Manitoba Falcon Cam Forum
Manitoba Peregrines => McKenzie Seeds Peregrines => Topic started by: Eye-spy on May 26, 2008, 20:46
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Wasn't there talk a little earlier about a camera in Brandon ?
IS there still a chance that we may see something yet this year ?
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Welcome aboard Eye-spy!
And yes, there was/is talk of a camera in Brandon. We have access to the hardware and are working on the necessary internet connections and webhosting. Still in the talking stage so not likely to happen this year, but hopefully next year. Especially since all of you are making the CBC Cam so very popular! Getting the CBC Manitoba/Shaw Falcon Cam didn't happen over night either. Both CBC and Shaw were on-board right away, it was getting all the pieces in place that took nearly two years. So don't be discouraged that there isn't a cam in Brandon, the fact that this one is a hit and we have people involved who know exactly how to get all the pieces to fit is great for a cam in the near future!
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I would love to see a camera here :) I'd be glued to it every day. Either that or find a spot down by the MacKenzie Seeds building where I could train my binos right on the nest and watch.
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I hope it happens too. It should be easier than getting the Radisson camera up and running -- at least they don't have to invent the wheel. Everyone involved knows what's needed now! It should be just a matter of everyone getting on board and saying yes, and then it can take flight! Pardon the pun. ;)
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Half and half Liz. Larry the Camera Guy has all the hardware worked out (his a genius about this kind of stuff!) now we are working on hosting the cam like CBC does here in Winnipeg. We are making progress, but these things always take time. I started talking with CBC Manitoba in 2004 and our first cam was in 2006 and that wasn't because of a lack of enthusiasm or support on CBC's part, quite the contrary! They were excited about the idea from Day 1. But they had huge internet projects - the 2004 Olympics for example - so there just weren't enough hours or people to work on getting it up and running. But now we are and what we have learned will make it easier in Brandon!
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Yippee!!!
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Can anyone involved in the Brandon nest please give me an update? It was raining so hard yesterday here in Brandon that I am rather concerned about how our chick/s are doing? I know that the circumstances are different for this nest, but still concerned.
Any info at all would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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Hi BirdLover,
Don't think you have anything to worry about. My last report was that two of the four eggs have hatched but then the weather changed and we have been leaving the birds alone. The nestbox they are in is very good, high on a wall and well covered. If you want to see some photos, check out our Photo Gallery (http://www.pbase.com/speciesatrisk/peregrines). I know I have photos of the nest site but I'm also pretty sure I have a description of where it is exactly in the images. I am just now setting up the banding date with all the players, but will let you all know when it is. Don't know if I can video of it, but maybe. Will have still photos though. I don't know yet if we will check the box before the banding because of the weather, but if we do, will post an update of course.
The Peregrine Chick
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Thanks for the update Tracy. It's much appreciated. I'm pretty sure I know where the nest is (East side of the Building?) and when I go past everyday, I check it out to see if I can see anyone soaring or hanging out. So far, no luck.
I'll keep looking though. :)
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The chicks won't be hangin out for quite awhile yet but check out the communications tower to the east of the McKenzie Seeds building, there is usually one bird hanging out there if they aren't off hunting. The other one will be in the box with the chicks still.
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;D Oh, I didn't mean the chicks (I know it's far too early for them yet), I meant Holly & Zeus.
It's so miserable here today that no one was out and about when I went past. I have seen them on the towers though and last year I was watching a couple of them eating up and there and dicarded pigeon feathers floating down to earth. I thought it was quite comical, actually, because it was fairly windy and they were trying to hang on to the tower and the food at the same time.
I'll definitely be watching again this year.
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Hi Y'all, :D
I have just come from the downtown area of Brandon, where Holly and Zeus are nesting. Well, as soon as I got into position at the south east corner of the block, in swoop both of them and Holly lands on the ledge while Zeus soars over to the tower across the road. I could see that she was feeding, so I waited around a bit to watch. When she finished, she swooped down toward me and I got a great view of her head on. She headed over to the tower also. 8) It's amazing how much bigger the female is when you see them so close together.
I walked over to the east side of the building (but two blocks over) to get a better look at the nest box, and low and behold there were two very handsome chicks sitting up and watching the world go by. They were magnificent to see and I am so glad that I got there at the right time to see the whole scene play out.
