2 chicks from another wild were fostered and were raised successfully
- 2010 - Windsong & Perry - Scout, Telli & Nadira
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2010 NESTING SEASON
Webcam offers eye on peregrines
Birdwatchers can see peregrine falcons up close in Red Deer when a stationary webcam is installed near the top of the Telus radio tower today. A crew from the telecommunications company planned to situate the camera at around 8:30 a.m. on the tower on Highland Green’s Hermary Street. The footage will be streamed live to the Red Deer River Naturalists’ website at www.rdrn.fanweb.ca.
Judy Boyd, spokeswoman for the river naturalists’ group, is curious about what she may see happen on the perch 111 metres off the ground. “Excitement is an understatement — I am totally stoked,” said the avid birdwatcher on Monday. The webcam will allow for research and public education, she added.
Alberta has developed a recovery program for the peregrine falcon, which is legally a threatened species in Alberta. These large falcons migrate south, with some heading as far away as Argentina. The peregrine can reach speeds over 322 km/h in a dive, making it the fastest animal in the world. Two nesting pairs exist in Red Deer — one on the Telus tower, the other on top of the 14-storey Capri Hotel and Convention Centre on Gaetz Avenue. Several other pairs have homes in high places around Alberta.
Boyd said there are reports of peregrine falcons being back in Red Deer, but she hasn’t seen any herself. “They’re not yet in their territory — not in the box yet,” she said.
The Red Deer River Naturalists invested in the webcam while Telus provided the manpower for installation and it will further pay for the power source. Alberta Fish and Wildlife invested in a new and improved nest box — one that will keep owls and ravens out. The old one was placed about 10 years ago. The camera will show the entire inside of the box so it won’t matter which corner of the box the pregnant peregrine decides to use for laying her eggs. The view of the peregrines will only be available when there is natural light. It’s anticipated the eggs will be laid in early to mid-May, with babies hatching in mid- to late June. The babies will begin to fly in late July to early August.
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maybe this group will monitor the nestbox on the Capri also. I may e-mail them and see.
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did I mention, that this is where our HOpe came from 2 years ago in Edmonton. she went to the ground at Telus site and they could see no sign of adults so they brought it here. Remember the fond moments.
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Thanks for reminding us about Hope's beginnings, Bev. That was a fabulous summer, wasn't it, watching Cassie and Hope fledge and fly!
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I watched cams and Edmonton nest for a bit but that was the first year I followed so clsoe. I still get tears when I think of them. it was glorious :-* :-*
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Camera is live
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/FortStVrain/red-4.jpg)
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did not catch anyone home
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All I got was a tail. Can't tell much by that, but I expect we will see more of him/her soon.
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No-one in the nest box at the moment. There was a piece on the news this morning about this pair, and at least one of them was apparently in the box then.
They were referred to on the news as Perry and her mate Windsong. Windsong is banded, but the bands have not been read yet, and they are not sure if Perry has bands.
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A falcon in the nestbox right now, having a look around at the lodgings. Can't tell if it is male or female, and cannot see the band.
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Another article on the Red Deer pair:
Falcon camera goes live
Let’s just hope celebrity doesn’t go to its feathery head. A peregrine falcon — Red Deer’s newest TV star — has been spending its time preening and primping and otherwise playing to the camera in its perch atop the Telus tower in Highland Green. A live video feed has been set up to put viewers right into the falcon’s nest box. A link to the video has been set up on the Advocate home page, reddeeradvocate.com. So far, the falcon cam seems to be creating a steady following. Tuesday afternoon there were more than a dozen people watching the falcon do its thing at any one time. About 1,357 people had checked the bird out by mid-afternoon Tuesday.
“We are ecstatic,” said Red Deer River Naturalists treasurer Bill Heinsen. The project is a joint effort of the naturalist group, Telus and Alberta Fish and Game.
A Telus crew installed the camera on the 111-metre tower on Hermary Street last month. But it has been a “trying process,” said Heinsen. “Nothing has absolutely not worked. There has been some major tweaking that had to be done along the way just to get the thing running.” All the glitches were worked out by Saturday and the first images were available online.
Naturalists secretary Judy Boyd said Telus has helped out a lot. Its technicians went up the tower a second time after installing the camera to do some work on the power supply and they also checked the camera’s focus. The naturalist group picked up the $700 cost of the webcam and other equipment and Telus did the installation and will pay for the power. Alberta Fish and Wildlife pitched in by providing a new and improved nest box with bars designed to keep owls and ravens out. The old box was placed about 10 years ago.
It’s anticipated the falcon will lay her eggs in early to mid-May, with babies hatching in mid- to late June. The babies will begin to fly in late July to early August. Boyd said a falcon society from Ontario has asked for a link for their website so soon the falcon’s fame could spread.
Peregrine falcons are considered a threatened species in Alberta, where a recovery program is in place. These large falcons migrate south, with some heading as far away as Argentina. Two nesting pairs exist in Red Deer — one on the Telus tower, the other on top of the 14-storey Capri Hotel and Convention Centre on Gaetz Avenue. Several other pairs have homes in high places around Alberta. For more information on the naturalist group and the falcon family, visit the Red Deer River Naturalists website at www.rdrn.fanweb.ca.
source: http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Camera_goes_live_92307259.html
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Caught someone at home in the nest box:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-28-1.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-27-1.jpg)
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Great photos, Alison! :D
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ljames ay BCAW got the first egg
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/FortStVrain/5-1-10-103.jpg)
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Nice shot he got, wow is that egg ever red :-*
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I was just coming to post this this. thanks KF
I think it is the cam that is making it so red.
Peter and I will being passing through Red Deer , long weekend in May. ;) ;)
I really want to see this box so I will take picutres and post them here.
Yes, Peter still loves me ;) ;)
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Great site!
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Still trying to see if we have egg 2 yet???
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We have egg #2
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This pair seems to receive quite a bit of press coverage:
‘Egg’static arrival
Published: May 04, 2010 6:59 AM
by Matthew Gauk
The goose might lay the golden egg, but Red Deer’s most famous bird of prey lays them in lipstick pink. The pregnant peregrine falcon nested atop the Telus radio tower has received thousands of views since going online on April 24, and on Friday at 8 p.m. she laid her first egg.
“The only thing that’s tearing me away from my computer right now is the fact that there are birds outside, as well,” said Red Deer River Naturalists spokeswoman Judy Boyd, who was herself taken aback by the vibrant, almost Easter egg-hue of the shell. About 9,000 bird-gazers had checked in on the animal and her mate by mid-afternoon Monday via a live video feed from a camera looking in on the box, averaging about 100 viewers at any given time. “We’re like a bunch of parents in the maternity ward,” joked Bill Heinsen, treasurer of the naturalists group.
A blue-flecked falcon could be observed going in and out of the nesting box, moving the egg around and sometimes sitting on it. “It’s something that you don’t normally get to see. Maybe it’s voyeurism (that makes people watch),” said Boyd.
Heinsen credited high ratings with human interest in the mystique of the peregrine, which was traditionally used for falconry. Some people have expressed concern that the mother hasn’t spent enough time incubating the egg, but Boyd says that’s normal, especially considering more eggs are expected shortly. Peregrine falcons will lay between two and four eggs at a time, Boyd said, and once more are out the mother will likely start paying more heed. Right now, she spends much of her time hanging about outside the cage, or flying off, possibly on the hunt for other birds or small rodents.
