Turkey Vulture Chick Debut

Posted on June 14, 2013 by MaryALivingston

Finally!
I have been reviewing the video recording from the vulture nest cam. WOW!
This eight week old turkey vulture chick makes the long climb out of the nesting cavity. The hollow of this oak tree is 14 feet deep. The second chick makes its appearance the next day, it will take some time for me to pull the footage. When I get it done, I will post it here.
This is like watching a baby take tentative steps. Bliss.

Wood Duck Invades Vuture Nest – Ghost Babies Fight Back

Posted on May 24, 2013 by MaryALivingston

The turkey vulture nest gets visitors from time to time. An occasional nuthatch or raccoon as seen in Night Visitor pass through. This week, wood ducks have been landing on and peering into the cavity of the turkey vulture nest.

Much to my surprise, a brave hen decided to leap inside.
We lowered a GoPro to get a duck’s eye view of the chicks. My friend Rhythm calls them “ghost babies.”

Having all of this in my backyard is pure bliss. 🙂

– In the spring wood ducks flock to the pond. They often feed in the grasses and on sprouting acorns under the oaks. © Maryᴀ Livingston

– A beautiful view from my office desk of a wood duck drake. © MaryA Livingston

– A wood duck hen on the pond in my backyard.© Maryᴀ Livingston

Turkey Vulture Chicks at 5 weeks – © Maryᴀ Livingston

Peek-a-boo, We see two…

Image

A close view of the cute little fellas. Can you believe how adorable they are?

A wider shot. These babies will not be able to leave the nest until they can climb the 14 feet to the entrance of the hollow cavity.

Night Visitor

Posted on February 27, 2013 by MaryALivingston

Early in the night, just after dark, a raccoon visited the turkey vulture nest tree. It climbed up the backside and over the top. Paused a moment at the cavity opening, then was on its way. I worried when I first saw the intruder, a nest raider for sure. I wondered if the vulture eggs would be safe down inside the tree cavity? Will this night bandit be back?
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