UPDATE 8 am Thursday 8th May - the fourth chick hatched out overnight it seems - certainly all four chicks were being fed at 8.30 am!
Now we can expect the other two to hatch within the next 24 hours or so.
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| Looking good.....photo from Flickr site by Marski |
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| Two chicks just visible |
Our parent birds must be very used to this performance by now...their ninth year of hatching eggs!
To see more screengrabs go to the Derby Peregrine Flickr site:
www.flickr.com/groups/derbyperegrines
And a warm welcome to anyone who we met at Derby University's Fun Day yesterday and who is viewing the blog and web cams for the first time.
Nick B /Nick M
103 comments:
Great news today with the first egg to hatch. I have a feeling the second might be hatched too. she is very fidgety again.
I have had a brilliant day all round and this has just made it a 'cracking' evening too! The falcon is keeping the chick well hidden for now. Hopefully someone will capture a screen-grab before long.
Will there be another when we wake?
I just caught a screen-grab of part of the chick. Will put on flickr.
Excellent, news to wake up to see 06.00.
Bothe on the trays at the moment, very fidgety but cannot grab a shot yet!!!!
Kate
I just saw another egg looking very cracked as the falcon moved.
Not sure how many chicks there are this morning but another one is about to hatch!
am sure that will be three,
tried to capture
I agree Helen, there was shell under her.
Aww... the tiercel just went to the falcon calling loudly but she never moved from the eggs and chick/s.
Wow, some amazing views of the chick hatching. So nearly there, shouldn't be long now!
Much chirping going on under there too...
Chick is finally out!!
Another hatching at 08:40! Chewing shell and very damp chick! :)
i think there may have been another one hatched, Falcon is eating egg shell and has been very restless on eggs/chicks
Compelling viewing!! The tiercel is now with the brood. The newly hatched chick is still wet. He hasn't snuggled down yet, he keeps looking at the first chick. pics on flickr soon. The bells are chiming 9am.
So happy to hear the news. It was on a special family date for me making it extra magic. I missed the moment myself as I spent most of the day assisting at an injured swan rescue so many thanks to all of the faithful watchers.
2 chicks and 2 eggs. Dad has been hovering anxiously but has now settling on them. Why is he eating bits of gravel? The first chick seemed hungry. Am assuming the Falcon has gone for food or stretch her wings - keep getting glimpses of her flying around. Ah Mum has returned - much 'chirupping' and she has settled back down. can here the tiercel calling though.
Just clocked on to the webcam and saw eggshell - then the parent moved and I saw a bit of chick! Just been reading and catching up with the pics -thanks to all the keen watchers for recording it for the rest of us!
Just been looking at Flickr - wow! The powerful new cameras have paid off yet again. The screengrabs are simply stunning and the video will be incredible: a wet second chick between both parents in daylight... those of you watching must have been astonished to get such a clear view! Well done to everyone concerned.
Wonderful news!
Brilliant and watching with the Bells welcoming them to this big new world.
Phoebe good captures again caught one with second chick peeking out.
Thanks everyone
Kate
Not sure but I'm sure when she just moved there were 2 chicks, 1 each side of her. 2 very white balls of feathers!!
Tiercel just flew in with food, the falcon chupped at him then he left with the food. Pics on flickr.
Super pics, thank you HelenSara and Phoebe.
Belting images flickr wizards! - Want you to know how important they are to absent viewers. I have to be in and out all day, so the pics are a godsend - XX
Feeding time!
Both chicks were fed their first meal, even the one hatched earlier had a mouthful or two. Thanks to the team for the zoomed views it enabled us to get some great screen-grabs! My latest of the first feed are now on flickr.
Thanks Lorraine, I wondered why we hadn't heard from you.
It looks quite settled on the scrape for the moment. We have a breather!
A moment ago the falcon left the nest. Still two chicks and two eggs. The tiercel then flew up to the scrape and is huddling the chick under him.
Falcon is back in the brood.
The falcon lifted and I could see a pip in one of the eggs.
Morning all
All is quiet, little ones, look as though they are trying to wake our tired Mum up CHOL:):)
Kte
Morning Kate,
Things are looking good in the scrape, with all going to plan and Mum and Dad looking proud as punch with their new chicks. They are so cute at this stage aren't they - looking as if butter wouldn't melt etc.,
Some great images have been captured this year - the flickr pic of two chicks leaning on the eggs is just adorable!
Weather looks nice in Derby today, so the little family should all keep warm and cozy.
Both on the Trays,19.46.
Wonder if he's waiting the next hatching?????Could it be tonight???
Kate
3rd hatch!! Chewing half an eggshell at 20:17!! :)
Another hatched!
Egg hatched at 20.17! Mumlooks more settled now!
Chicks alone for a good few minutes, till Mums return.
uploaded pics.
Kate
A changing of the guard at noon. One egg still very much unhatched.
We ar exited because the three chicks have hached. We watched them bein fed. The female flew off and got a bird . She fed them little tinie peases . The chicks are fluffy and white . We think the other egg will hach in the night .
Hello Green Class.
