Anyone that has been periodically checking the video from the falcon box can see that Peregrine Chicks are rapidly growing in size. The infertile egg is still there and it continues to give us something to measure their size against. This week for the first time we are also seeing some evolution in their behavior. Besides walking around a little, at least one of them has been seen preening. Also some “wing” flapping was seen by the oldest chick. Another interesting development is that during the start of feeding sessions, the parents have both been seen dangling food above the chicks’ bills. By doing this they are training the youngsters how to reach up and tear at their meal.
in comparison to the eggs we buy in the store, what is the size of the falcon’s eggs (had looked on the Internet and did not find a size)
looks like the parents have been busy bringing in the meals (feathers are piling up)
they seem very careful in removing uneaten parts from the nest
Annie
They are a little smaller than a chicken’s egg – surprising large for crow-sized raptors. Average size would be 52 x 41 mm.
looks like the young are learning to “walk”
one has navigated to the adjacent corner near the opening
and in eating, they are able now to sit up independently (without leaning on each other – it had been cute watching the trio move as a dependent unit, especially at feeding times)
any idea of the gender of these little ones? (too soon?, at what point would that be determined?)
out in Utica today, saw nest box.
It’s pretty early to determine gender of the chicks. At a month old it may be possible. Generally we go by the size of the bird and size of its talons.
Diameter of the leg at 5 weeks is used to determine sex.
Females normally size 7 1/2, Males size 6
Banding is usually preferred but not if the safety of the
banding crew or the falcons is put at risk.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7292.html
something is clouding the camera lens to the right side of the nest box
It’s what we euphemistically refer to as “white wash”. The chicks have been spraying around the box quite liberally. We may have to switch to a backup camera if the main camera gets too foggy.