Manitoba Falcon Cam Forum

Other Peregrine Projects => USA Peregrines => Topic started by: Alison on May 14, 2009, 22:17

Title: MN / Oak Park - 2009-10
Post by: Alison on May 14, 2009, 22:17
2009 NESTING SEASON

The estimated hatch date for this nest was May 13, but so far there is no sign of a hatch.

The falcons at this site are Belinda, band black/green W/E, born 1999 at the Colonnade Building in Minneapolis. In March 2004, Belinda killed Mae, the beloved matriarch of the King Plant, in a territorial battle, and has been the resident female here since then.

The male here is Brent, band black/green W/36, born 2006 at Faith Bluff, Minnesota. Last year the former male, Doug, who had also been Mae's mate, did not return, and Brent arrived. He and Belinda has two babies last year, Ben and Kirby.

This year they have five eggs.

One of the operators at the King Plant provides close-ups from time to time:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay1417b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay1420b.jpg)

http://birdcam.xcelenergy.com/king.html

Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: maggieblue on May 17, 2009, 11:20
In addition to Elk River you might want to watch this one today too as there could be a hatch today.  There are 5 eggs and the watch has been on for several days now.  :)

http://birdcam.xcelenergy.com/videoindex.html?cam=falcon2
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: maggieblue on May 17, 2009, 11:34
The King plant mom is really shuffling around and up and down, looking at the eggs and opening her beak (probably talking to the eggs).  I think there might be a hatch here very soon.  ;D
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 11:44
Pepple moving time  ;)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 17:23
Does anyone know what's happening with the loose egg?  Is that just half of a broken one (meaning a hatch?) or they know something about that egg we don't?
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 17:33
I personally don't know alli as I haven't been following this site however i just checked BCAW as they follow all the sites there between them all.  SGB saw the parent look at the egg several times and leave it out purposely so perhaps they do know something we don't.

They also noticed the cam zoomed in on it several times...so they must be wondering too.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 17:40
I find it amazing how they know..kinda wonder how?  P & T laid 4 eggs last year and this year...but magically one just disappeared.  Falcons just amaze me!
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 20:09
Looks like there was a hatch here and unfortunately the adult seems to not want anything to do with the hatchling?  The chick is out in the open and moving around but the adult bird is still incubating the eggs...I don't know if I can watch this for much longer.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 20:13
Just brought up the cam and don't see a chick, under mom now perhaps??

BCAW watchers are watching too and feel something may be wrong with the baby and in that case mother wouldn't brood it they are saying.  But chick is gone now??

Is that so TPC?  I have never seen before myself.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 20:16
It's lying in the broken egg
Only way I know this is because I saw the white fluffy stuff move so I don't know what's going on
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 20:19
Ok well they are recommending not to watch because if something is wrong mother will let it die as she knows it won't survive. 

Did the move the cam?  All I can see is the back of the mother, no egg shell or anything.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 20:24
Really?  What I can see is almost the exact same view as the Elk River cam..so you see the broken egg and the chick..

Why do I watch these cams? 
I guess mother knows best...again, there is something we don't know and they do...still, sad to watch a newborn moving and mom's just not even looking at he/she.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 20:26
Okay..never mind.

The view changed and now the chick is somewhat under the wing???
I don't get it.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 20:30
Ok I see the shell now but don't see a chick.  I wonder if she's going to have more problems, first a discarded egg then this.  Maybe the weather? 

Either way, I'm sure not easy for mom either.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 20:48
I'm so confused at this site...the chick is there and alive but only partially covered???
It looks like the adult knows it's there and is trying to cover the chick and the eggs at the same time. 
I hate all of this drama...
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 20:49
Ok I finally see the chick.. That's not good, it's half out and half under the wing...it's a bit cold for a newly born hatchling to be uncovered.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 20:50
Come on momma or pappa...get that chick under your wing...what are you doing?
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 20:52
Yeah you got me, never seen this before but I dont' have the years of watching experience most do.  Even young mums tuck the chicks under them...I wonder if it's even still alive at this point.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 20:56
When the adult moves, I do see some movement from the little chick..maybe a shift change will get that chick tucked right under. 
Did you see that Carly...the adult knows the chick is there...trying to get the chick under...not sure what to make of this?
I really want there to be a shift change...
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 21:01
Well according to their site where Nora just posted, it was dad who left the chick laying there in the cold and then mom came in and movedit over and partially covered it..they have shots here:

