Monday April 23, 2012

WEATHER FOR CALGARY

High 26C
Sunny
Wind W 15km/h

7:53 a.m.
Mom was alone on the nest and Dad suddenly arrived long enough to mate and promptly flew off again.


7:55 a.m.
Dad arrives again to stand with Mom on the nest.

7:56 a.m.
Mom flies off to the right of the nest.


7:57 a.m.
Dad then flew off and arrived back a moment later. I didn't see any sticks in his talons but he is poking about in the nesting..

8:00 a.m.
Both home now.

8:49 a.m.
Mom has been walking around in a circle making a bowl in the nest. I missed the perfect s'cap when she laid breast down to widen the bowl.

9:28am
Mom is lying in the bowl - has been for awhile now


She just stood, adjusted the grasses and then walked to the far edge. The grasses are hanging up on her feet and a clump is moving with her

1205pm

Mom flew in landing in an alert mode. Immediately Dad flew over the nest in chase mode. Note the dark mark on Dad's body normally hidden by his wing I don't know if it is unique to him - but might be an identifier



For a brief split second the interloper is in view with Dad chasing

Note Dad is flying with his feet down - ready to attack?

Dad returned to the nest - still alert As he turned you can see the dark mark again


30 minutes later they are both still on edge. Dad has flown on and off several times and Mom stays standing guard

2:38pm

Dad had just delivered a stick to the nest and was placing it on the back rim when a BIG stick appeared in view


Here comes Mom with her big stick and this time for a change Dad is the one to be pinned to the nest with a stick


He freed himself and Mom dropped the stick. Left it where it fell and walked away from it leaving Dad to place it later

Tuesday April 24, 2012

WEATHER FOR CALGARY

High 23C
Mainly sunny -- chance of evening thundershowers
Wind SW 15km/h