Once she starts incubating the eggs, they will take about a month to hatch. The baby birds will stay in the box until late July or early August, at which point they’ll make their fledgling flight, Boyd said. Later in the year, they’ll migrate as far away as South America. Heinsen cautions that falcon fanatics are in for a bit of a waiting game once the incubation period starts, but that it will be worth the wait once the chicks are up and about and being fed.
The nesting box and falcon camera is a joint effort of the naturalist group, Telus and Alberta Fish and Game. Watch and discuss the unfolding avian drama at reddeeradvocate.com.
source: http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Eggstatic_arrival__92763299.html
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3 eggs here now
(http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev39/reddeermay6-1.jpg)
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Wow, those are pink. Could just be the light, though.
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I am sure it is jsut the ight
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4 eggs this morning. I think just laid, and I got a glimpse but she went in front right away. she is still sitting in front that is why I think just laid. she ws actually in egg laying mode and then showed the 4 briefly and then stood, sat over them and has now jsut covered them and lain down. she would not show all 4 again.
I cannot wait around
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One of the headline items on the news this morning stated that there are now five eggs in the Red Deer nest. I haven't managed to see them yet.
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Wow, Five eggs!! That will be a lot of mouths to feed :-*
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5 eggs? :o
WOW!!! Good luck Dad to get those under you! :-*
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Do either of these parents have a name? ???
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Do either of these parents have a name? ???
I have sent an email to Judy Boyd with the Red Deer Naturalists for more information ...
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Still haven't been able to see all the eggs: she was turning and adjusting them earlier, but without allowing them to be seen.
A partial view:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-2091-1.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-644-1.jpg)
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All five eggs:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/rdmay171a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/rdmay172a.jpg)
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Peter an I visited the site and as soon as he gets home fromm out of town we will post a few shots. I cannot find what folder he put them in. Very nice spot for the falcons. I wish all could have such safe places.
talked to a nice gentleman who was delivering papers and we were discussing what he should do if any are spotted on the ground or in trouble. I am sure he will be discussing with people in area.
He was very pleased that they had a cam.
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Falcon eggs go missing ???
Here is link to the story
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Falcon_eggs_go_missing_95253039.html
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Article on the territorial battle and the names of the pair included - Perry (female) and Windsong (tiercel).
Peregrines battled for right to nest box (http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Peregrines_battled_for_right_to_nest_box_95263029.html)
Peregrines battled for right to nest box
By Laura Tester - Red Deer Advocate
Published: May 31, 2010 10:23 AM
Red Deer’s highest and tiniest nursery has become one hot commodity for a couple of female birds. The Telus tower in Highland Green is home to a popular Internet webcam on a pair of peregrine falcons and their five yet-to-be-hatched eggs. But earlier this year, when no one was watching, the telecommunications perch was site of a real catfight, or in this case, bird fight. A female peregrine falcon dubbed Georgeanne returned to nest on top of the tower this spring. Another female, called Perry, was interested too.
Judy Boyd, spokeswoman of the Red Deer River Naturalists, said Georgeanne was a smaller, older bird that had been banded with metal rings around its two legs in the 1990s. She was born along the Red Deer River, banded in Red Deer and recorded by Fish and Wildlife as the breeder at the Telus tower last year.
“When she went to go back into the tower, she and Perry had a fight,” Boyd said. Georgeanne ended up on the ground with one wing twisted up. Perry won the nest, and Windsong the male peregrine falcon. Boyd’s husband Larry, who helps provide first aid assistance for the Medicine River Wildlife Centre, was called out. With the help of some bystanders at Bower Ponds, he caught her. The bird didn’t have anything broken, but its wing was injured enough that it couldn’t fly.
Gordon Court, a biologist with Fish and Wildlife in Edmonton, picked up Georgeanne at the Medicine River Wildlife Centre where she was recovering. He has since given her to a falconer to help Georgeanne get her strength back to fly. Court brought Georgeanne on Friday during a talk on peregrine falcons at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. “As soon as she has enough strength in her wings she will be released in the wild again,” Boyd said.
Countless people have been watching real-time video of the Telus tower’s parents to be. It can be found through www.reddeeradvocate.com and www.rdrn.fanweb.ca “We’ve got so many people following the webcam that this is just another facet of the story,” Boyd said. The eggs are expected to hatch soon on top of the 111-metre-high tower. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, another pair of peregrine falcons has returned to the top of the Capri Hotel and Convention Centre. No word yet as to how many eggs they have.
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They didn't mention dates but perhaps this explains the 5 eggs...maybe the first female laid 2 and then the new one 3. Just pure speculation on my part.
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Well, I guess that is why you need an archive system with the cam. I have been trying to get that at Edmonton since I have been following. the biologists have been trying to get it but...
I saw the site and there is no way anyone would get up there without being detected. there are a lot of ravens there but that is why there are bars.
It is a wonderful site.
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I just got an e-mail for m someone in Red deer ,and they said Gord told them that the bars would not prevent ravens from getting in. I guess we were both told different things. I as told they were for ravens and geese but it does not matter. so maybe ravens , but the falcons are never off long enough and they would see the ravens. But nothing can be done now, so there are still 3 and not long to hatch date. so fingers crossed
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I finally found the Red Deer picutres
They will just give you an idea for the area around . Just across from nest box to south of it is a nice quiet residential cul-de-sac, to the north of it is all treed and a quiet green space, and to east is another quiet residential. so it is a very nice site.
But we saw lots of ravens and so that is probably where eggs went. I guess the bars will not keep ravens out. they probably will not nest inside with bars but can get inside and someone told me , they had been off them at times for as long as 15 minutes,so.... You can see there is a nice platform for them to flapercize on
(http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev42/DSC_0158-1.jpg) (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev42/DSC_0154-1.jpg)
(http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev42/DSC_0155-1.jpg) (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev42/DSC_0156-1.jpg) (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev42/DSC_0157-1.jpg)
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HATCHING EXPECTED ANY TIME NOW!
Falcon eggs soon to hatch
Telus tower web cam offers global view
Jun 09, 2010 06:00 am
A local Peregrine Falcon will soon be a mom as her three eggs are expected to hatch within a week atop the Telus Radio-Relay tower in Highland Green home. Every routine of a pair of Peregrine Falcons has been monitored by a growing international audience since a web cam was installed in late March on the 332-ft. tower.
Telus staff had been approached by representatives with the Red Deer River Naturalists about installing a web cam on top of the tower so the birds could be monitored and enjoyed by a world-wide audience. Judy Boyd, secretary with the Red Deer River Naturalists, said the falcon had initially laid five eggs but two have since disappeared. She believes there was something wrong with two of them and the mother may have gotten rid of two of them or possibly eaten them.
“I don’t see it as being a predator,” she said, adding that two of the eggs were laid before the recent snowstorm and could have been affected by the cold. It’s also very rare for a Peregrine Falcon to lay five eggs,” she said.
Meanwhile, she said staff are trying to get the web cam in recording mode for the upcoming hatching. It’s been streaming live video but not consistently in recording mode since it was set up, she said. That’s why the mystery of the disappearing eggs will never be conclusively solved.