http://raptorresource.org/forum/index.php?topic=217.360
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 21:05
I don't know why I do this to myself...Mom is at least realizing that the chick isn't covered most likely because it's chirping its beak off to say, UM, I'm cold, can you cover me up please?
Again..unless there is something we don't know.
Is this a young pair?
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 21:16
Yeah I saw her get up but the chick is still out in the open partially and going down to 3 degrees there. 

I'm searching on pair history now: so far the dad Brent is new, only his second season there.  She's been there a few years and I think she's about 10 years old or so they said.  I will keep searching on the net for more info.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 21:24
Ok she's definitely an experienced mom.  Last year they had 5 eggs and only 2 hatched so this is not unusual for these 2.  Just have to hope the other eggs will be ok and they have a few successful hatches.

I'd recommend not watching anymore, it will be a miracle if that little one survives the night if she doesn't get up and tuck it under her brood patch.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 21:28
ps: Thanks to kittenface for the tip to the above link with photos..typing too fast and tired..   

Time for bed for me.  I hope things work out here, I really do.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 21:28
Ok maybe not, I see TPC on and would like to know her thoughts on all this if she has time?
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 21:30
I decided to not watch anymore...I can't say that I have stopped thinking about it though  ::)
I will of course check tomorrow...not sure what I'll see  :-\
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 17, 2009, 21:33
Cam is out for me now too.  I know it's nature but don't need to watch.  would like to know though if parents do that if they suspect something is wrong with the chick.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 17, 2009, 21:57
Went back and had a look at the photos, can't tell it there is a problem with the chick and that is why the adult isn't bothering or not.   Will have a look in the morning though ...
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 22:00
Thanks TPC...
we are all just so confused on what's happening here.
I will wait until morning to read about it. :-\
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 17, 2009, 22:05
I may or may not have suggestions/answers, all I can do is have a look and give you my opinion ... :-\
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 17, 2009, 22:20
Yes, but your opinion matters.  You are an expert and we all trust your judgement and your opinions.
You are our TPC! ;D &  8)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 18, 2009, 06:17
Ok I've got the cam up now and it's clear.  Saw photo on another site of mom feeding the chick so that is good!  They are moving the cam around right now looking for something.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: maggieblue on May 18, 2009, 07:17
Good to know that mom fed the chick.  She/he is very restless now and keeps looking down.  It is very strange that they seem to have abandoned that egg up front that has a big pip in it. Or is that the shell from the hatch?  I am really sorry that things are not going smoothly here. Yesterday I thought that we were going to see 5 happy hatches.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 18, 2009, 07:37
Yes I keep looking at the pip in that egg and my heart breaks.  From what I read on other sites, the father didn't cover it properly during a shift change so it seems it wasn't pushed aside intentionally.  he missed it and then mom came in looked at it and left it there.  That's just second hand info so not sure of accuracy of that.

Still waiting for her to move to see if chick is really there and is okay.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 18, 2009, 07:41
Maggie, I poked through another site very quickly on last years posts about this couple and they only had 2 hatch out of 5 eggs.  There was alot of commentary about the male here and his challenges in looking after the eggs but it seemed to be said in humourous tones - no dire commentary. Perhaps he is young and not experienced.

Maybe if Alison drops by she can give us accurate information as she is more familiar with these sites. 
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: maggieblue on May 18, 2009, 08:52
That egg just hatched and mom doesn't seem to know what to do.  she is just looking at it.  Come on Mom. At least that is the picture that I am seeing. I will have to investigate this live versus picture mystery.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Pchemist on May 18, 2009, 08:59
the video I see shows a windblown peregrine in what I would think is a brooding stance with a eggshell in front.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 18, 2009, 10:24
Just because I promised to post  ;)  chick looks fine this morning ... four eggs visible as well.  Haven't seen anything since then on the cam or in the gallery ....
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 19, 2009, 13:51
Just saw elsewhere that they've had their second hatch today here too! 
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on May 19, 2009, 21:08
I was amazed to see that the first chick to hatch apparently survived. Belinda is here for her sixth year; she is ten years old and certainly knows what to do, but she has had problems in the past years with eggs not hatching. Last year only two eggs out of five hatched, but both chicks fledged successfully, and were seen around the area for some time afterwards. Belinda has also lost babies at a very young age in the past, so I was not very hopeful about the first chick.

