Rfalconcam Forum

http://newyorkwild.org/kestrel/kestrel.htm (http://newyorkwild.org/kestrel/kestrel.htm)

The image isn't very good but there are now 3 eggs!

I'm glad you started this thread!  We visit Iroquois frequently but of course you can see more inside the nest by watching the cam.

We go there frequently too, Sage. In fact, we were there yesterday watching the Eagles at their nest site!

Saw the eggs today.

From thefreedictionary.com:

ref·uge  (rfyj)
n.
1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship.
2. A place providing protection or shelter.
3. A source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble.

The upcoming Iroquois NWR Youth Spring Turkey Hunt seems to contradict the refuge concept (at least for the turkeys.) 

Like it or not, the herds and flocks must be thinned.  Over population and starvation are horrible options.  Coming from a family of hunters, I firmly believe that the hunters and outdoorsmen really care about the herds and want healthy ones.  Thining the herd is part of the process.

When we were in Yellowstone last year for our winter wolf-watching trip, our guide was talking about some of the wildlife management issues they have (not necessarily inside the park, but in the surrounding national forest land, where hunting is allowed).  She said that one of the differences is that natural predators of elk, for example, wolves, mountain lions, and bears will generally strengthen the herd by taking the old, the weak, the sick, the slow, etc., but that human hunters (not so much the folks hunting for food, but the trophy hunters going for the biggest antlered bucks), who have the advantage of technology, can take the biggest, healthiest animals, which is very bad for the herds. 

So...I just thought the issue was an interesting one, especially in areas where there are not natural predators and human hunting is almost required (for example, to control white-tailed deer populations)...how do you "thin" a herd without causing natural selection to work in the wrong direction?

Big difference betweens the trophey hunters and the traditional hunter who is killing for meat.  The trophey guy wants the big score, whereas the hunter wants to feed his family, which means you take a good shot and don't worry about the score.  This makes the guy/gal out in the woods looking for meat no different than any other predator who is looking for dinner.  This hunter doesn't waste meat either (think sausage etc.).  

Then we have this:
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/ap/sharpshooters-take-aim-to-cull-outsize-deer-herd-in-md-national-park-surrounding-camp-david-83278207.html

The 200 -300 deer went to the Maryland Food Bank (at least they weren't wasted), but 3 sharpshooters for crying out loud, THAT isn't hunting - that is carnival stuff!

Many states have programs such as Hunters for the Hungry: http://www.h4hungry.org/ (http://www.h4hungry.org/)
This is particularly effective in states where there are way too many deer, and way too many hungry people.
Carol
WV

Kestrels have 4 eggs!

Yea!  Four eggs!

Re:  thinning the herd for the good of the herd
I've heard the explanations.  But if it's so good for the animal world, I wonder why this method isn't used for the human herds.

It has been, look at history. Problem is those who choose the ones to be thinned do not usually choose wisely.

My kind answer is to read Adam Smith's, The Wealth of Nations published in 1775 - it's been going on since the begining of time.

The Kestrel's been sitting on 5 eggs but today it looks like there might be a hatch or two.

Here's the nationwide list for those not in VA.
http://www.nrahq.org/hunting/hungry_nat_list.asp (http://www.nrahq.org/hunting/hungry_nat_list.asp)

Just read this on the Iroquois NWR site:




Eggs hatch May 6,7,8.
Two kestrel chicks perished due to cold and/or starvation on May 9.

more sad news.. :(

This weather is killing a lot of wildlife...so awful.  :crying:

 

It sure is, Donna.  Our baby Robins in a nest under our pool deck are OK so far.  I checked on them last night much to Momma's chagrin.  

Revisiting the Spring turkey hunt discussion in this thread. 

Reader comments on a turkey hunting "accident" article in the Wellsville Daily Reporter included this opinion of an ex-turkey hunter:

"Better Ways

Turkey hunting is a blood sport, Rambler is right on. Consider that the birds are overwhelmed with seasonal mating urges and act irrationally, it is not sporting to take advantage of that. I have in the past, with regret, been a turkey hunter and the hunting strategy is that simple. Turkeys gobble for the same reason the yellow warbler sings, to define territory and find a mate. Positioning yourself in the woods before light as close to a gobblers roost as possible in order to best attract him into gun range by replicating a wanting female is not hunting.... its easy... and the irrational mentality that drives a man to commit this killing leads to these kinds of senseless injuries. The Eastern Turkey is a beautiful being, full of wanderlust and pride. They should only be killed for survival, be it by a coyote a needy human who can easily do so without interrupting the spring mating season. Andrew HArris"

http://www.wellsvilledaily.com/news/x1920419708/Man-shot-in-face-near-hunting-camp
 

I caught a glimpse of the remaining 3 Kestrel babies today and they looked OK so far. The weather here will be warming up in the next few days so that'll be better for them.