I think you may be right about the last Egg to hatch, we will have to keep watching wont we?
At the moment 17.16 Chicks are all alone, then Falcon returns and is feeding.
I will put some captures on Flikr.
Kate
Changeover 18.01/2. Last egg still intact.
Falcon returned with food. Littlest chick got plenty.
Just watched the chicks being fed by the falcon. The fourth egg may have a pip in it.
Stream 3 has been offline for about 15 minutes, maybe more.
It's working for me AnnieF at least now it is.
Looks like tonight will produce the last of the chicks - which will no doubt become my favourite!
C'mon you little perisher....
@Phoebe - yes, I got it back almost as soon as I'd posted that! There had been a message across the screen apologising for the loss of vision so I was afraid it might be off for some time.
Mmmm, see what you mean about Cam3 - but find that clicking on one of the others, then coming straight back to click on 3, usually gives access back.
Lots of picking at the gravel and a whole lot of shuffling going on with the falcon appearing to be somewhat impatient........
Glad you git it back AnnieF.
Yes it does look like the last egg will hatch tonight. She has been picking around a lot which is a sign.
The falcon is plucking prey on the scrape, the last egg is not visible yet in the heap of white fluff. Now a midnight feed for the chicks. I still can't see the last egg.
Well, still no hatching of the 4th egg at tune out ( 01.32am )The falcon looking quite settled in fact and presently enjoying a snooze.
Maybe tomorrow then!
Morning everyone,
Unfortunately both 3 and 4 not working this morning.
All looks quiet and keeping the chicks well tucked in so no report on the fourth Egg.
Kate
Feeding at 08.35 looks like only three will post captures later.
Kate
Feeding @ 12:11 the last egg not hatched yet.
4th egg seen at 2.30pm - positioned right at the front under Mums chest and think I glimpsed a small crack.
Looks like a definite pip in the fourth egg.
5pm and all calm contentment in the scrape. Two chicks with heads poking out from under falcons chest, one with eyes open ( prob the 1st ) and then I saw Mum actually yawn! So lovely.....the bells ringing the gentle chimes that will remain in the chicks memory wherever they may go after fledging. Awwwww !!
Still 3 chicks and an egg at 19:20 feed. I agree with you Phoebe, it does look pipped so perhaps the 4th fluffball will put in an appearance tonight!
Is Dad in waiting mode??
Both on the Trays at 19.45.
The tiercel brought food across to the falcon just now looking like he wanted to feed the chicks possibly. But after some chatter between them he took the food away and came back without it. He is probably waiting for the falcon to stretch her wings so he came have his turn on the chicks.
The fourth egg must surely hatch soon...
The fourth egg is starting to hatch. I just saw a bigger hole in it!
Cam stream 4 is playing up, it is making strange noises! Obviously not heard by the birds it must be internal. Picture is in night vision too which is unusual. It looks like it is trying to focus when it makes the noise.
Definitely empty shell this morning! not seen newcomer yet though! heres hoping
Yes Norma certainly empty shells, pity Cam three down cannot get a close up.
Pics on flkr
Kate
Brilliant!! The fourth chick looks so much smaller than its siblings. It's amazing how quickly they grow in just a few days. Wonderful to watch!
Can anyone tell me what the bright turquoise thing is in the corner of the nestbox, in amongst a pile of feathers? It's very vivid to be prey remains, surely?
Tiercel just returned with food and the 4th chick is eating.
Not sure what the turquoise item is. Thought they were feathers, but what bird could they be from - could they be from a Jay?
Could it be the remains of a kingfisher
Eggs were all alone, now safely just about under cover ...
Kate
The new chicks are cute and fluffy, they look like pieces of cotton wool.
How big are the chicks' wings? How big are the female's wings?
How big are the chicks?
What do the chicks eat?
We were lucky enough to hear the bells ringing... do they scare the chicks?
Hello OAK CLASS
If you click onto the little picture here at the side, most of your questions should be answered straight away !
I bet The chicks are much bigger than you thought aren't they?
When they are 4 weeks old, they are gently removed from the nest and a little ring is put onto their leg. They are then put safely back into the nest. The ring doesn't hurt the chicks, but stays on their leg all their lives. It has information written on it which tells who they are and where they were born. If they ever get hurt and someone finds them, the ring will explain all about them. It will also give an idea of how far away they fly after leaving their home nest.
I think the little chicks like the bells ringing. They may even remember the sound of them all their lives.
The chicks like to eat all kinds of different food. They will hunt and catch many different types of birds as they fly through the sky. It is a very quick kill and so the birds they do catch don't suffer and its all done very quickly. Lots of birds get away before the falcons can catch them !
Keep watching, as there will be lots of fun when the chicks start to flap their wings and learn to fly.
Ive been watching the peregrines since Monday and have been loving it. Havent seen dad last night or today. Is this normal or have I just gone on at wrong times
Julia
I managed to get a screen grab of the falcon flying off the scrape to fetch food for the chicks. I only wish I had a head for heights.
On wednesday the last egg hached. They have there dinner at the same time as us!