Last year Brent was only two years old, and did not seem sure how to make a scrape, or how to incubate. He liked to roll the eggs around in the scrape. This year he is much more confident - had no problems making a really good scrape, and no problems incubating.

A second chick hatched, and both are being cared for and fed. Hoping for the best for more chicks to hatch.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay1912b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay1913b.jpg)
The second hatchling

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay1917b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay1923b.jpg)
Belinda and Brent (Brent is on the right)

Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on May 20, 2009, 17:05
Still two chicks for Belinda and Brent.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay209b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay2010b.jpg)
Belinda with the babies                                                           Brent, the proud father

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay1924b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay2015b.jpg)
Brent with his babies                                                             Hey Dad, you forgot about me!
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: maggieblue on May 20, 2009, 20:09
It has been a very rough day at King today as well with the high winds. Both parents were present for at least one feeding, one probably to block the wind. Mom was " over teakettle on at least a couple of occassions.  At one point one of the two chicks was blown over to the far side of the nestbox but was somehow gathered up as two were visible at the next feeding.  ;D
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: maggieblue on May 21, 2009, 06:45
The picture isn't very good, but it looks like there is another hatch underway here.  It is nice to see the calm conditions after what was going on yesterday.
Now dad has come into the box too to watch what is going on. ;D  Oops, and left again.  I think that he may have left some food behind but mom is otherwise occupied.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 21, 2009, 09:21
I hope Dad (Brent) gets the hang of things soon..as sometimes he forgets he needs to cover up all his chicks. 
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: maggieblue on May 21, 2009, 11:12
Belinda is just eating fresh eggshell in front of her and looking underneath her so I think that there may have been a 3rd hatch here today.  Two of the remaining 3 eggs had big pips in them this morning.  Thank goodness this didn't happen yesterday when the birds were being blown around.  :)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 21, 2009, 18:22
Happy to see more heads here for her  ;D
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 21, 2009, 18:29
Check out the smallest chick, you can still see his/her egg-tooth - that's what facilitated his/her escape from the egg ...
It disappears after a couple of days so very cool.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on May 21, 2009, 18:45
Is that little thing near the tip of the beak I see?
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 21, 2009, 18:49
Yup Carly that's it.  Almost looks like the bump on a broken human nose  :)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: birdcamfan on May 21, 2009, 19:38
Do they tap at the inside of the shell with it?
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on May 21, 2009, 20:38
They are just too cute even with that little egg tooth  :P
I'm sooo happy that there are now three!  :-*
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 22, 2009, 10:04
Do they tap at the inside of the shell with it?

they use it to break the shell, that's how they get the "pips" going
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on May 26, 2009, 00:14
I'm glad a third chick hatched for Belinda and Brent.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay256b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay252b.jpg)
All three lined up to be fed                                               Brent looking very proud

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay2514b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/kingmay2519b.jpg)
Feeding time again
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 22, 2009, 22:57
Belinda and Brent's three chicks are still at the nest, but not for long. At least one of them seems very anxious to fledge:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2214b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2220b.jpg)
Food delivery is no longer peaceful                                           A harassed parent takes a break