Hope everyone is well. Have a great evening.
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That is so amazing, Birdlover!!!!! I can see how that would make your day -- how exciting! I celebrate your excitement!! (enough !!! already, Liz!) Please keep us posted. And take a camera, maybe...?
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If I had a good camera, I definitely would take some pics. You probably wouldn't be able to make anything out in them tho! I'm terrible at taking pictures :-[
But, you can bet I will be going back. I actually go by there every day and try to get a look but I have to watch all the other drivers because they just don't know a good thing when I see it ;D
When I went by this morning I noticed a white lump in the front corner, so I knew I had to go back and take a closer look. Sure wish I had a good scope or a better pair of binoculars.
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No photos is okay. Happy with your updates!
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Here's something else to help I hope ... :D
Barring any last minute changes, we will be banding the Brandon chicks on Monday, June 23rd starting about 11 am.
Now, before anyone thinks they will be able to see the chicks, we don't band like you will have seen on some of the webcams. We band on the roof to minimize the time we stress the birds (both the adults and chicks). If you do want to come down to the McKenzie Seeds building, we can certainly get you set up with the best view of what is happening from the ground (or the nearby parkade) so that you can watch the adults while we are banding the chicks. Best I can promise y'all I'm afraid folks. Dennis Swayze (PhotosbyDennis (http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/)) will be joining us again as our official photographer, so there will be photos and yes, I will be posting time right after the banding.
If you think you will be coming down, let me know here on the thread or via private message, just so I know. And please, do not contact McKenzie Seeds directlly, they are great hosts for the Brandon Birds but there are safety concerns with going on the roof so we don't take "guests".
Any changes or updates, will let you know.
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Yippee, I am definitely going to see if I can take an early lunch on Monday.
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Looks like we are bumping the date to the Tuesday BL, same time though. Will confirm as soon as I have heard from our last party!
The Peregrine Chick
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Tuesday is even better for me!!!!! ;D
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We are definitely banding on Tuesday, June 24th in Brandon.
There are three chicks waiting for us to band, no idea what gender they are, but will let you all know when we are done. Also don't know what or even if the chicks will be named this year. The Brandon chicks are named by the Brandon staff if they wish. If they are/do, will also let you know. Will try to get photos of all three chicks together so that you can see size differences.
For anyone who plans to come down to the McKenzie Seeds Building, please note that we won't be taking "guests" up onto the roof. Liability issues and all that. We can however provide you with suggestions on where to go to watch from the ground. The Project will be meeting at McKenzie Seeds around 11 am, if you are there then, we will get you set up nearby so that you are in place to watch what you can of the action before we start. I'm afraid that is as close as I can get you all right now.
The Peregrine Chick
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I'm sooooo upset. :'( I couldn't get away from work for the banding this morning. :'(
How did it go Tracy??? and what do we have in the nest(gender wise)? Are they hale and hearty?
I hope it all went well :)
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Ooooh, I feel for you. That must be very disappointing.
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Brandon banding was great as usual. The usual gang was there, me, Dennis (photographer), Bob (our bander) and Dan (Manitoba Conservation) who watches over the Brandon peregrines. Joining us was Dave (Manitoba Conservation) and Don and Scott from McKenzie Seeds who are our peregrines' hosts. The weather cooperated as well, hot but very little wind, which is great since we are out on an exposed roof and up a ladder to get to the box!
We (sorry, Dan) had no difficulty getting the chicks out of the nestbox, though the parents, the male (I belive) in particular, were lets say "annoyed" as I don't want to trigger the forum's censor, and they made their annoyance know by buzzing by so close you could hear them cursing under their breaths. Banding went smoothly, 1 male, 2 females all fat and happy and looking great. I only got gored a few times which means it definitely was a good banding day. We have named the chicks, but you will have to wait until I have the photos posted ( ;D) and the blog up to find out what they are!
A great day, sorry you had to miss it BirdLover! Maybe next year?
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I'm glad to hear that all went well and not much damage to the humans ;D.
Hopefully, I will be able to make it next year.
Also very pleased that the chicks are fat and happy :D
Thanks for the update Tracy.
