It is a miserable 9 degrees C on the Canadian prairies. It is grey and wet. We have yet to have frost but it is certainly feeling like the time has arrived to bring out the jumpers and wool socks and put away the summer linen. A few of those gorgeous Dark-eyed Juncos are still in the garden pecking away at the Millet and Mr Blue Jay is working his way through a cob of dry corn.
A few have written to find out where to get the dry corn. Many specialty bird seed shops carry dried corn. You can purchase it by the cob or by the bag of 25 or so cobs. It will vary by supplier. If you live near a feed and seed store or a farmer who grows corn to feed their livestock, you might want to compare pricing. It is thoroughly dried corn you want. While I just lay the cobs out for the Blue Jays and the squirrels there are also specialty holders that prevent one or the other from taking the entire cob.
Do you have a garden? If so, you might want to plant some corn meant specially for drying. Check with your seed supplier.
Everyone seems to have recovered from the sadness of Xavier and Diamond not having a second hatch. If there was a pip and beak showing, it appears that the chick was simply not strong enough to break out of the shell. As you all realize, life for the birds is challenging. They need to be strong and healthy and that is certainly what that first hatch of Xavier and Diamond’s is. You can hear it today calling and, if you listened to Izzi last year, you will know that they can be very vocal. This one might even rival its big brother!
Today, Dr Cilla Kinross, the chief researcher for the past twelve years on the Peregrine Falcons, has posted a list of names for the wee one. They are all Maori names and relate to the weather. Everyone can have one vote. If you wish to take part, here is the link:
https://forms.gle/iPQhxDCLtEh19jp38
This wee one has amazing parents. A viewer caught a super video clip of Xavier delivering prey and Diamond feeding the chick. Have a look!
The Port Lincoln streaming cam is down this morning and it is not yet dawn in Australia. Fingers crossed it is back working soon. All of the other nests – the WBSE and the Collins Street kids – are fine. In the United States, the Bald Eagles are busy working on their nests. At 07:23 this morning, Anna and Louis were caught on camera at the Kisatchie National Forest Bald Eagle nest. It is wonderful they have each returned safely for a second season. I wonder if Louis will contain his enthusiasm for feeding his family?
Thank you for joining me today. Please vote for the wee one at the Charles Sturt University Falcon Cam. You have until 5pm on 22 October Australian time to tick your favourite. I will bring you an update on the PLO this evening if the streaming cam begins working. Take care everyone.