It is very interesting to note that their beaks are partially turned orange now, just like the feet have fully turned orange, a good question to why they need that particular colour
Thursday, 24 July 2014
Sunday, 20 July 2014
Updates 20-21/07/2014
Chicks flap their wings during feeding which might be for different reasons
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Notes & Observations:
- I would speculate it could be to ward off predators, looking bigger while they are vulnerable eating, or it could that they that is a way of showing they are happy or excited of getting food.
It is sad really as this is the last post to actually count for the assignment in the animal behaviour Mooc, as things are just getting interesting. While I have not caught this in a picture yet, as the DVR is not working at the moment, the eldest son, 45 days old on the 20th of July, has managed to lift himself with his wings a few centimeters above the nest.
The adults are now rarely seen both at the nest because of the ever increasing demand for food.
Chicks also now move around the nest and try to manage it, imitating their parents.
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Notes & Observations:
- I would speculate it could be to ward off predators, looking bigger while they are vulnerable eating, or it could that they that is a way of showing they are happy or excited of getting food.
It is sad really as this is the last post to actually count for the assignment in the animal behaviour Mooc, as things are just getting interesting. While I have not caught this in a picture yet, as the DVR is not working at the moment, the eldest son, 45 days old on the 20th of July, has managed to lift himself with his wings a few centimeters above the nest.
The adults are now rarely seen both at the nest because of the ever increasing demand for food.
Chicks also now move around the nest and try to manage it, imitating their parents.
Updates 12/07/2014
Sometimes, it's better just to stay home, especially if it has been raining on your head all day and you are not 100% buoyant
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
10/07/2014 Updates
7:16 (GMT) It is another sunny morning and what better time to take a large poop, but not in the nest!
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7:17 (GMT) And now both chicks are standing together, even if just for a short while, and for both to clean the pipes with pressured poop shots.******************************************************************************************************************************
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7:40 (GMT) Flight training and wind spreading is another common behaviour that happens more often the more the chicks grow.
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Notes: it is interesting that the poop is propelled at a very large speed, and the chicks did try to aim for the outside of the nest.
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7:17 (GMT) And now both chicks are standing together, even if just for a short while, and for both to clean the pipes with pressured poop shots.******************************************************************************************************************************
*********************
7:40 (GMT) Flight training and wind spreading is another common behaviour that happens more often the more the chicks grow.
*********************
Notes: it is interesting that the poop is propelled at a very large speed, and the chicks did try to aim for the outside of the nest.
Sunday, 6 July 2014
Updates 06.07.2014
9:55 (GMT) Feeding frenzy time ! After a change at the nest, the freshly arrived parent shared the food with the offspring.
******************** 15:21 (GMT) One of the chicks is standing strong! But this happens only for a few seconds now as he soon switched back to knee setting like his brother.***************************************************************************************************************
************* Notes: During feeding the right side chick is bolder, he stretched his beak all the way into his parents mouth and neck to get the food even before it is fully out. When the parent has actually dropped more pieces of food at the same time, the left side chick was trying to decide which one to get, and the right side made it easier, he just put his foot over one of the food pieces while he fed on others, to ensure he has a lasting supply.
Thinking about it, another behaviour that would be worth studying is when do the chicks actually manage to permanently stand on their feet, without needing to revert back to the infant, knee like position.
******************** 15:21 (GMT) One of the chicks is standing strong! But this happens only for a few seconds now as he soon switched back to knee setting like his brother.***************************************************************************************************************
************* Notes: During feeding the right side chick is bolder, he stretched his beak all the way into his parents mouth and neck to get the food even before it is fully out. When the parent has actually dropped more pieces of food at the same time, the left side chick was trying to decide which one to get, and the right side made it easier, he just put his foot over one of the food pieces while he fed on others, to ensure he has a lasting supply.
Thinking about it, another behaviour that would be worth studying is when do the chicks actually manage to permanently stand on their feet, without needing to revert back to the infant, knee like position.
Friday, 4 July 2014
Updates 05.07.2014
6:45 (GMT) The nest is thriving, the chicks are sleeping peacefully but sometimes an itch must be scratched !
6:53 (GMT) Everyone at the nest says hello to you this morning and have a sunny day !
6:57 (GMT) Preening time for all of us at the nest, so why not join in ?
Observations & Notes: preening now takes a lot of time for chicks too, since their adult feathers are mostly in place
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Updates 03.07.2014
I am very happy to report that no more chicks have been killed and further more, the 2 remaining ones have grown quite nicely and now have matching colors with their parents (see below)
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The chicks were already standing on the 1st of July:
Notes & Observations: while I do not have a picture for this it was interesting to note that sometimes now even the parents will try to sit on the chicks but as they are so big they are hardly covered anymore and they are easily seen at least on camera. Having their matching colors may make the parent look bigger overall though and may act as a defense, but no study has been done to my knowledge to confirm this.
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The chicks were already standing on the 1st of July:
Notes & Observations: while I do not have a picture for this it was interesting to note that sometimes now even the parents will try to sit on the chicks but as they are so big they are hardly covered anymore and they are easily seen at least on camera. Having their matching colors may make the parent look bigger overall though and may act as a defense, but no study has been done to my knowledge to confirm this.
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