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2223b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2227b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2237b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2238b.jpg)
Getting ready to fledge
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: bcbird on June 22, 2009, 23:09
How funny to see these eager little juvies each looking in different directions, as if planning their first flights.  Lovely pictures, Alison.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on June 23, 2009, 20:46
WOW...this is fantastic!!!
Remember when we were all so concerned when one chick had hatched and it was out in the open, in the cold weather..?  And Dad didn't seem to know what to do because he's young.
Well, look at them now!!!! 
Way to go Brent and Belinda!!   :D
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 26, 2009, 00:27
All three chicks were at the nest box earlier today:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2514b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2517b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2519b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2521b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 26, 2009, 00:31
The last time I saw all three was just after 3 p.m. Since then, I have only seen two. I don't know if one fledged, or is just "ledging" out of camera view.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2522c.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2537c.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Pchemist on June 26, 2009, 13:53
love the mowhawks!
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 26, 2009, 18:56
Still only two chicks visible today, with no word on the third, who would appear to have fledged. I hope she is safe.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune261b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune264b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on June 26, 2009, 19:05
I just love that color of brown.  Very rich and striking!  Not as striking as an adult but you all know what I mean!   ::)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: kittenface on June 27, 2009, 20:53
I think the camera operator at King think # 3 that has been gone is the prey the others have been at today they keep zooming in on a band on a leg and body below nora at RRP forum had some pics she thought at first was a pigeon but then she wondered too So sad if this is the case
I got some pics but they are pretty gruesome
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on June 27, 2009, 20:57
I'd be surprised if they were preying upon one of the family, not only don't they practice infanticide/siblicide/fratricide (and therefore wouldn't see a peregrine as prey) but this tend to want to catch their own food and while they may store it for short periods, they don't just leave it "out" so to speak.

Stranger things can happen I guess ... fortunately, nothing like that in the 'Peg ...
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Pchemist on June 27, 2009, 20:58
perhaps it is simply some other banded bird (not that this would be happy news, but you know what I mean).
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on June 27, 2009, 21:08
Certainly possible, waterfowl, shorebirds, pigeons and other birds are regularly banded all over North America ...
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 29, 2009, 00:27
Still two juvies at the nest box. There has been no sign of the third for days now - I hope she fledged safely and is okay.

The banded leg/foot mentioned above is a pigeon foot. The object on the catwalk below has been there since before one of the juvies disappeared. You can see it in the pics I posted on June 22. I believe it is prey leftovers.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune284b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune287b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2822b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2825b.jpg)

Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 29, 2009, 00:33
One of the King Plant juvies from 2007, Frightful, has been found nesting at Madison Gas and Electric in Madison, Wisconsin, 253 miles from the King Plant.

The Madison Gas and Electric site has info and videos:

http://www.mge.com/about/Falcon.htm
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 29, 2009, 18:55
The King chicks are very close to fledging. They are now spending time on top of the nest box, on top of the rail and as far out on the perch as they can go. I do think that something happened to the first chick who fledged a few days ago - still no sign of her.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune298b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2917b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune2918b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on June 29, 2009, 18:57
They are just gorgeous!  ;)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on June 29, 2009, 23:37
What are the chicks' sexes?  Females fledge after males because it takes them longer to get to full development.  If she flew early then she could be holed up until she is more fully "baked" ... the parents will feed her so long as they can find her ...
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 30, 2009, 14:27
What are the chicks' sexes?  Females fledge after males because it takes them longer to get to full development.  If she flew early then she could be holed up until she is more fully "baked" ... the parents will feed her so long as they can find her ...

They are three females, which is why I am concerned about the first to fledge. Also, one of the cam operators at King is really good about moving the cam around to check on other possible perches or problem areas, and there has been no sign of her. Both parents have been bringing food for the other two frequently, and perching where they can watch over them.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on June 30, 2009, 18:21
Unfortunately Alison, that's why there is such a very high mortality rate among hatch-year birds.  Nestboxes and webcams and volunteers can only provide so much support, ultimately, its up to the fledgling itself.  It is also possible that the chick had an underlying problem and that is what caused the chick to fledge earlier and/or run into difficulties during fledging.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on June 30, 2009, 19:39
Thank you for the reply, TPC. I do realize how high the mortality rate is during the first year. As far as I know there is not a fledge watch here - since the nest is at a power plant, I'm not sure they would want people running around on their property, for security reasons. Some of the plant employees do try to keep an eye on the birds and will search on the grounds if need be.

