Author Topic: Nest building on the Nature Cam (Read 131559 times)

Wrightwood · « **on:** Apr 28, 06, 09:00:42 AM »

The Steller's Jay have started nest building this morning.

For a livecam image push the Nature Cam button.

ForestGal · « **Reply #1 on:** Apr 28, 06, 10:06:53 AM »

Wrightwood · « **Reply #2 on:** Apr 28, 06, 10:37:25 AM »

The basic nest foundation is a coiled up spool of wire that sits on top of the house's ridge beam. The wire was originally put there for a video camera and has been left alone since the Steller's seem to think it's their private nest building location.

I would think that it's probably the same pair from previous years.

Wrightwood · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 06, 08:32:50 AM »

After 4 days of nest building the Jay's seem to be done.
Since the camera was already in place we were able to watch the entire process from the first few twigs to completion. The construction process was fascinating.

The perimeter started with some big twigs and the pair of birds would work together to break them. Once the big stuff was in place they started filling in between by tucking or poking in smaller stuff. That included tumbleweed pieces and what looked like dryer sheets (like bounce). When the gaps were mostly filled the birds started bringing in dirt and would spit to make a mud like mixture to line the inside. In between this mud like procedure they would add fine grassy like substance. That was left to dry overnight before the pair lined the inside with a soft pine needles bed.

I should have mentioned that during most stages of nest building the birds would rotate and spin their chests into the bottom of the nest, while pushing their feet against the backside. Almost like swimming in a circle thus creating a new perfect round shaped nest.

Last year we noticed that the two parents stuffed the nest with what appeared to be peanuts before the eggs appeared. They would push the peanuts into the bottom and side of the nest and must be supplies for mom during the long wait. We haven't notice any food storage taking place yet.

Right now mom appears to be getting the nest broke in!

Wrightwood · « **Reply #4 on:** May 03, 06, 12:35:23 PM »

No wasting time this year - 1 egg already

lagomorphmom · « **Reply #5 on:** May 03, 06, 12:38:27 PM »

Looks like they got the nest done just in time!!! I hope some other birdies made good use of the (molting) dog fur I put in our trees a couple of weeks ago...

gus · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 06, 12:13:45 PM »

2 eggs

ForestGal · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 06, 09:33:34 PM »

I love this!!! I just watched the cam, Mom adjusted herself, sitting on the eggs. I hope we all get 4 grandbaby birds, like we did last year! I had our whole team at work involved, and we were all so fascinated!

gus · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 06, 12:08:25 PM »

3 Eggs

Wrightwood · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 06, 04:30:45 PM »

4 eggs!

KWBoy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 06, 04:48:18 PM »

Will there be a 5th? We will just have to wait and see!

Wrightwood · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 06, 09:05:49 AM »

Still 4 as of 5:50 am

Patchylou · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 06, 09:36:14 AM »

I've been looking and can't find it.

Can someone please help me find the thread from the Nature Cam last season? I want to show some special little people how cool the Nature Cam is and what we can expect to see! Thanks!!

Surfer_Dude · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 06, 09:42:04 AM »

I think this is what you were looking for:

http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,2643.msg51844.html#msg51844

Patchylou · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 06, 10:30:51 AM »

Thanks, S_D!!

Wrightwood · « **Reply #15 on:** May 08, 06, 07:45:25 AM »

Still 4 eggs this morning.

Wrightwood · « **Reply #16 on:** May 16, 06, 08:59:00 AM »

According to last years time frame we should see babies by the end of this week.

SkierBob · « **Reply #17 on:** May 16, 06, 11:36:08 AM »

http://www.palmdalecam.com/cam.htm#cam

SkierBob · « **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 06, 07:06:37 PM »

RobertW · « **Reply #19 on:** May 18, 06, 11:45:17 PM »

Author Topic: Nest building on the Nature Cam (Read 131559 times)

KWBoy

Patchylou

Patchylou