SW and Buckeye have welcomed 3 chicks in record time this year.
First there was one eyas (the name for raptor young) ……
Volunteer nest monitor, Mr. Wright, tells us: "The chicks will spend a great deal of time sleeping and huddled together for warmth. What to look for..... You want to see each kid with two wings, two legs, two eyes and a beak, you also want to see the "begging response", any time a parent is near...... The parents will cover (mantle) the young for 4-7 days. The young are not able to control body temperature (self-regulate) for about a week, if it stays chilly."
Buckeye is now very busy bringing food to the family…...
Then there were two – both hatched in one day …….
Here's some information about feeding from wildlife biologist Marcel Gahbauer: "For the record, the chicks at a young age already scream for food incessantly, regardless of how recently they have been fed. This will only increase, and eventually you will see both adults away from the nest most of the time, for as long as one or the other is present, the chicks will be clamouring for food from them, even if they have none."
The eyases will grow and change very fast for the next 6 weeks. Check out a picture guide and information about chick growth at The Canadian Peregrine Foundation: http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/info/ageguide.html
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams and for the stills.
Photos are courtesy of Scott Wright, volunteer peregrine nest monitor. They may be used by children for school and/or personal projects, but please give Mr. Wright photo credit. All others must contact Mr. Wright directly for permission to use his photos.