The other two chicks are on the move.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune3012b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune3023b.jpg)
Out on the perch                                             

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune3052b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune3064b.jpg)
In the catwalk area, with a parent watching over them

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune3076b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/june%202009/kingjune3082b.jpg)
Back to the perch

Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on June 30, 2009, 19:47
Excellent shots of them Alison.  I wish them luck! 
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on July 02, 2009, 22:11
The two fledglings are continuing to explore their surroundings.

Who could resist this face?

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly215b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly217b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly225b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly227b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on July 02, 2009, 22:12
Beautiful, just beautiful!!!
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on July 03, 2009, 23:18
Good news at the King Plant today. I was checking the dailies, and suddenly there were three juvies visible! The last time I saw the first one who fledged was June 25. It had been so long, I really thought something had happened to her.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly320b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly324b.jpg)

Brent and Belinda were both around too:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly330b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on July 05, 2009, 16:49
Glad to hear your lost female was "baking" somewhere safe Alison!! (check out post # 70 for the reference).  Nice to see she is back at the site and you can probably afford to be a bit optimistic that her time alone and her return are evidence that she is beyond the worst of her fledging!

Congrats!
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on July 06, 2009, 00:31
Glad to hear your lost female was "baking" somewhere safe Alison!! (check out post # 70 for the reference).  Nice to see she is back at the site and you can probably afford to be a bit optimistic that her time alone and her return are evidence that she is beyond the worst of her fledging!

Congrats!

Thank you, TPC, for the encouraging comments about the fledgling who was missing! Nine days is a long time between sightings. I didn't see all three together today, but did see at least two together.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly552b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly535b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly527b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly544b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on July 07, 2009, 23:38
All three juvies were around the nest area yesterday.

A portrait of one of them:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly626b.jpg)

One was on cam early this morning, but this evening none were visible:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly75b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly78b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on July 17, 2009, 20:29
The three juvies are not around much any more, but one visited the nest this morning:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly173b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly1714b.jpg)


Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on July 21, 2009, 19:34
Here are the names for the three juvies:

Alex.      CBNum:   R/36.      FID: 1687-21378. F
Alida.     CBNum:   *U/*W.   FID: 1687-21335. F
Madison. CBNum:   *U/*V.   FID: 1687-21336. F 

Banded on 6/03/2009. This event marked the 1,000 falcon hatched at a power plant. The falcons were named by Mary, a plant employee who won the naming rights in an auction to raise money for United Way. The falcons are named after her nieces and nephew.

Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on July 21, 2009, 19:37
Very nice names  :) and good idea to raise funds for charity to name them.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on July 31, 2009, 18:55
Belinda paid a momentary visit this morning:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly311b.jpg)

Followed by Brent, who spent a lot of time posing at the nest today:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly3116b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly3123b.jpg)

A beautiful juvie visited:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly3112b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/kingjuly3114b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Kinderchick on August 02, 2009, 00:49
Here are the names for the three juvies:

Alex.      CBNum:   R/36.      FID: 1687-21378. F
Alida.     CBNum:   *U/*W.   FID: 1687-21335. F
Madison. CBNum:   *U/*V.   FID: 1687-21336. F  

Banded on 6/03/2009. This event marked the 1,000 falcon hatched at a power plant. The falcons were named by Mary, a plant employee who won the naming rights in an auction to raise money for United Way. The falcons are named after her nieces and nephew.

Great names and what a great idea for a fundraiser! 8)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on August 10, 2009, 21:31
Brent calling to someone not visible on camera:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingaug102a-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on August 11, 2009, 18:13
Brent making sure the scrape is perfect. This is another very clean and tidy nest - maybe Brent is related to Trey too.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingaug112b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on August 13, 2009, 21:21
Brent on the railing today; he stayed for a long time:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingaug137b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingaug1311b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingaug1312b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingaug1318b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on September 03, 2009, 19:25
Haven't seen any of the juvies for some time; I think they may have dispersed.

