McKenzie Seeds - 2013 / Brooklyn & Hurricane

[The Peregrine Chick]

Yes, today is the day that the McKenzie Seeds chicks were retrieved from the roof and individually fitted with a satellite transmitter as part of a research project looking to identify travel patterns but also habitat choices for young peregrines on migration.  Given all the changes on the landscape in the last decade - modifications to intensive agriculture methods, draining wetlands, increased urbanization, wind turbines, power lines, oil and gas exploration, fracking, etc, knowing what young peregrines look for in their first couple of years could be a way to decrease their high (70%) mortality rate in the first year.


For folks looking for the long discourse on the transmitter project, it has been moved from this observation board to the on-going discussion on the topic - Manitoba Conservation / PhD Research Project

[bccs]

If you noticed the camera view had changed, it is because the Brandon chicks are getting fitted with transmitters, Tracy told me this info at the banding. These chicks are sitting ducks, not like last year where they had a sporting chance.  In the current view you can see the parents flying past.  I am sure they are not happy! 

Yes RCF, last year they were able to evade banding. Guess we'll have to wait to hear if it's chicks 3 Conservation  0.

[Jo]

Thanks for the updates & pic. RCF - capture on page 2 (message #18) is cute beyond words.

Great names to pick from - very hard to decide.

[Rose]

Parents are still complaining, the camera has been put back on the nest box but haven't seen the chicks yet.  Sound has been real good sounded like there was a real party going on. The parents complaining, people talking and everyone having a fine time.                                 

[RCF]

I sure wish we could watch, then we could see the professionals show us how it's done.  

[RCF]

If you noticed the camera view had changed, it is because the Brandon chicks are getting fitted with transmitters, Tracy told me this info at the banding. These chicks are sitting ducks, not like last year where they had a sporting chance.  In the current view you can see the parents flying past.  I am sure they are not happy! 

[The Peregrine Chick]

Cam is focused and repositioned.

Two chicks in view right now - 1 on the riser of the nestbox, 1 on the ramp ..


Weather for today ...

Day - Overcast with thunderstorms. High of 29C. Breezy. Winds from the West at 10 to 20 km/h. Chance of rain 50%.
Night - Mostly cloudy in the evening, then clear. Low of 14C. Winds from the NW at 10 to 15 km/h shifting to the NE after midnight.

[The Peregrine Chick]

Cam is set back on the nestbox since that is the area the chicks prefer overnight and early in the morning.  I will make sure it is focus tomorrow am!

[The Peregrine Chick]

1900h

Chicks have decided to go "camping" - they are napping in the plants along the south wall of the roof, Lake McKenzie is just to the left of the image off camera.  The roof looks like it might be a bit damp still (which is why the plants are so healthy) and therefore cooler - looking at the nearest weather station in the Brandon area, it is 28C but feels like 31C so a cool damp spot to lie on must be a pleasure!

[The Peregrine Chick]

1245h

All three chicks are in the nestbox away from the worst of the sun.  Not many prey remains in there so even though hot today, not stinky & hot. 

Light is very bright so I've opted to zoom in for a bit instead of just watching glare from the roof.  Have to be away from computer for a wee bit but will be back and will change view if necessary ... should be shadier then and the chicks should be outside.

Winds are from the south and shaking the cam some ... first time both our cams have been affected by wind at the same time! 

[The Peregrine Chick]

Forecast for today ....

Day - Partly cloudy. High of 31C. Breezy. Winds from the South at 10 to 20 km/h.
Night - Overcast with a chance of rain, then thunderstorms after midnight. Fog overnight. Low of 19C. Breezy. Winds from the South at 15 to 25 km/h. Chance of rain 70%.


Chicks look like they can't decide where to hang out - in/on the nestbox or in the shade of the skylight.  Going to be a hot one today, particularly with a south wind so perhaps they will discover the pleasure of sleeping in the weeds or in the puddle on the south side of the building - both of which are in shady areas ...

[The Peregrine Chick]

2207h
All 3 kids are on the riser - 2 lying down in front of the ramp, third one sitting up behind the front two ... have left the camera in position that they should be visible when they get up int he morning since they seem to like to hang around the box first thing ... but that could change at any time ...

[photosbydennis]

More photos have been added from the Brandon Banding.

http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/brandon_chick_banding_2013

[The Peregrine Chick]

kids have discovered the ladder ... been watching them play hide-and-seek - third chick is fascinated with something by the skylight, I'm thinking its the remain of a meal but can't be sure ...

[The Peregrine Chick]

1227h - nap time in the shade ...