At about 15.40 today dad brought food back, babies fed them mum flies off to feed. Dad nests for a while..... amazing
Anonymous - the tiercel can sometimes be spotted down on the fancy parapet under the scrape, which is much lower down than it appears, so he can appear quite small and unnoticeable (bottom r/h side of Stream 2) or near the spout on the tower (top r/h side of Stream 2) Another favorite perch is on the parapet directly under the nest side of the scrape, which the new cam angle doesn't cover this year.
Either way, he's never far away at this time and could have flown a fair distance, either hunting, or just larking about for the love of it! He'll be back in view soon enough and if the weather is mild tonight, he'll probably overnight on the scrape edge. He'd fight to the death to protect his falcon and her chicks and won't stay absent for long.
My book "Top Gun of the Sky" by Martin Bradley arrived today -( details in the recent DWT updates) Nice surprise to find the poetic verse running alongside the images. Perfect for all ages. Saving it for a proper read through in quiet space laters (after Corrie!)
WOW ! Takes good timing to capture that recent image Phoebe - look at the power in that leap. Nice one!
Thanks Lorraine, I can't resist getting action shots.
Watched another feed this afternoon and the little one got his fill. The falcon is so gentle when she feeds them. I am always saying Aww.
Hi nick. I just wondered when the peregrine watches Start! From christine
Hi Lorraine
Thankyou for the answers on tiercels whereabouts and yes he is perched on the edge tonight. Am absolutely loving watching them. It's fascinatong. Hoping to go on one of the perengrine watch's when they start.
Julia
Hello Christine, I think the first Saturday watch point is May 24th.
The chicks were being fed by both adults at the same time a few minutes ago. It was also very interesting to see the female being shuffled off so the male could take his turn with the brooding. He seems very keen to do his fair share of the work!
Stream 3 appears to be showing a night-time scene!
Just got back from Arctic Norway, where I saw snow buntings in breeding plumage and up to 10 sea eagles. I had wondered whether 'our' chicks would have hatched by the time I returned.
Kate - how fabulous, those sea eagles must have been a sight to behold! What a lovely experience!
Oh, how I wish this weather would settle - it chucked it down here last night. My gosh, how things are changing weather-wise - makes me yearn for the predictable summers of my youth!
At least the chicks are small enough to be kept dry under-wing. They all look in tip-top condition today and growing bigger by the hour it seems!
A wonderful display of feeding from the tiercel!
The falcon just left the scrape and came back with part of a very large prey. She is feeding the chicks now While the tiercel sits looking out from the scrape.
Sorry about big gap after previous post - don't know why that is...
Just tuned in to find pure contentment in the nest. All sleepy after their 13.37 Sunday roast Phoebe!
Looks like there's been a downpour, but Mum's big feather parasol is keeping them all dry. Can see more rain clouds looming, but the falcon leaned in and told her chicks...
Weather the weather be cold,
Or weather the weather be hot,
Whatever the weather,
We'll weather the weather,
Weather the weather... or not!
Another feed at 16.35pm - falcon flown off to dispose of leftovers.
Another feed just finished & falcon took remains off somewhere. Judging by the length & narrowness of its beak I believe the prey was a woodcock.
She's just returned with another part of the catch Annie - she must have the woodcock stored elsewhere and is bringing it back in sections.
Lorraine, the tiercel appears to be feeding the falcon while she broods the chicks!
Ahh! it was the "tiercel" that just returned with some more food. Mum is now back and he is feeding her aswell.
Falcon's feeding the tiercel as well as the chicks. Lots of chup-chupping.
Nope, t'other way round - tiercel feeding the rest.
Fabulous sequence watching falcon feed chicks until the 3 bigger ones flopped, then the tiercel returning to stuff no. 4. before the falcon returned and was fed by him too. I guess that other people here picked up some screen-grabs. If not, I'll load mine later. Just need to do something else now but brilliant family scenes. Chick 4 must be bursting and the falcon was very firm about pushing it underneath her wing!
That was nice to watch. Though the smallest didn't seem to have the knack of eating the food that was offered on this occasion. Perhaps it is still full from the last meal. The falcon has tucked it under her wing and all have settled down again.
I watching that feed too. Caroline that is just how I was going to post it. I did see the falcon swallow a complete foot! On the quad view there was a falcon on the corbel to the right, not sure which but the falcon had gone and then the tiercel flew up with the food. He has just come back again as I type but he left quickly leaving the food behind. I have some screengrabs will put on flickr.
He does seem very intent on feeding the chicks this year more than previously. Maybe he is getting soft in his old age. He is still as gorgeous as ever! lol
Will probably be quiet for a few hours now, so tuning out to try and catch a sighting of the little dunnock nesting in our front hedge.
Oh no it isn't Lorraine! The falcon is back with more food. I don't think they can eat much more. It was just a light bite. She is sheltering them now.
Tiercel arrived on the ledge rhs with some prey remains about 5 mins ago, falcon went over & took it from him & is now feeding the chicks.
New post with videos just added.
Nick M
Fantastic viewing of the chicks being feed on stream 4 just now.
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