Two eggs hatched in the northern aerie (near the park Ranger’s main office and emergency spillway) in the second week of March. Local birders were talking about the chicks being big enough to test wings against the brisk Spring winds. I wanted to catch a bit of that action on film.
Below is a rough location map of the area.
I set my tripod up in the bed of the truck to shoot across the 400 foot distance. This made for an unstable platform for video, but gave me a direct line of sight into the aerie.
Here are my results of an hour of filming. The musical voices you hear in the background are Purple Martins and Cliff Swallows.
32 second video
Several people drove into the parking lot and ask what I was recording. Some of the birders I had talked to before arrived and set up scopes and cameras or just talked about the excitement.
It became a miniature festival as the chicks began to stir.
52 second video.
The crowd swelled as calls were made to other birders. I turned off the audio to my camera so human voices would not distract from the real action high in the trees.
57 second video
I stayed as the crowd dwindled away and found I had captured all I could for the day. I wanted to witness a feeding session, but that may have to wait for another time.
I expect these chicks will begin testing wing strength before the month is over. If I get the chance to record those moments, I’ll bring them to share.
My Bug of the Day was seen as I was packing up to leave. This is a Red-banded Hairstreak. This dime sized butterfly will lay it’s eggs on the dead leaves at the base of a host plant. The larva will climb to lower leaves to feed (usually on Sumac plants). It’s lower wings mimic it’s head (in shape and color) to avoid predators.
I hope you will share any moments you have encountered during your outings.