7:27 pm

I was away from my computer for a couple of minutes, so don't know where the fish came from (though I expect Dad was involved) - but see there's another feeding.



So far it looks as if the big ones are being fed, but I'm hoping the little one will get some soon. I am a bit concerned that he seems to be looking up in the air rather than focusing on Mom with the food - but maybe it will work. I think I just saw him get a bite.



Cam is beginning to freeze, making it hard to figure what's happening. I think he may have had another bite. Mom is breaking off some large chunks - and he really needs a lot of little chunks; not easy when there's such a difference in ages.

I know that little chicks only need a little the first few days, so I think we're still OK - but I'd be happier if he had a couple more bites.

Oh good, Mom just reached over and gave him at least one more (cam froze again).

7:35 pm

Feeding is over, fish is gone, and Mom is settling in to brood.

Judy, the male did bring the fish. I can't see C3 getting fed...maybe the cam freeze? This is my recording of the 7:21pm feeding. Had to do copy it in 3 parts, but nothing left out. They do have more time for fish tonight...

7:21 pm Feeding Pt.1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKp7p45VlCM

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PONKHPPzUSI

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxLlUTkOi7U

I haven't had time to post this afternoon, glad you were able to catch the action Judy B.

Hate to tell you mid afternoon - long dry spell without a fish - Number 1 got really nasty to 2. She just kept after her for about 5 minutes - finally 2 surrendered. I was really worried 3 would be the next, but I guess she -number 1 - doesn't consider him any competition as yet as she left him alone.

So far, every feeding I have seen, number 3 just holds his head back with his mouth straight up - like a funnel - and Mom has dropped the bite in. Weird, but that's the way he got his first bite so maybe he thinks that's the way to eat.

This nest has some unique behaviors to say the least.

Thanks for stopping by, jazzel! I'm pretty sure at least two bites were offered in the last feeding, and think he got at least one of them - but it was hard to be sure with the cam freezing. Thanks for doing the videos - morning will come very early, so I'll plan to watch them during a break tomorrow.

G'night.

Added -
Thanks for the info, BET. It's sometimes easier to be a little bit prepared when the rivalry occurs. Here's hoping for lots of fish tonight and tomorrow.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011



The identity of Mom and Dad is on page one at the bottom of the first post. Dad would rarely ever be sitting on the chicks if ever. He only incubates and brings food once the eggs hatch but he may occasionally stand guard at the nest if Mom flies off for a bit

brookec, sorry to be so late at saying Welcome to HWF and I do like those names you picked. I'd be willing to go with Pepper, Cherry and Gus ......... and that's coming from a former born and raised Crestonian. I'm not sure if the people at the wildlife center plan to name them. I don't think they ever gave last year's chicks names.

5:19 am
Mom is doing her usual fidgeting with her back to the camera blocking the view of the chicks. There is no breeze blowing but the nest rocks occasionally when she moves. I haven't noticed it do that before except in a wind.


5:51 am
Mom is still brooding and no view of the chicks yet.

I am out to work

Good morning!

6:10 am

Dad just arrived with a fish, which Mom promptly grabbed. The two big chicks were up immediately - it took a little longer for #3 to get out from under. He's sitting behind them - not a good position for getting food, but it is a big fish, so maybe it will work out.







brookec, I'm sorry that I missed your earlier post about the names - sounds good to me!

6:21 am

This is hard to watch. #3 is peeping away, but too far back for Mom to reach easily - and as far as I can tell, hasn't had any yet. He tried to move, and only succeeded in getting turned around facing the wrong direction.

Drat, Mom was closer, picking up pieces that had been dropped, and he got up and was right there - and still didn't get a bite. And then he tipped over.

There's a lot of fish left, but it looks as if she's decided the meal is over, and is tucking them in to brood. Time 6:24 am.