MN / Great Spirit Bluff - 2016-22

[GCG]

2016 NESTING SEASON

I am certain this will be yet another interesting nest/cam to watch. Located on the side of a bluff in Minnesota above the Mississippi River. As I read, the falcons return late February, early March. Cam is live, of course after sitting through ad videos.

http://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/gsb-falcons/

[GCG]

  I am happy to report that as of this morning, I have seen up close and personal, a falcon sitting on the perch preening. I am going to love watching this cam.

[GCG]

Update! I have checked their forum and saw a posted photo. Both are back and are "bonding".

[GCG]

There are now people posting on the GSB forum that the returnees are again Michelle and Travis and they are canoodling.

[GCG]

A video from the forum. At 2 min 25 seconds, Michelle is seen. At 5 min 55 seconds, Travis flies in and there is copulation.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/84145647

[GCG]

They are presently running a video of retrieval of 4 chicks for banding. Quite fascinating. Two people are rappelled down to the nestbox. A crate is also lowered and chicks brought up to be banded with children in attendance. I am intrigued by their ability to rappel down this sheer cliff.

http://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/gsb-falcons/

[Alison]

The resident female, Michelle (banded black/green P/87), returned to the nest, but up to this point, Travis (banded black/green 06/N) has not returned,

There is a male at the nest with Michelle, but it is not Travis. This male is unbanded.

I hope Travis is just a bit later in returning. He could have been delayed for many reasons. Travis will be thirteen years old this year, while Michelle will be eleven.

In the meantime, Michelle and the new male have been bonding.

[GCG]

Thanks for this information, Alison. We can only hope Travis is fine.

[RCF]

Easter Egg

[The Peregrine Chick]

Oh that is priceless RCF - nice catch!

[GCG]

Just had enough time to see two eggs before Mom resumed her duties.

[GCG]

This incredible nest now has 4 eggs.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2exvlfq.png

[GCG]

Two hatches this morning at this nest, both within 3 hours. The view of this nest is incredible. Awaiting #'s 3 and 4.

[GCG]

OMG! This video is amazing. An up close and personal hatch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pJAp-anycI&feature=youtu.be

[burdi]

Banding four chicks here today. Parents are very upset!

You can watch them live on the cliff right now:

http://www.ustream.tv/greatspiritblufffalcons

http://explore.org/live-cams/player/great-spirit-bluff-falcons