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C8 Fledges At 8:09am While Dad Watches, 2nd Flight At 3:00pm~7-2-17
Video & Photos by Judy/UrDogNu


Because C8 was showing obvious signs that it was time to fly, we were ready to capture the maiden flight. C8 launched from the upper right branch above the nest, attempting to land in the nearest dead tree (the old nest tree) while dad was in an adjacent tree watching. This landing was aborted as C8 just couldn't get a good grip, which sent him flying beautifully, ending up landing on the backside of the tree to the right of the nest tree, where Mom and Dad frequently perch. C8 spent the next 7 hours happily perched. Both adults brought food to the nest but ended up eating it. (When I arrived to the nest at 5:45am, Dad was in the nest feeding C8...so we know he was not real hungry.) The second flight didn't occur until 3:00pm​, flying marvelously over head, ending up somewhere across Santa Ana Road. Both adults were perched in the old nest tree proudly watching their fledgling soar the sky. Shortly after, both adults took off, circling around...Mom flew in the direction of C8 and dad made his way back to the nesting area. When I left at 8:00 pm, Mom and C8 still had not returned. I am sure Mom was with C8 overnight.


Launch

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https://youtu.be/-axd1ii6Kfc

Beautiful Flights & Graceful Landings (3 Days After Fledge)~7-5-17
Video & Photos by Judy/UrDogNu

When I arrived around 7:30am, Junior was circling over the nest making its way across Waldeigh Arm (small patch of lake) and perched in a dead tree...eventually taking off to land for a short perch at the tip of the Arm. It looks like a smaller bird harassed C8, and made its way flying right toward and over us and perched in the dead tree near the upper parking lot. We were able to get some gorgeous close ups of Junior departing from that tree, circling around to the front and made its way to the nest. Dad flew in empty taloned and perched in the west tree. C8 took several more flights, even circling around trying to land while vocalizing right next to Dad.... but that was aborted and ended up in the old nest tree. That is where Junior was perched when I left at 10:30am.​

One more...

https://youtu.be/TqYunCKaiWE

Flushing Dad; Flight With Turkey Vulture; In & Out~7-6-17
Video & Photos by Judy/UrDogNu

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https://youtu.be/hxd8c8VhInE

All In The Family Tree; Food; Flushing; Fledgling Flies Like A Pro~7-7-17
Video & Photos: Judy/UrDogNu

Junior was eating in the nest when I arrived at 5:30am. While Mom delivered prey around 7:00, C8 was perched on the west dead tree where he landed at fledge. What a sight to see (and hear) when Junior first noticed mom flying in. C8 frantically flies to the nest, squeeing the whole time. ; By the time we made it down in the field from up above, Mom was perched in the upper right branch and Junior was hollering up a storm but not eating. It must have taken at least 25 minutes before C8 began eating...Mom watched from above. While eating, dad flew in with a rabbit, stayed on the nest, fed Junior. Mom watched the whole time. Dad took off to his favorite branch and within a few minutes, Junior jumped up and flushed Mom right out of her perch. Some very nice flying footage.