Since the web cam was set up, Boyd said more and more people have been tuning in and chatting about viewing the Peregrine Falcons. She said chats show at least one person from everyone continent – except for the Antarctica – has been checking in on the falcons, which have been calling the top of the tower home for about a dozen years.
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Just as a side FYI...This is about the bird who lost the fight this year for this nest.....
Judy Boyd, spokeswoman of the Red Deer River Naturalists, said Georgeanne was a smaller, older bird that had been banded with metal rings around its two legs in the 1990s. She was born along the Red Deer River, banded in Red Deer and recorded by Fish and Wildlife as the breeder at the Telus tower last year.
“When she went to go back into the tower, she and Perry had a fight,” Boyd said. Georgeanne ended up on the ground with one wing twisted up. Perry won the nest, and Windsong the male peregrine falcon.
Gordon Court, a biologist with Fish and Wildlife in Edmonton, picked up Georgeanne at the Medicine River Wildlife Centre where she was recovering. He has since given her to a falconer to help Georgeanne get her strength back to fly.
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv175/ballywing/Peregrine%20News/KKK.jpg)
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Newsflash !!! 2 chicks have hatched !!! First at 7:38 this morning, the second at 10:53 AM. Third chick will hatch soon - pip hole spotted.
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First peek at the 2 hatched chicks at the hancock website - sorry i can't see how to post pics here :)
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Newsflash !!! 2 chicks have hatched !!! First at 7:53 this morning, the second at 10:53 AM. Third chick will hatch soon hopefully. Waiting to grab s'caps.
Great news, peaches! ;D ;D
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The two brand new hatchlings:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/May%202010/image002-33-1.jpg)
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Will have to try to find info on this adult pair ( ages especially ) as one adult ( can't tell male/female) just brought in food and moved it around then sat on it along with the chicks !! Can anyone shed light on what's happening here ? Chicks moving around and peeping so good sign.
Not sure if chicks had an earlier feed. Pip hole seen in third egg :)
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First feeding. Dad came into box and did the feed. Wondering if he's more experienced. Both chicks ate. Egg #3 is very cracked now.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/sakSMeZbs80612210635.jpg)
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I didn't know where else to go to ask this. Not sure if questions regarding specific falcons are welcomed. I would like to know as much as possible about the Red Deer Telus falcon pair. Age, breeding history and are they banded ? ( have looked but can't find this info ). Was told this latter ( banding) was common knowledge.
A local on the cam chat said they've seen nesting for 14 years which contradicts info i was given ( 1999 was the date i was told ). Why is the info so sketchy and hard to find ?
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Thanks for this info - much appreciated.
Missed catching the morning feed but there was a feed at 11 AM. RD cam viewers witnessed a magpie poking its head into the nestbox yesterday afternoon. Luckily the parent was on the chicks.
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Hurray !!! chick number three just hatched !!!
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(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/c3IVqEeAyd0613140602.jpg)
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Mid-afternoon feeding
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/UtVj5FaDQB0613160619.jpg)
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Thank you for all the photos and updates. It seems strange watching them hatch when I start fledge watch here tomorrow :P
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Morning feed at 8 AM and one earlier according to cam chatroom. Only one pic posted as cam blurry. Chicks all feeding.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/JslcfinZ4q0614100612.jpg)
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There have been regular feedings today. Although it's difficult to see the chicks clearly, i seemed to notice one chick ( thinking it's the one that hatched yesterday ) didn't seem eager to feed. This was noted at 2 feedings today that i witnessed. The evening feed was much better with all 3 feeding actively :)
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Thanks for the updates Peaches!!!
Perhaps tomorrow you'll have a chance to witness all chicks eating.
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Two morning and an afternoon feeding just now - same problem ( also noted by other cam viewers ) - can't see one chick feeding. Again, the cam gives a very blurred image so will have to wait...
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/T4VS54sztb0615170621.jpg)
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I didn't know where else to go to ask this. Not sure if questions regarding specific falcons are welcomed. I would like to know as much as possible about the Red Deer Telus falcon pair. Age, breeding history and are they banded ? ( have looked but can't find this info ). Was told this latter ( banding) was common knowledge.
A local on the cam chat said they've seen nesting for 14 years which contradicts info i was given ( 1999 was the date i was told ). Why is the info so sketchy and hard to find ?
I'm afraid I'm not the person to ask about the Red Deer birds, though as I recall, they have been nesting for longer than I had realized, just can't remember how long my contact mentionned. Not all projects provide histories on their birds or their projects, Alberta as a whole does not do much of this in my experience. As for common knowledge, it may be common knowledge among those who follow the birds but no on a website or something similar.
My suggestion would be to contact the Red Deer Naturalists, my understanding is that they are keeping an eye on this pair ...
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No pics for this morning - cam is down :( There was apparently a feeding at 5:30 AM but the third chick not seen feeding.
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Finally saw the third chick feeding at lunch. A relief :)
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Update on info for this pair - am told by government source that there is no banding done in this area of Alberta and no information on this pair. Access to nest still not allowed. No reply from the local naturalist club.
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Thanks for trying peaches. Maybe because of past problems, they are being extra protective about the nest.
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Finally saw the third chick feeding at lunch. A relief :)
Excellent news! Thanks for the update on this peaches! :)
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You're welcome :) frustrating to say the least.
More able to distinguish the 3 chicks now that they've grown and they're all feeding well - no weakness seen in any ( 9 AM feeding). The university pc lab has problems at the moment so am not able to post pics yet. Wishing i could see if the adults are banded - i think one is but since no nest access it doesn't do any good to know i guess.
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Mid-afternoon pic - the pile keeps getting bigger :)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/584ei3nhIf0618160606.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/lrpDIvAY2Z0618160645.jpg)
Screaming their heads off - such a good sound - means they're healthy :)
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Good to know that all 3 fluff balls are doing well!
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Just letting folks know i don't have access to a pc all weekend gggrrr so if anyone would care to post weekend updates, it would be appreciated :)
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Feeding time - the little one is the one getting its beak stuffed full :)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/tPUNVCANZm0618170621.jpg)
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Monday lunch :) Big difference in size after just one weekend !!
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/YN8JIA2k220621130618.jpg)
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Thanks peaches, that is a big difference in size! How reassuring.
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As i wait for the cam to be back online ( seems to be down a lot ggrr), here are some pics from Monday and Tuesday that i posted on hancock website:
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/q6UbJ3MBbg0621180655.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/7UDOyTZjDR0622160625.jpg)
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Cam was down but luckily back up at chicks' lunchtime.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/G5EC9FwXuh0623140638.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/hgEXEFrsxH0623140638.jpg)
Mom tried very hard to cover them after lunch but at this point, i guess three really is a crowd ;D
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Today's pic shows how fast they're growing :)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/Eh4GbOoNgo0625180652.jpg)
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The kids are 2 weeks old as of this past weekend. Feathers showing ;D
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/qVsIfwTKj60628100644.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/isH4Z0P8P70628100644.jpg)
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Great photos, peaches! :D
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Killing time while waiting for take-out to arrive. Played with feather, beak exercise, wing stretches...running out of things to do
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/1ZEbWWdlcb0630130632.jpg)
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Lunch arrives at long last. A huge feast :)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/GggAYcuzBn0630160625.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/aZ7YmVtd7H0630160625.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/ogNyT0L7tF0630160625.jpg)
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This early afternoon feed went on for quite a long time and the adult left the remains in the nest which is unusual here. The chicks came to take a look but were already stuffed.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/djuYCtsEsA0630160627.jpg)
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The kids are gigantic now :o ;D
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/5sDMUmRjrj0703120749.jpg)
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Thanks for all the updates, Peaches.