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(This isn't a post, because it would add to my count.) Yes, thanks Tracy!
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That is great news Tracy.. Can hardly wait to see them.. Feisty little ones were they :) :)
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Have the scabs to prove it ... :D
And this isn't a post either Liz, wouldn't want to threaten your standing (or rather flying!) :P
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A couple of Brandon Banding photos have been posted at this link.
www.pbase.com/photosbydennis just click on the recent photos gallery.
Cheers !
Dennis
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I had already gone to bed when you posted this last night. Thanks so much for the photos, Dennis!
and btw -- I have a HUGE soft spot for pansies. I just love IMG_0632-1001.jpg -- look at all those cheerful faces smiling at you!!!
And the hummingbird, the oriole, and..... all of them!
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Every morning I drive through downtown Brandon after dropping my son at work, and every morning I look up at the nest box on the side of the building where our resident Peregrines nest. Yesterday when I looked up, it looked a little bare.
This morning I decided to stop at the coffee shop to grab a java to take to work. I parked on the main street downtown and when I was plugging the meter I looked up at the building where the nest is and, low and behold, right in front of me on a building ledge right across the street and three or four stories up, there was a peregrine with its back to me, feeding. I couldn't tell whether it was a parent or fledgling as it was hunched over with its back to me. I stood and watched it for a bit and then went in and got my coffee.
When I came back out, of course I had to look up again to see if the feeder was still there. Much to my surprise there was a fledgling sitting about 20 feet over on the same ledge and looking down at me, then looking at the other bird. I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of the fledgling because I couldn't believe how large it looked. I watched them for a minute but then had to get to work. I got into my car and closed the door, but when I looked back up they had gone.
I'm so amazed by those quick moments in life when we get a glimpse into nature. such beautiful creatures, these Peregrines.
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Lucky you...love the Brandon location. If I lived in Brandon...I would most likely live on the sidewalks just to capture the Peregrines...lol
Photos of the Brandon Peregrines and Banding will be coming shortly.
Cheers !
Dennis
Every morning I drive through downtown Brandon after dropping my son at work, and every morning I look up at the nest box on the side of the building where our resident Peregrines nest. Yesterday when I looked up, it looked a little bare.
This morning I decided to stop at the coffee shop to grab a java to take to work. I parked on the main street downtown and when I was plugging the meter I looked up at the building where the nest is and, low and behold, right in front of me on a building ledge right across the street and three or four stories up, there was a peregrine with its back to me, feeding. I couldn't tell whether it was a parent or fledgling as it was hunched over with its back to me. I stood and watched it for a bit and then went in and got my coffee.
When I came back out, of course I had to look up again to see if the feeder was still there. Much to my surprise there was a fledgling sitting about 20 feet over on the same ledge and looking down at me, then looking at the other bird. I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of the fledgling because I couldn't believe how large it looked. I watched them for a minute but then had to get to work. I got into my car and closed the door, but when I looked back up they had gone.
I'm so amazed by those quick moments in life when we get a glimpse into nature. such beautiful creatures, these Peregrines.
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I would most likely live on the sidewalks just to capture the Peregrines...lol
There are lots of great angles to see them from too!
Photos of the Brandon Peregrines and Banding will be coming shortly.
Cheers !
Dennis
I am very much looking forward to seeing those little guys up close and personal through your lens.
Thanks Dennis
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Lucky you, BirdLover! And I applaud your ability to get into your car and head for work because you were supposed to be there -- not sure I could have! "I'm sorry, I accidentally locked my keys in the car and had to wait for CAA." LOL
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Oh, I was very tempted to just stay there, but duty calls. And, I wrecked the cup of coffee that I had just bought so had to go in search of more. :P
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Reasonable excuses are easy -- find one! LOL
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ummm... sorry sir... really I meant to be here 15 minutes early actually, but you see, the thing is.... well, there was this bird you see, and ummmm.... well I must say it was a fine looking bird and ummmm..... well I just had to take a look at it you see to ummm... improve, no no wait ummm.. to enhance my learning abilities by employing my frontal cortex to remember the type of bird it was... and then you see.... another one showed up .... and well I had to be certain that they were the same type... you know for educational purposes....and it well took a little longer than I thought it would....so you see sir.... the reason I'm four hours late was purely for the purpose of increasing my brain function so I can perform my job here better. ;D ;D ;D
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I must say though BirdLover that must've been a fantastic start to the morning!!
