Since the Northern Royal Albatross breeds only every second year, a different pair will be the focus of the webcam this year. They are younger than last year's pair, and have raised a chick once before. They are identified by their band colors; the male is known as BK (B = blue and K = black), while his mate is known as RBK (for Red, Blue, Black).

Their egg hatched on January 28, while BK was on the nest and RBK was away at sea.

They are a beautiful pair, and very bonded. When RBK returned from the sea, she saw her chick for the first time.







The chicks are weighed and checked daily at this stage. They are vulnerable to fly strikes and other potential problems, particularly during the first week.

Head Ranger Lyndon Perriman checking the chick yesterday:



http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/

Very interesting information and video, Kris. Thank you.

They came back again around noon, looking very relaxed:

The Statler nest has been completely rebuilt, and the camera view has also changed.

I had not seen much activity at the nest lately, but early this morning one of the peregrines came flying in, immediately followed by the other. Ralphie was in the lead, followed by Alice.



They stayed for a while, and did some bonding:







http://www.statlercity.com/falcon-cam/

This was posted on the Chicago Peregrine Program site on January 28:

Puzzled

Yesterday (Jan 27th) an immature Peregrine was photographed in Malta IL. We've never seen a Peregrine banded with the USFWS band covered in electrical tape, in this case yellow. Some sites in the eastern US have used this practice. Unfortunately the bird took off before a clear shot of the band on the other leg (bird's left leg) could be gotten.

If anyone happens to be out birding and can find the bird again, we would appreciate help in reading that second band. If anyone knows who may have banded it, please let us know.

Thanks to Kevin Sheely for the remarkable find and photos!





After looking at these photos, and trying to enhance the bands, I think that this is not an Eastern U.S. bird, but a Canadian bird. Please note that the versions above are not the original photos.

I think that the bottom part of the band on the left leg reads 56; the right leg has yellow tape over the band.

After some searching, I came across a 2016 juvie with the band number S/56 on the left leg, and yellow tape on the right. This juvie is Louise from the Canada Square nest in Toronto, a daughter of Haven and Malik.

Haven and Malik had three chicks last year. No tape colors were provided, but one of the chicks had yellow tape.

Chick 1 920 grams Band S over 55 named Symphony
Chick 2 850 grams Band S over 56 named Louise
Chick 3 800 grams Band S over 57 named Quasar



Malta, Illinois is located in what looks like a very rural area.



I would like to have your comments, thoughts and opinions on this.

Thank you for the update, Kris!

Posted today:

Joy-Ithemba had quite a night of successful vertical flight. It ended up visiting two neighbours and this morning flew into a garden. Here it managed to get back on our dividing wall. Both parents are watching from a tree nearby.

Well done, Joy-Ithemba!



And from two hours ago:

Our adorable Joy-Ithemba made it to the top of the rooftops! How it scrambled / flew up we don't know but we were so relieved to see it at the top when we returned home. Well done beautiful chick! Super proud of you!

There was another short update on Diamanté on January 14:

UPDATE on Diamanté - He's doing well but hasn't gone into flight cage yet. Vet waiting to be sure the wing is fully healed.

I hope he is continuing to do well.

Someone at the nest for a moment:

E9 hatched at 7:33 a.m. this morning. Welcome to the world, little eaglet!

Hatching is under way at the nest. The first egg did resurface and both eggs were incubated, but I think this is probably the second egg.

A few minutes ago:

  Look how huge!!!!!!

Thanks, Donna! This little beauty has grown so much in the last few days! Great photo of Lady and the little one.

Just in from Sage...

Doctor's update on DIAMANTE': "he is doing well. eating on his own. wing healing well. going to leave the wrap on a little longer, but so far so good 😊" Wonderful news!

Thanks, Dumpsterkitty! Came to post the same very encouraging update. So happy that Diamanté is doing well. 

DC:

 

Someone at the nest briefly:

[Central Terminal happy news!]

From Peregrine Place an hour ago:

Central Terminal happy news! Carl reports Gleig has a new mate! They are doing aerial dances around and over the tower! Carl says she looks like Gleig but he had no binocs. For those locals who may want to visit them, please be aware even with the higher temps the parking lot is extremely icy, rutted and some deep holes. Take care!

I am very glad that Gleig is doing well, but the news I would most like to see would be another good update on Diamanté. The last update was on December 14.