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Late Lunch ;D
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/fYg7lavPuR0703150700.jpg)
Hey look at these !! Turns out we're birds !!! Wow !!
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/uWznCHFkDh0703150700.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/4DAevcOSri0703150759.jpg)
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Monday morning breakfast ;D
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/hTdQ37m9B20705110759.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/BJ4H6herRF0705110759.jpg)
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A second breakfast arrives ;D
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/1rNOOlkYf00705110724.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/avDeA1NDkc0705110724.jpg)
Larger sibling pushes the little one out of the way when it tries to get in on the action :(
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Late afternoon feeding. The chicks are now starting to feed themselves on the remaining food after the adult finishes feeding.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/Ockc55JmFZ0705180744.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/d4fwqkzH2j0705180744.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/QdkwcERXv80705180751.jpg)
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I love your photos, peaches! :D
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Wow they've grown. Seems like yesterday they hatched! I can't believe it's July already :-\
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Thanks kinderchick ;D What you don't see are all the beautiful photos i missed as they spread their wings open. I wish i was a little faster at catching those shots.
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They look good and healthy! Great photos peaches!
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Their wings are so beautiful. What a joy to watch this on a livestream cam ;D Pure poetry.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/JQGKGQ1tdE0706140727.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/g4GCgv1ZNf0706140727.jpg)
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A quick lunch with a lot of very loud screaming ;)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/Thm4milMDz0706140758.jpg)
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Your photos are always so "colourful", peaches, in more ways than one! 8)
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Late lunch was a huge feast, probably gull. The chick on the right was insatiable, helping him/herself instead of waiting and feeding long after the others had quit. No wing exercise - too stuffed - they just fell in a heap in the corner ;D
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/CJ6yvlJTSN0707160737.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/IL8zLtEuTv0707160737.jpg)
Chick in corner playing with gull feather
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/LIVLGfhqTv0707160720.jpg)
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That was just a "power nap" it would seem and was followed by a spectacular show of wings. Breathtaking.
From creatures who look so incredibly homely at times there bursts out the beauty and power of their future selves.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/CfX3AzRU1q0707160720.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/sQ97X3djMO0707160720.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/fDM0tCAh8j0707160720.jpg)
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Don't worry about the red, peaches - we all know what it's about! May be gory, but that's the life of a peregrine!
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Kinderchick - re colorful - yes the photos aren't for the squeamish. I sometimes wonder if i should photoshop the red out of mealtime pics :)
No, no, no, peaches, don't photoshop the red out. As sami said, "that's the life of a peregrine!" ;)
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The kids woke up, walked around, then all faced the wall for some bizarre reason known only to falcons ???
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/gcjFaxbQC90708110753.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/EvKphEdXP70708110753.jpg)
This little guy couldn't figure out why either and decided to sit and wait for breakfast ( unless the mess WAS breakfast ).
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Wonder why this little guy kept opening wide repeatedly. Some lunch stuck in his throat perhaps ?
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/GnQ7g6NdvY0708170719.jpg)
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Wonder why this little guy kept opening wide repeatedly. Some lunch stuck in his throat perhaps ?
or about to yak up a pellet ;)
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Of course !! I'm getting rusty - totally forgot about the pellet thing ::) Thanks Tracy
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The kids fed themselves this afternoon with the little one ( i'm guessing it's the youngest ) waiting til last for his turn :(
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/dvjAF9McII0708180711.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/ymYvjIn5200708180711.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/wQEuSi3Nie0708180711.jpg)
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A suppertime feeding on their own and again the little one stays back. Hope he's getting enough. It might be just the cam but he does look less robust than his siblings.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/CxLgk14QYs0708190734.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/edvqO0AL110708190728.jpg)
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Mid-morning feeding, apparently by the male Windsong who can now be identified by the poop stripe on his head ;D The kids all look healthy.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/n40y65IGBD0709120748.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/P7Va8qHP2q0709120748.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/ky4Ag3jYvh0709120713.jpg)
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Brazen theft of lunch - i love the look of shock and indignation on the faces of the other two ( but then again they always have that look ).
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/J6tqUyS4oC0710170701.jpg)
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Sweet pic :)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/NtlJ7uHFkR0710180700.jpg)
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Thanks, Peaches, you are getting some great shots.
I appreciate the comments too!
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This morning's breakfast - not for the squeamish :P
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/MJstWL2A9D0711150716.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/mVj8Ypr8WC0711150716.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/q9BZLdoliM0711150716.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/3Tg4VM27sM0711150714.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/Auqn6nzrqg0711150714.jpg)
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The blood and gore of the meal doesn't bother me - but seeing them eat the legs and feet does! Go figure! ???
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Same here sami - makes me heave
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Doesn't bother me in the least.
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I'd rather watch them eat the feet and legs, than see those bits on the sidewalk. Somehow that seems worse.
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Name this breakfast ;D Keep in mind this nest is located near wetlands. And no, i don't know the correct answer ;D
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/Zt9tZDTXlp0712100743.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/BDbO7FM6nE0712100759.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/8vuQ1gaTR30712100743.jpg)
The kids today
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Maybe if i keep whining they'll bring food :(
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/p43MxM8EFM0712120703.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/9ebFWeJAI70712120744.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/ap3xBKXQ620712120744.jpg)
And my wings are spectacular ;D
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Quite bad weather here today Windsong is in the nest watching over her chics in this bad weather.
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Chicks are complaining about late food delivery >:(
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/NSOHucoUZY0713180708.jpg)
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I'd complain too, if my takeout was late. ;)
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I'd complain too, if my takeout was late. ;)
Me too ;D ;)
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The morning started off calmly enough. That is, until the food drop off. Screaming, running back and forth with the prize, grabbing, followed by incessant loud whining when the food ran out. It was awful. I have decided i would make a lousy falcon parent.
These pics don't portray the scenario well enough - listen to high-pitched screaming while admiring photos.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/NYHcfYnB1Z0714120747.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/B9CgLeAwen0714120747.jpg)
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Parent arrives soon after with a huge breakfast. The kids are ravenous after yesterday's bad weather and are very aggressive about getting their share. (I have left out the pic that's worse than legs even :P )
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/lhNSJMPwcL0714120706.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/Nr7LOkVU2B0714120706.jpg)
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Pics of a big breakfast ;D Looks like 2 females and one male, the sweet, patient one :-*
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/5lSIGjWLqc0716100739.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/SIYwszNeZo0716100739.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/oNNBHSM2fj0716100736.jpg)
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Are they ever growing! :o
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Yes they are ;D And they're so beautiful in their adult feathers but then again i'm very biased as i've watched these more than others. They're five weeks old this weekend and looking so ready to fledge.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/Nt2a1VY37z0717130722.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/pUwCKKTMMs0717130722.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/aUMmAgsU4o0717130722.jpg)
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Love the sunlight sifting through their rusty gold feathers.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/4Y5VNUFKrq0717170757.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/ta9Ctg3EeN0717170724.jpg)
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The chicks are 5 weeks old now ;D
Looks like they ate a huge breakfast and are now sleeping. Wind is blowing hard so maybe bad weather coming in...