Brent is still protecting his territory (although I think Belinda would have something to say about that):

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingsept31b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingsept32b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on September 29, 2009, 19:51
Brent was at the nest early this morning

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingsept297b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingsept298b.jpg)
a little later, he looked very interested in something              This is why: Belinda has just arrived (Brent on left)                 

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingsept2939b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingsept2940b.jpg)
Belinda, looking fluffy and beautiful
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on September 29, 2009, 21:56
Gotta love the e-chup pair bonding!!  Oh how I love falcons!   :-*
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on October 02, 2009, 18:28
In 2003, Mae, the beloved matriarch of the King Plant, had her last chicks. There were two males, Jay and George, and one female, Speedy.

In 2004, when she was still a juvie, Speedy challenged for the Riverside nest. She lost to the resident female, Mabel. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, she tried again, and lost each time. The last territorial battle was a particularly vicious one.

There have been no sightings of Speedy for some time, but today there is news that she is alive and well! Now six years old, she finally has her own nest site.

From the RRP site:

We got a note from Jackie Fallon of the Raptor Center regarding Speedy...

I thought you would be interested in knowing that a few days ago, the company (Amy's note: Colonnade Building owners) contacted me and told me that there is a new female in residence at the Colonnade building in Golden Valley.  The bird has been confirmed to be Speedy, 2003 bird from the King Plant in Bayport.  The band is b/g 30/E.  There is no information as to what happened to the nesting female Loree, who has nested her for several seasons.
 
Jackie
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on October 02, 2009, 19:26
Wow...that's great news.  I hope Loree is okay too though.  One thing I like about this story is that it shows that death is not always the outcome of nestsite challenges.  I still hope 30/B is out there somewhere safe and sound and every time I read something like this ..it gives me hope.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on October 05, 2009, 20:10
Wow...that's great news.  I hope Loree is okay too though.  One thing I like about this story is that it shows that death is not always the outcome of nestsite challenges.  I still hope 30/B is out there somewhere safe and sound and every time I read something like this ..it gives me hope.

I too hope that Loree is okay, and also 30/B. And a number of others who are among the missing . . .

Speedy and her siblings in 2003. The little guy in front is George, who fell out of the nest box. Bob Anderson travelled a long way to install a step up to the nest box, so that George could get back in if he fell out again.

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/georgejayspeedy20041a.jpg)

Speedy in 2004, when she first arrived at Riverside:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/speedymar720042a.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/speedymar920041a.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/speedymar720041a.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on October 23, 2009, 18:56
Brent, looking animated, in his only appearance today:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingoct231b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on October 28, 2009, 19:31
Brent checking on his domain today:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingoct281b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingoct282b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on November 16, 2009, 20:13
I hadn't seen Belinda for a while, but she was at the nest box today:

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingnov166b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingnov1614b.jpg)

(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingnov1619b.jpg)  (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/kingnov1621b.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2009 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on November 25, 2009, 20:58
The nest box has been empty lately, but both falcons visited briefly today:

Belinda:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingnov251b.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingnov252b.jpg)

Brent:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingnov253b.jpg)
Title: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on January 20, 2010, 19:21
2010 NESTING SEASON

Neither Belinda nor Brent has been seen at the nest for some time. I wonder if the Great Horned Owls who are visiting the osprey nest have also been in the vicinity of the King Plant nest. I hope Belinda and Brent are okay.

The King Operator provided a great pic showing both nests:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/King_Nests2.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: carly on January 20, 2010, 19:40
Oh yikes, yeah that might keep them away.  :-\  I hope they are okay too!
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: allikat on January 20, 2010, 20:40
Uh Oh!  I hope Belinda and Brent are okay! 
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on February 24, 2010, 21:07
At last! Belinda was at the nest today. Now we just need to see Brent there too.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingfeb241b.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingfeb249b.jpg)
Title: MN / Oak Park / Remembering Mae
Post by: Alison on March 24, 2010, 20:14
Remembering Mae

Tomorrow it will be six years since we lost beloved Mae, the legendary matriarch of the King Plant.

