NestCams Higlights Feed

Just Looking...

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In many areas where nest sites are scarce, nest boxes have successfully maintained or increased Barn Owl populations. Instructions on how to build and site Barn Owl boxes can be found on www.nestinginfo.org

Kittiwakes

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Black-legged Kittiwakes will soon be migrating over the ocean and sometimes inland, arriving to offshore California between November and January.

Resting?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This afternoon five of the owlets are in the box and one appears to be loafing around resting on the ledge inside the box.

Getting Ready for Flight

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Barn Owl wings are long and rounded. They have a large surface area relative to the weight of the bird. This low wing loading allows them to carry heavy prey at slow speeds. View Video Highlight.

Leaning on each other

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When they do leave the nest, departure is typically at night.

The daily activities of the Owlets

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The owlets preen and stretch often. They will continue to receive food deliveries from the adults for several more weeks. Once they depart the nest box they will return to roost for several weeks. View Video Highlight.

Notes from Pratt Museum

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A lone Murre chick was abandoned long enough for a Glaucous-winged Gull to approach it. An adult Murre returned to protectively cover the cowering chick.It seems so odd to see one Cormorant standing in the middle of a tightly packed crowd of Murres, and Glaucous-winged Gulls sitting in Kittiwake nests. More and more birds have vacated Gull Island.

6 Owlets!

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

At about 8 weeks old these owls are getting ready for their first flight. The parents continue feeding them and roost nearby.

They still try to incubate

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The male takes a turn at the nest and we continue to see incubation activity. The average incubation period for Northern Cardinals is 12 days. Now at day 18 we can conclude that the whole clutch has failed to hatch. View time lapse video highlight.

Murre Chicks

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

At 3-4 weeks of age the Common Murre chicks depart for the sea in the company of the male parent. There the remainder of their development takes place.

They are great listeners too!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Barn Owls are able to recognize sounds of appropriate prey by memorizing prey noises. This ability is the most accurate of any animal tested, allowing capture of prey hidden by vegetation or snow.

Almost 7 weeks old!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Though we unfortunately can't see them - these owl chicks are close to a week away from their first flight. If all goes well we'll have a chance to see them off! (Image from the 2006 Cam Archives)

Bright Red Males

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While brightly colored males hold territories with denser vegetation and have greater reproductive success, the female preference for bright-colored mates has not been confirmed and is currently being tested.

They are great listeners too!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Barn Owls are able to recognize sounds of appropriate prey by memorizing prey noises. This ability is the most accurate of any animal tested, allowing capture of prey hidden by vegetation or snow.

Bright Red Males

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Returning to the Nest

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The female returns to the nest after getting food. She has to balance the amount of time she forages with the temperature of her eggs. If she is gone too long, her eggs will get too cold and become infertile. However, she can't sit and starve on her nest. She must judge carefully.

Returning to the Nest

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Checking for Predators

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While the female sits on the nest, she has to be on guard for many different predators. She always keeps a careful watch and will only move from her nest if in a dire situation.

Rotating Eggs

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The female uses her beak to rotate the eggs.

Very Last Swift

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This is the last sighting of any of the swifts swifts for the breeding season. They're all getting ready for the winter now. This little guy is spending one last night in this box.