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/AoUxAIBZoo0718130712.jpg)
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Woke up at noon ...tons of leftovers to snack on
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/ll9YedMG2C0718130701.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/9TG0dCaQSg0718130701.jpg)
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...They're five weeks old this weekend and looking so ready to fledge. How i wish i were there, especially as there's no fledge watch in Red Deer for either nest >:(
Oh that is too bad, peaches. I'm sorry to hear that. :(
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Thanks for all your reports and photos Peaches, hopefully the kids will do well and be safe. I wish they had a fledge watch too.
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I was the fledge watch last year at the Capri and rescued the foster chick who might have otherwise run into the road in front of the hotel when he landed on the ground. The Telus site i'm not as worried about as it's away from heavy traffic and high buildings. Maybe one day they'll see the light there ...
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A cam viewer is saying that one fledged and then returned but this report can't be verified. Not sure of what structures are outside the nestbox. Makes me want to hop on a bus to Red Deer and see for myself ???
Three in nestbox with tons of flapping. I think they'll leave at any minute - they look so ready. Will miss these beauties terribly.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/XvCPlQqDZG0719100757.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/ymc059hFC10719100757.jpg)
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Exquisite ...
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/FdrBN96ZLL0719120748.jpg)
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(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/pOx5nLLrTl0719120748.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/KTl3pBdhqD0719120748.jpg)
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A snack drop which wasn't enough to go around - pics of the free-for-all that ensued minus the shrieking...
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/PfFoJXRRR60719160709.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/8toDabpRG40719160709.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/BsKhJ6cGCx0719160706.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/sIjiIYGOQ20719160712.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/EmvZ32i0kP0719160724.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/wwT9J26M8N0719160724.jpg)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/R2HCfR69940719160716.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/JtbzPpLbVU0719160727.jpg)
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There was mention of the possibility of an outside second cam being installed sometime in the future. This would be a great addition.
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Another food drop and they share for aminute then big sis (?) hogs the food and there is no end of screaming about this >:( >:(
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/MMBnLbSuYC0719170753.jpg)
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Thanks very much for your posting of pictures, peaches. You do seem to capture some great scenes, and add entertaining/informative captions.
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This view greeted my eyes this morning and it means they're probably out on the telus tower structure and perhaps they've fledged. My prediction was right.
I'm hoping the outside cam will be up soon and in the meantime will have to rely on cam chat reports from locals.
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/cvVM4FZAFQ0720100754.jpg)
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One returned from his/her adventures to get some sleep :)
(http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/5pxkUJdjWD0720110756.jpg) (http://www.hancockwildlife.org/forum/media/F9OdaZ6XOK0720110756.jpg)
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they have a big platform outside to flap wings on , if you go back and look at pictures I posted. So they will provably flap there and get strong before flying.
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This nest is disgusting! I thought Alberta's nest was bad, but this one....... :-X
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The parents have a hidden motive - it's an incentive to fledge. If i had to listen to their whining and screaming all day, i'd stop cleaning house too.
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good point .. it would be like listening to a few vuvuzala"s in a small place
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There's a story in the red deer advocate today saying that the chicks are flying. I question this as they wouldn't all start flying on the same day ???
The wording is vague ie the title says they're flying and the writeup says the chicks "fled the coop" and "left the nest". This doesn't necessarily mean they're flying.
Famed falcon chicks spread their wings and fly (http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Famed_falcon_chicks_spread_their_wings_and_fly_98932884.html)
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Cam chat person reported seeing one still on the platform with the other two chicks gone off somewhere. I suspected the female might still not have fledged.
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Peaches, thank you so much for keeping us up to date for this site
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There's a story in the red deer advocate today saying that the chicks are flying. I question this as they wouldn't all start flying on the same day ???
The wording is vague ie the title says they're flying and the writeup says the chicks "fled the coop" and "left the nest". This doesn't necessarily mean they're flying.
I guess that's journalism talk, peaches. But all of us "Phanatics" know what it really means. ;)
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I am choosing to remove my comments, in case someone thinks I am being unkind. Was not my intention.
I am just here for the falcons best interests.
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Not sure I agree Bev, how else does anyone learn what all the objections/obstacles are for a particular course of action? That Red Deer does not have fledgewatches is of course their decision and will be the right decision for their project. For the last 20 some years, they haven't had watches - or have they? Do we know? If they did, why did they decide to stop? If they never have, why? The answers to those questions, if they wish to share, can provide some invaluable information for the layperson on the obstacles faced by recovery projects. Particularly now when most folks watch/follow a project's progress via the internet and are therefore removed from the real-world issues facing a project. I don't have fledgewatches to save peregrine chicks - I have them because a) they are excellent educational opportunities, b) they allow me to coordinate the efforts of people who would be out on the street watching anyways and c) they may provide an opportunity to prevent the death of a chick in the first week after fledging. I don't do it because its easy to oversee, it takes alot of behind-the-scenes work, some of which may never be needed but which need to be in place nonetheless. I feel that this type of information is important because it can ensure that viewers/supporters have realistic expectations of what can and can't be done by a project AND why it is important for folks to step away from their computers (as you have done) to help support initiatives they are committed to. But how does a potential volunteer know what they could or couldn't do? One way is to read Forums like this one. So knowing that (and perhaps why) a person's local project doesn't have a fledgewatch might encourage that person to volunteer in some other capacity or look to find a similar kind of project has volunteer opportunities available to it.
Just my opinion, as a long-time volunteer with a variety of organizations and as a recovery project coordinator.
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I cannot comment here on why Red Deer does not have a watch. but there are reasons.
and I am going to jsut step back. there were reasons why I made my comments,
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Every project has its own reasons for or against Bev, I'm sure it works best for Red Deer for many reasons and they have a good survival rate, so that's proof they are doing the right thing for the Red Deer birds.
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Thanks for pm-ing me Bev, reminded me that I had found this in the Red Deer Advocate :)
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Falcons_fledge_99014444.html
Falcons Fledge
Webcam viewers are finding a nesting perch noticeably quiet after three peregrine falcon chicks fled the coop on Tuesday. The chicks, named Scout, Telli and Nadira in an Advocate-sponsored contest earlier this summer, left the nest on top of the Telus tower mid-afternoon in Red Deer’s Highland Green neighbourhood.
Judy Boyd, spokeswoman for the Red Deer River Naturalists, said the three young ones and their parents should be hanging in and around the nesting box until they fly off to South America this fall. “The parents will still be feeding them and teaching them to hunt here,” Boyd said. “I’m not sure if they’ll travel together (down south).”
The naturalists group is looking for a secure webcam location where people can see the birds flying around in Red Deer. If there is anyone who has a good view of the nest box, they can call the naturalists at 403-347-8200. Since April 24, thousands of people from around the world have been logging onto various websites, including the reddeeradvocate.com, to watch the peregrine falcons. The Advocate website has received 59,488 page views, making it one of its most popular online features.
“We had people from every continent, but the Antarctic, watching,” said Boyd. “The talk is (on chat rooms), ‘What are we going to do now?’ ”
Perry, the female, and Windsong, the male, began incubating five eggs, but two went missing, likely because the parents knew they weren’t viable. The three eggs hatched in mid-June. “Nadira was born a day later and was always the runt but is doing quite well,” said Boyd. “I think he’s a male, just because he’s smaller.” Once they get their adult plumage, it should be easier to tell whether they are male or female, Boyd said.