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ummm... sorry sir... really I meant to be here 15 minutes early actually, but you see, the thing is.... well, there was this bird you see, and ummmm.... well I must say it was a fine looking bird and ummmm..... well I just had to take a look at it you see to ummm... improve, no no wait ummm.. to enhance my learning abilities by employing my frontal cortex to remember the type of bird it was... and then you see.... another one showed up .... and well I had to be certain that they were the same type... you know for educational purposes....and it well took a little longer than I thought it would....so you see sir.... the reason I'm four hours late was purely for the purpose of increasing my brain function so I can perform my job here better. ;D ;D ;D
...made me laugh...good lines. Will have to remember these...thanks.
Cheers !
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ummm... sorry sir... really I meant to be here 15 minutes early actually, but you see, the thing is.... well, there was this bird you see, and ummmm.... well I must say it was a fine looking bird and ummmm..... well I just had to take a look at it you see to ummm... improve, no no wait ummm.. to enhance my learning abilities by employing my frontal cortex to remember the type of bird it was... and then you see.... another one showed up .... and well I had to be certain that they were the same type... you know for educational purposes....and it well took a little longer than I thought it would....so you see sir.... the reason I'm four hours late was purely for the purpose of increasing my brain function so I can perform my job here better. ;D ;D ;D
That's it :) I 'll use that next time. Maybe this morning I'll stop for another coffee ;). I sure do have to be careful when I'm driving downtown tho. It's usually rush minute traffic.
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LOL -- Rush minute? Oh yeah, it's Brandon. :D
My brother used to live on Lynx.... Crescent?
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Just wondering if there are any updates on the Brandon Falcons. It is like they have been forgotten about. I hope all is well there.
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Some what quiet in the forum...for those interested some photos of the Brandon Banding have been added at this link.
http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/brandon_peregrines_2008
Cheers !
Dennis
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Thank you Dennis for the pictures, hope all the young ones fledged successfully and are doing well.
It's funny this is usually my favorite time of year and I just saw several flocks of birds fly by my place and I suddenly feel so sad. I guess the birds migrating has a different meaning to me now after spending so much time with the peregrines this year.
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This was posted by Tracy.
Brandon - Zeus, Holly and the kids are seen periodically around
McKenzie Seeds. They tend to migrate earlier than the Winnipeg
birds so they could be leaving any time now.
Cheers !
Dennis
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What awesome photographs of Holly and Zeus. The photos of them in flight are particularyly spectacular 8) Thanks so much or posting the link.
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Great to know the Brandon bunch are doing well. all is not lost in Manitoba! Thanks so much for the photos, Dennis.
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Dennis,
Thank you for the great photos.
I really appreciate getting your e-mails. Reading all the positive postings, I know I'm not the only one.
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I think my favourite is 39-1001, what a cutie! Thanks, Dennis.
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I agree. How cute is that face?!
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Got a report from Brandon yesterday, looks like the kids have flown the coop though at least one of the adults is still hanging around town ...
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Why can I not get the pictures???
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Some what quiet in the forum...for those interested some photos of the Brandon Banding have been added at this link.
http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/brandon_peregrines_2008
Cheers !
Dennis
Bev, just go to this link, posted earlier in this thread. It's working for me, anyway.
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thanks bcbird. the chicks are cute as always :-* :-*
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...a few new photos added in the Brandon Banding Gallery...
Cheers !
Dennis
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...a few more photos added to the Brandon Banding Gallery...
Cheers !
Dennis
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Okay, last I heard the Holly, Zeus and the kids had pretty much vacated Brandon but will let you know if I hear/see anything in the next little while.
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The Brandon Banding 2008 Gallery is now complete...and can be viewed at this link.
http://www.pbase.com/photosbydennis/brandon_peregrines_2008
Cheers !
Dennis
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Absolutely awesome photos Denis ;D
Although the photo contest entries were all great, I still can't understand how you didn't "make the cut". A bit of a mystery there.
Thanks for all of the great shots of our Manitoba Peregrines 8)