Mae nested at the King Plant from 1990 to 2003, raising 37 young during those years (including three foster chicks). A daughter of MF-1, one of Bob Anderson's falcons, she made an incalculable contribution to the restoration of the peregrine population, and her legacy continues. For instance, her daughter Lolo is still the resident female at Horizon Milling (first egg laid yesterday), and her last daughter, Speedy, is at the Colonnade Building in Minneapolis, to the best of my knowledge.

She was a proud, fierce, beautiful and most courageous falcon, and she will always be remembered.

I hope her descendants will continue to grace the peregrine population for many generations to come. Mae was one of the truly great falcons. Her mother, MF-!, was also the mother of Maud, to whom some of the Winnipeg peregrines can trace their ancestry.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/mae1a.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/mae2000_mae_on_left1a.jpg)
Mae                                            With her mate and chicks in 2000

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/mae20021a.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/mae4-14-001a.jpg)
Surveying her domain in 2002

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/awesome1a.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/silhouette1a.jpg)
Mae at sunrise                                                                Mae in silhouette

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/holding2b.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/mae/maeandknockout1a.jpg)
The gentle side of Mae: with her daughter Knockout in 2002
Title: Re: Oak Park / Remembering Mae
Post by: kittenface on March 24, 2010, 20:19
Allison I didn't have the honor of watching your beautiful Mae but she was a beauty
Thank you for your loving wonderful pictures and words.
Title: Re: Oak Park / Remembering Mae
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on March 24, 2010, 23:59
I hope her descendants will continue to grace the peregrine population for many generations to come. Mae was one of the truly great falcons. Her mother, MF-1, was also the mother of Maud, to whom some of the Winnipeg peregrines can trace their ancestry. 

All of the Manitoba born birds are directly related to Mae through Maud and MF-1.  And though I'm still working my way back through the birds, it may be that our three foreign ladies (Madame, Princess & Holly) were also related in one way or another ...
Title: Re: Oak Park / Remembering Mae
Post by: carly on March 25, 2010, 05:01
What a beautiful tribute to a truly incredible falcon.  Fly free Mae, may your descendents continue to grace our skies forever!  :-*
Title: Re: Oak Park / Remembering Mae
Post by: Alison on March 25, 2010, 15:20
All of the Manitoba born birds are directly related to Mae through Maud and MF-1.  And though I'm still working my way back through the birds, it may be that our three foreign ladies (Madame, Princess & Holly) were also related in one way or another ...

Thank you, TPC. I didn't want to assume that all of the Manitoba birds were directly related to Mae, but it is great to know that they are. I'd be really interested in hearing if Madame, Princess and Holly are related too.
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on March 25, 2010, 19:26
Brent and Belinda were both at the nest today:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingmar252a.jpg) 

Both together:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingmar2516a.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/kingmar2519a.jpg)

Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on May 22, 2010, 15:10
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-1530-1.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-429-1.jpg)
First hatch for Belinda and Brent today!                              Brent came to see the new hatchling

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-1543-1.jpg)
The tiny white fluffball

Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: kittenface on May 23, 2010, 12:09
And now there are 3

(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/FortStVrain/may%20june%202010/0913.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: Alison on May 23, 2010, 20:22
It's hard to tell how many chicks there are; in one pic it looks like three, but in others it looks as if there are two chicks.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/May%202010/kingmay236a.jpg)  (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/May%202010/kingmay2313a.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/May%202010/kingmay2320a.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 24, 2010, 21:32
And now there are 3
(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/FortStVrain/may%20june%202010/0913.jpg)

Comparing this photo with the later two, think perhaps this was two chicks, one leaning over to reach for food ... that's just speculation though ... do we know how many eggs total were laid here?  Your later two images clearly two chicks and two eggs, hate to think we lost one here so quick ..
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: kittenface on May 25, 2010, 13:25
I thought I saw 6 eggs at the end of hatching and now at least I know I'm not crazy

Nora in IA wrote this - http://raptorresource.org/forum/index.php/topic,217.720.html

(http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab81/FortStVrain/may%20june%202010/king5-25nocomment.jpg)
Title: Re: Minnesota / Oak Park-King Plant - 2010 / Brent & Belinda
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on May 25, 2010, 15:41
You are most definitely not crazy Kitten, there are three chicks and three eggs in that photo!  :o