Viewers were aflutter when the parents brought in mice or birds they had just killed. As the chicks, officially known as eyas, got older, they no long had to be mouth fed and so the parents would leave the kill inside the nest.
“There would just be this mad mob and they would attack the food and the parents would let them eat for a while, until they became disinterested,” Boyd said. “Then the parents would come back in and feed them the rest.”
The Red Deer River Naturalists invested in the webcam while Telus provided the manpower for installation and will pay for the power source. Alberta Fish and Wildlife invested in a new and improved nest box — one keeps owls and ravens out.
Boyd said they will consult with Telus about future plans prior to the falcons’ return next year
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Thanks to Alison for alterting us to this story! And kudos to the people for not giving up and saving the little guy :-*
A chick in the chimney
By Paula Trotter Advocate staff
Published: July 30, 2010 6:33 AM
One of Red Deer’s juvenile peregrine falcons found himself in a tight situation Wednesday night. Nadira, the youngest of the three raptors that hatched in the Telus tower nest, was rescued from the chimney of a Highland Green home in the late evening after spending an estimated three days in the smoke stack.
“He’s a little dehydrated, a little thin and a little bit darker than before because of the soot, but generally he’ll be OK,” said Carol Kelly, executive director of the Medicine River Wildlife Centre. Centre staff will spend a few days getting Nadira’s weight back up and provide him with a bathing area so he can remove the excess soot himself, she said.
Judy Boyd, wildlife community liaison with the Medicine River Wildlife Centre, responded to the incident Wednesday and cared for the young falcon at her Red Deer home, which is a designated first aid station for the wildlife centre. Nadira was taken to the centre Thursday for a thorough examination. “He seems OK,” she said. “He’s feisty, he’s grabbing at us, he’s screaming at us.” Boyd was not sure how Nadira ended up in the chimney of Lori and Kevin Stelmaschuk’s house, but noted the residence is very close to the tower where the birds hatched.
The Stelmaschuks first heard what Lori described as a scratching noise coming from the chimney on Monday. After hearing the sound briefly on Tuesday and again on Wednesday, the couple decided to call for help to free what they assumed was a bat or squirrel. Lori said they originally called Alberta Fish and Wildlife in Red Deer and were disappointed after they felt it was implied that they should leave the animal to die inside the stack. “We just wanted it to get about and be able to live,” Lori said.
Chris Kelly, district officer of Fish and Wildlife in Red Deer, confirmed the couple called but said they were given options on how to get the animal out, such as to contact someone more familiar with chimneys or the wildlife centre. The Stelmaschuks did contact Medicine River Wildlife Centre, a call which Boyd and a volunteer responded to around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night. Boyd said they also assumed the stuck animal was a bat but visuals from a camera positioned to look up the chimney showed it was a bird, which was believed to be a sparrow at first glance. Once Nadira spread his wings, however, Boyd knew they weren’t dealing with a sparrow.
The young falcon was eventually freed around midnight, but Kevin and his neighbours Jeff Suitor and Johnny Willis had to remove the lining of the wood-burning fireplace and feed a hose down the chimney from the roof to help free Nadira in order for the rescue to happen. “They’re kind of heros in my eyes,” Boyd said. “Those guys were up on the roof dropping a hose down into their chimney when they thought it was a sparrow. Kudos to them. They really care. They weren’t just going to let this thing die.”
It’s not the first time Nadira has caused concern since hatching on June 13. The runt caught the attention of worried individuals shortly after fledging from the nest as he decided to a break from flying and instead spent three days walking around under the Telus tower.
Kelly from the wildlife centre said she needs to connect with the Fish and Wildlife biologist in charge of threatened species to determine when Nadira will be released. Boyd said anyone who sees a bird in distress should call the Medicine River Wildlife Centre at 403-728-3467.
Article with photo here: http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/A_chick_in_the_chimney_99621249.html
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Wow! How great there was someone there who persisted until they were able to free him - and persisted even thinking it was a sparrow!
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The article mentioned this same small male had a three day walk on the ground below the tower after his fledge. He has had a very eventful life, and is happily a survivor.
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Too bad about this little guy getting stuck in a chimney, but at least it was the chimney of people who care about wildlife! :-*
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This chick is actually very lucky, we've had a number of chicks die in smokestacks in Winnipeg ...
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Glad he's okay, Thank goodness for the persistence of those caring people. :-* :)
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This chick is actually very lucky, we've had a number of chicks die in smokestacks in Winnipeg ...
Do you mean a number of peregrine chicks, TPC?! :o (not you, of course! ;)) I've been watching for 4 years and don't recall any such catastrophes, but maybe before that? :-\
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I've tried to stuff her in a chimmeneneny a couple times, but she's pretty quick ;D
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This chick is actually very lucky, we've had a number of chicks die in smokestacks in Winnipeg ...
Do you mean a number of peregrine chicks, TPC?! :o (not you, of course! ;)) I've been watching for 4 years and don't recall any such catastrophes, but maybe before that? :-\
Yup, before that - most were in the 1980s, but one of our release birds from 1986 was found dead in a smokestack (during migration north) in 2004 I believe - still waiting for the details on that one, as you can see, sometimes it takes a long time to get the news ...
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check out the weber site for information on the further developments here.
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2011 NESTING SEASON
Has anyone heard if Windsong and Perry are back yet?
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I received a message from the Red Deer River Naturalists, who are overseeing this Falcon Cam. Apparently they do not know if our falcons have arrived back yet, but they did say that Telus, the nestbox corporate donor, is planning to put the box up on the tower on April 6. They say that the four cams should be in operation shortly after that.
Here is their webcam, in case anyone is interested in knowing what is happening in the nature community in Red Deer at present: www.rdrn.fanweb.ca (http://www.rdrn.fanweb.ca)
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two new cams and live streaming
one is back
7:33pm
(http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/reddeerapril11-1.jpg)
they are trickling in slowly in Alberta. I think if they got ahead of storms in sther path they made it back and others were slowed down
new links
outside = http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rdrn-pefa-external
inside = http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rdrn-peregrine-falcon
I will not be able to monitor this too much but thought I would pass on information
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Thanks for the links ,bev 8)
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no signs of falcons when i checked just now but they are probably around.
No eggs yet, does not look like much of a scrape
Hopefully no wars going on.
Southern road trip coming on. I can feel it.
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I don't know what's going on here. Every time I go to this site, all I get are very loud commercials that everyone in my office area can hear, and all for nothing, as I never see any falcons.
Whoever does reporting on this website said on April 15 that the male falcon went into the nestbox. This is all we've got.
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I don't know what's going on here. Every time I go to this site, all I get are very loud commercials that everyone in my office area can hear, and all for nothing, as I never see any falcons.
'Fraid I'm not having any trouble accesing the site Elaine, both inside and outside views were fine and there was a bird in the box looking out through the bars ... and I didn't have my sound "on" but I didn't see commercials at all ... :-\
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Not trouble accessing these cameras. Saw bird sitting outside...no bird inside. Hope they do have eggs soon, it should be a good site to watch.
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First egg at Red deer
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two eggs at REd DEER
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Fifth egg (!) laid on May 10, according to the chronology on the web site, and full incubation has started for this pair.
