Oh this is a happy one…..I checked this nest yesterday….and was so happy to see two chicks and then….#3 popped up under mom’s tail!!!! This nest has a banded male whose nest has failed for five years in a row. His nest was successful for the three years before this sad string of losses. The nest has been removed, blown down in storms, chicks disappeared, various different kinds of failure. He is 12 years old this year. He has great genes…..His Dad was a beloved banded male who lived to be 20 years old, but sadly did not return this year.
We are thrilled to see this large nest and three magnificent chicks. His perserverence has paid off. I hope, I hope, I hope that nothing goes wrong and all chicks survive to fledging age. They look to be close to 4 weeks old now, so half way to fledging time!
We celebrate those three cuties and his dedication to his territory, and this female who has been a great teammate! Sorry I couldnt get a photo of him with the family.
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