MN / Elk River - 2008-22

[Liz]

That is really weird.

[allikat]

I just saw that....whew is right! 

[Pchemist]

okay, looks to be just a cam reflection or spot, as it's not moving with mom.

whew!   

[Pchemist]

I see what you're looking at, but she's sure not acting injured.  maybe it's leftovers she hasn't preened yet?  Or even a reflection on the lens?  It will be interesting to see if it moves as she does.

[JL]

Is that a bit of blood on Mom's wing?  I hope she's not hurt.   

[allikat]

I love that look!!  Bedraggled and awkward!

[Pchemist]

it is partly the camera lens, but it will still be crowded!  They are really moving into the awkward teenage years with the new feathers coming in.  soon they will look totally bedraggled.

[Moonstar]

Wow have they ever grown.  It could be the camera lens but it looks like there is not much room in the next box for all of them.  Can't imagine once they get their dark feathers and they really start flapping their wings.  Will be quite the scene.  But they are so cute.

[JL]

I think they are self-feeding.  Dad dropped off a live bird, Mom grabbed it and brought it into the nestbox and then flew off.  Looks like they're helping themselves in the far corner.  They're growing up so fast.   

[JL]

A parent just dropped off some food, one of the chicks grabbed it and went into the corner closest to the camera.  The chick is right up against the back wall keeping away from the other sibs.  I can't tell if the food has been eaten since it was in the dark shadowed corner.  Are they self-feeding already?

[birdcamfan]

Stuff like that ends up on YouTube!

[Pchemist]

'kay, when the light is low the cam goes all slow-motion strobe effect (as long time viewers know).  this means a poop shot is briefly suspended in time.

for some reason that makes it even more entertaining.

[birdcamfan]

heh.  three bird pancakes and one standing guard.  soooooooo cuuuuuuute!

Ha! That's great. "Bird pancakes" belongs in the dictionary.

[Pchemist]

dinnertime!  (again again).

[Pchemist]

heh, came back to see the cam just in time for a poop shot, then the chick turned back around and spread wings and leaned forward as if to bow for the applause for such an impressive shot.