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I believe there are only 2 eggs left. Now they show one of adults eating one,. Gord is going to check things out but he thinks , it is something wrong with eggs and not predators this time.
If I hear anything I will let you know.
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eggs did not hatch but they are gone this morning and 2 chicks are fostered in. Alison first saw chicks
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Would one of those chicks be from the Bell tower nest in Edmonton?
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I will know more on Monday, but it could be. I will explain more when I can .
mom took to the kids and they have had a few feeds and she is snuggling them the best she can, with the size they are. Nice to see.
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I have been watching this cam and was there for the second feeding yesterday. It was great to see and the family seems to be quite content.
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I will come back later and post picutres, but this is jsut delightful for all.
they will have had someone at Red deer watching to make sure all is well. and from what I can see , a big thumbs up :-*
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This is really great for these two, or should I say four. ;)
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One of the 2 chicks at Red Deer was from Bell tower Edmonotn.
Gord e-mailed me and I believe it is on the cam also. One of the chicks was born 3 days later and was 60 grams less than he should be, so Gord thinks he is on more equal footing now. This is great that this can be done. He stands a better chance of getting stronger.
Gord had told me that he might be shuffling some nests to give runts a better chance but I did not want to say anything until Gord came out and said it. Not my place.
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Thanks for the info bev.
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Thanks, Bev. It is always interesting to hear the background on the management decisions.
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The hubby was watching TV and the sound of peregrines kakking grabbed my attention, so went to check it out. There was a commercial on for Alberta Conservation and they were talking about the cams they install and showed the nest box for Red Deer. And bev, your biologist Gord Court was in the commercial. 8)
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Very cool! 8)
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I will have to look for that commercial. Have had no T.V. time in awhile.
They are really trying to work on public awareness.
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I was in Red Deer today and was invited to go see the nest at the Telus tower. Went there mid afternoon and was privileged to see the parents both bring fresh kill. Neither of them took them to the nest box but did proceed to clean and devour them about half way up the tower.
I believe it was the female who brought the second catch and it was huge. :o You could see her labouring to bring it to the tower.
I was so pleased to be able to see another site and will definitely try to see as many other sites as I can in my travels. ;D
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Wow! That's wonderful, BirdLover. Isn't it exciting to see other nest sites?! ;D
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There's a short vid of Tiny flying! So cool to see a young one in the air! 8)
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Glad you got to see the site Birdlover. Nice that it is in a fairly safe area, isn't it???
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Yes, it's a good safe site there! When Tiny decided to fledge before his bigger brother he didn't quite make it and landed inside the compound. The best place he could have landed as the whole thing is fenced in. He eventually made his way up the tower section by section and all was OK.
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2012 NESTING SEASON
Ustream webcam is up and running but I can't see any evidence of the birds at the site. There are also no 2012 updates on the Red Deer Naturalists website so looks like Alberta is still peregrine-free at this point ...
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there were reports of falcons there but we do not know if source was good or not. I go there thursday and so we are going to take a peek.
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Looks like the cams are not working at the moment.......says they are off air. ??? They were working last night, I guess I wiill check later.
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My friend in RD is the moderator for the Ustream forum and she posted on her fb page on Monday that a falcon was spotted that day.
Hope this helps. :D
There appears to be a falcon sitting on the outside on the landing right now. ;)
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Bev just reported on BCAW that Perry, last years female was found dead at end of season. :'(
http://www.peregrinefalcon-bcaw.net/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=1188&p=176572#p176572
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My friend in RD is the moderator for the Ustream forum and she posted on her fb page on Monday that a falcon was spotted that day...
Good to hear, BirdLover and very nice to hear from you! :)
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Bev just reported on BCAW that Perry, last years female was found dead at end of season. :'(
Awww... :'(
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I am so sad to hear that Perry has died. :'(
I hope we have a resident female this year. Will give me another reason to go visit Red Deer.
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I hope we have a resident female this year.
I hope so too BL!
Somebirdie there right now. :)
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/RedDeer.jpg)
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Note from one of our Alberta fans ... the Red Deer female at this location has a boyfriend ... turned up this morning about 11am local time.
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Note from one of our Alberta fans ... the Red Deer female at this location has a boyfriend ... turned up this morning about 11am local time.
I was watching the cam earlier, didn't see any falcons but I sure heard what I thought was two of them. Thanks TPC for confirming that I was hearing correctly. ;D
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Note from one of our Alberta fans ... the Red Deer female at this location has a boyfriend ... turned up this morning about 11am local time.
I was watching the cam earlier, didn't see any falcons but I sure heard what I thought was two of them. Thanks TPC for confirming that I was hearing correctly. ;D
Happy to pass along messages/reports/sightings :D
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The inside cams are offline, so just the external cam is working. I have some video of one at the box and thank goodness for sound because you can hear both falcons. ;D I will post the video after I convert it.
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One falcon at the nest box chupping, you can here one in background calling. The falcon walks to the other side of the box and disappears off cam view. :)
http://youtu.be/EtL_00Pgz78
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/RedDeer-1.jpg)
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I am sorry I forgot to come over here and post.
If this is a female , it is a new female. I do not know if many of the Red Deer people know that the resident female died at season end. When Peter and I drove there last Thursday, we spotted a falcon on the tower. I have picutres. they look same as one posted here. I talked to a man , who lives right there, and he has been watching for years. He said this was the first back and it was either late last Wed night or Thursday morning. As he checks all the time. He also has a scope. I told him about the female. At that time there was only one home. He sadi some do not like the falocns s they kill the Jays but I told him the Jays were not main food source and so there would still be lots around. We saw 4 while we were talking. It is a beautiful spot for these falcons. He indicated that bird sanctuary was not far away and so they probably go three for a smorgasbord :)
He and his wife jsut sit with their scope and watch them
We did see a car with someone with a scope. I will come back with my few shots.
Anyhow , I have to go there on Saturday again and i will check it out. there were none home at other site when we were there. Lots of pigeons
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Getting Aquainted
http://youtu.be/qPsIjfSGa54
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nice RCF :)
I was looking for bands.
but she has white on the end of her tail. A good marker.
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Peter and were here on Sat. april 14th
We drove in blowing snow all the way from Edmonton to Red Deer and then it snowed all the time we were there. Miserable weather.
But we only saw one falcon at entrance to nest box. Will come back and post small picture. we stayed as long as we could but saw no others.
There was nothing at other site that we could see. Just pigeons. I do not like that site anyway, but they are the ones that pick them ;) ;)
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Peter and were here on Sat. april 14th
We drove in blowing snow all the way from Edmonton to Red Deer and then it snowed all the time we were there. Miserable weather...
bev, what a trooper you are - and Peter too! You are so dedicated to these birds and that is very evident! Reminds me of the old US Postal Service Motto... "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds!" That's you & Peter, bev! ;D
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We have an egg in Red Deer! :D :D :D
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We have an egg in Red Deer! :D :D :D
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/Reddeeregga.jpg)
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We now have two eggs here :)
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Three eggs in the nest. Still haven't identified the new female. Hopefully someone will spot her bands and figure it out.
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Three eggs in the nest. Still haven't identified the new female. Hopefully someone will spot her bands and figure it out.
The bands are really hard to see on the cams. Is there someone (conservation) out there that checks on the birds and try to get the band numbers?
