I was just watching the cam for a few minutes.  One was falling asleep, head falling slowly down, while another knocked the head back up.  This was repeated several times, while the third launched a perfectly aimed poop shot at mom.  Now they're all huddled in a pefa pile. Too cute!

Chicks Becoming Mobile

Published 20 October, 2016 | By Cilla Kinross
As you’ve already observed (I’m a day behind you..), our youngsters are becoming much more mobile and brave, and our young suitor is being a bit more grown-up, with notable exceptions….

Xavier reverts to juvenile behaviour!
At one time, I started to kid myself that he was watching intently how Diamond fed the chicks, only to realise that he was just watching for a chance to grab a mouthful himself.

On one morning he brought in some ‘dressed’ prey, only to find Diamond still feeding, so, rather understandably, he took off again after waiting for a while.

Diamond has started bringing in unplucked prey (starling), which she roughly plucked in the box, then fed to the brood.  I think this was her catch as Xavier had been dawdling on the ledge.  I’ve just noticed that one of our brood fell over in astonishment!

Also she rarely succeeds now at ‘sitting’ on her chicks, but still tries occasionally.  Mostly now she stands over them, or uses the ledge at night, despite the chill air (we are still getting frosts).

I have to go back to Sydney on tomorrow afternoon’s train for a weekend conference/meeting.  I’ll try and catch up tomorrow, but it’s not likely as I have a morning of plant propagation, so have a good weekend and I’ll talk to you again on Monday.

A very Happy Birthday to you, MAK!

 

 
 

Someone on FCT briefly.

I love how he is still a little hesitant around Diamond, like he knows she's in charge and she might bite his head off if he doesn't do exactly as he's told. 

Awesome!!!!!

There's a second new adult male on the scene, and this one looks a bit more promising.  Definitely displaying courtship behavior.  Now let's hope the males don't do damage to each other trying to win Diamond's favor.  Don't want the guys fighting while she's saying "Uh, a little help here, please!" 

http://www.gumtreecs.com.au/wordpress/new-adult-male-is-accepted/

Someone coming in for a landing on FCT

Diamond is feeding the eyasses now. All three look lively and hungry.

Well, here's an answer to the question I posed about human assistance for Diamond.   

Shep says:
5 October, 2016 at 11:35 pm
no patricia – any human intervention would spoil CSU research

That's so ridiculous.

I know. Not surprising, though, as this site is for university research. 

Well, here's an answer to the question I posed about human assistance for Diamond.   

Shep says:
5 October, 2016 at 11:35 pm
no patricia – any human intervention would spoil CSU research

Just sent mine.  What fun it is to look back at 2016 through the stills we've saved! 

I just posted a question on the site asking if human intervention would be considered if Diamond gets no male takers.  We'll see what kind of response it gets. 

Here's the latest:

STOP PRESS.  Diamond has just brought in some more prey (I think another pigeon, which is good as quite a big feed).  She had a quick feed herself and then started warming up the chicks, that are probably too cold to eat.  She is certainly trying really hard.    Hopefully the little ones will get something to eat soon as they must be very hungry (as is Diamond, no doubt).  No hope for the nestlings if Mum gets too weak to hunt, so she must eat first.

Diamond shows off her two hatches (so far).  She's doing the best she can as a single mom. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIwX6QWjSvc