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Will see what I can find out and let you know.
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I have contacted Alberta Conservation to see if we can find out the identity of the new female at the tower nest. Hopefully they can answer the question or point me in the right direction. Fingers crossed that we will know soon. :D
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Hope you here something soon BL. :)
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Me too. So far, nutting. ::)
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I think there has been a hatch here. 8)
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We do indeed, have our first hatch. Two more to go. ;D
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We now have a second hatch. :D
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Great news BL :-* 8)
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We now have a second hatch. :D
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/REDDEER-2.jpg)
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She's not being very accomodating, just a glimpse.
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/REDDEER002.jpg)
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Thanks for the pics. I tried to do a screen capture but there was too much going on on my screen so it was all pixelated (sp). :-[
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We had major storms go through Alberta yesterday, so the cam here has been out since yesterday afternoon. We have no way to know whether the 3rd egg has hatched.
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That's not good BL! :( Hope they get them working soon. :)
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Cam is back up and running. Third hatch happened overnight! Woot! Woot! All got a good feed this morning after the cam came up. ;D
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Cam is back up and running. Third hatch happened overnight! Woot! Woot! All got a good feed this morning after the cam came up. ;D
Good News BL!! ;D
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Yup :D
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Finally got an answer from Alberta Fish and Wildlife. I have copied and pasted below. Unfortunately we are still in the dark as to where this hen is from. Oh well, the two seem to be fine at the nest and the three chicks are thriving. :D
Great to hear from another peregrine fan!
Many of the peregrines in central Alberta are banded. They where a standard Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service band on one leg and a custom Acraft black and silver band on the other. The black band indicates that the bird is considered Falco peregrinus anatum and was born in the wild. The alpha numeric code can be read using a spotting scope and sometimes from camera images. Unfortunately, no one has read the band on the new female at Red Deer so far. The small clutch (3) suggests she may be breeding for her first time. We may get a chance to read her band in the coming weeks - most likely she is from Alberta but may be from as far away as Winnipeg.
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Good news BL!! 8) I sure hope they or somebody will be able to read her band soon, it would be cool if she were from Manitoba. :)
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I just caught the end of a feed. :)
Video - http://youtu.be/0mv0XVxuTf0
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/reddeer-3.jpg)
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(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/RED005.jpg) (http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/RED004.jpg)
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/RED003.jpg) (http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/RED.jpg)
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Good news BL!! 8) I sure hope they or somebody will be able to read her band soon, it would be cool if she were from Manitoba. :)
I can't help but hope it could be Cassie from U of A, 2008 (I think). Radisson, her mother, is from Manitoba.
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...Unfortunately, no one has read the band on the new female at Red Deer so far. The small clutch (3) suggests she may be breeding for her first time. We may get a chance to read her band in the coming weeks - most likely she is from Alberta but may be from as far away as Winnipeg!...
I didn't know that a clutch of 3 was considered to be a small clutch. I thought that 3 would be considered an average clutch, with 4-5 a larger clutch. Does the size of the clutch depend both on the age and experience of the birds, TPC, as well as on the genetic make-up of the birds? ???
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...Unfortunately, no one has read the band on the new female at Red Deer so far. The small clutch (3) suggests she may be breeding for her first time. We may get a chance to read her band in the coming weeks - most likely she is from Alberta but may be from as far away as Winnipeg!...
I didn't know that a clutch of 3 was considered to be a small clutch. I thought that 3 would be considered an average clutch, with 4-5 a larger clutch. Does the size of the clutch depend both on the age and experience of the birds, TPC, as well as on the genetic make-up of the birds? ???
Okay, in the north and Mexico, mean clutch size is 3.0 to 3.3 eggs (so 3 eggs is the norm). Southern Canada and continental USA (where anatum subspecies lives) it is 3.72 eggs, so 3-4 is the norm. Aleutian Islands of Alaska mean is 3.8, so 4 is the norm more times than not. Clutches of 5+ eggs is considered occasional about 1% of all nests.
That is a general statement. For some pairs 5 is the norm, and anything under that is small for them. For others 3 is the norm, so 4 eggs would be considered large for them. Larger is always the issue/concern, feeding 1+ more mouth is obviously harder (requires exponentially more labour, time and resources) than feeding 1+ fewer mouths.
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Thanks for 'splainin' that TPC. :)
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Very interesting info about average clutch sizes in different parts of North America. Once again, I have learned something new. Thanks, TPC. :)
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3 eggs is great here. Last 2 years Gord had to put chicks in as eggs did not hatch out .The last female may have been nesting places that had contaminants. that was one theory and I do not know if results of eggs are known yet.
Still trying when I can to get band .
always hoping that one is one of ours from Edmonton
most sites in Edmonton have 3 or 4 eggs.
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Thanks bev. I am impatiently waiting to find out who she is. ;D Sure hope she does a little leg showing soon.
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(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Cdn%20Falcons/reddeers.jpg) (http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Cdn%20Falcons/reddeers003.jpg)
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(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/reddeers002.jpg) (http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/reddeers1.jpg)
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These parents don't seem to be too good at housekeeping. What a mess!!! :-X
But, the kids seem to be doing well.
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WOW! :o That sure IS a mess!
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:o I have NEVER seen the likes of this nest box. :-X The kids are all huddled up against the wall to try to avoid all the debris. :-X I can only imagine the aroma wafting off this box in the heat. :-\
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:o I have NEVER seen the likes of this nest box. :-X The kids are all huddled up against the wall to try to avoid all the debris. :-X I can only imagine the aroma wafting off this box in the heat. :-\
It's worse now than it was a week ago! :o :-X
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Canadian%20Falcons/reddeersss.jpg)
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Could lose the chicks in there....... :-X
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Could lose the chicks in there....... :-X
I guess the good side to all the mess is that they are getting lots to eat. ;)
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:-X :-X
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There are two boys and a girl by the looks of it, if you can see them in all the debris. ::) ;D
http://youtu.be/aGVF3Q59fwk
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Good thing the chicks move about, otherwise they'd just disappear into the mess.
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Feeding Time! http://youtu.be/CtJCEaDUSwg
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The two older chicks have lost almost all their down and are exploring out on the walkway of the tower. The other chick still has a lot of down and is not quite as adventurous as the other two.
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These three have all fledged successfully. The two boys are soaring around the tower and the girl is slowly getting her wings and making her way back up the tower. The mod of the site goes to the tower every day and keeps an eye on things. She thinks the girl will take to her wings today.
I don't think that there is an official there that has sexed the chicks so the folks on the chat have deemed them two boys and a girl and given them names also. I do believe they are calling them Brad, Scott, and Summer. I don't know the significance of the names other than Summer. Summerfly is the name of the moderator on the chat site.
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I mentioned the nest to Gord and he said it is a lot of Franklin gulls in there and the ravens will clean it out in off season. He has been keeping an eye out.
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2013 NESTING SEASON
This is from the Sportsman's Paradise Online web site
There will be No cam this year
UPDATE:
Windsong and Nessa have 4 eggs as of May 6 , 2013. Best guess is first was laid approx April 28, 2013. Telus crew has completed new bridge install and need to get the cams reconfigured so this could take a few more days if all goes well. So we estimate hatch wach to start end of May start of June 2013.
You can read the chat about these peregrines if you scroll down past the cams - http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Peregrine_Nest_Box.html