After a weekend of going through all the tapes, it would appear that all chicks are healthy. No. 3 (‘tardy’) was finding it a bit hard to get his beak in, so to speak, particular on the one time that Bula fed them, when he appeared to only feed the biggest gape (no. 1, ‘Tumbler). But Diamond is more even-handed and, even if number 1 gets the first share, he/she she usually collapses in a stuffed heap, allowing the others to get their share.
Haven’t had much luck with identification of prey as they are arriving ready-to-service with little plumage on which to make an identification, sometimes mere scraps, although one was clearly from a parrot, probably an eastern rosella, and I suspect a grey-shrike thrush for another.
They might be a bit short on food. I’ve noticed quite a lot of ‘pretend’ feeding and three mouths are quite a lot to feed, whilst ensuring they keep up their own strength. We’ve had showers and the odd thunderstorm this weekend, which won’t have helped. Diamond has left the chicks to do some hunting, while Bula babysits. The longest gap with no adults present was nearly 25 minutes, but most absences are about 0.5-2 minutes.
Interestingly, peregrines are one of the species already being affected by climate change, with chicks being known to die of hyperthermia in uncharacteristic downpours. Ours have a distinct advantage in this respect.
Thanks for the observations, photos and comments (and, of course, the videos from Scott). Any name suggestions, or are you happy with Tumbler, Walga and Tardy? Our Head of School suggested the three regional rivers: Lachlan, Murrumbidgee and Murray. That’s also a good idea. Need to do it soon, as I’m tired of no.1, 2, etc. Having said that they will be quite hard to tell apart soon.
To be honest I’m happy with Tumbler, Walga and Tardy – nice and easy to pronounce!
Is it unusual for Diamond to be hunting while the chicks are this young? She seems to be a very conscientious mother.
Or do they have another stash somewhere?
To be honest, i can’t tell diamond and bula apart for the life of me.
If it helps, Jon, Bula’s feet are a brighter yellow than Diamond’s and he’s rather shy around the chicks. He’s also smaller than she is – if you don’t get a sense of the bird filling the ledge when they’re sitting on it chances are it’s him.
That’s right – he’s generally a lot ‘smarter’ with brighter colours overall (not more intelligent, I hasten to add) and his beak and eye-ring are also a lot brighter. His chest is less spotty, too, although that’s a personal thing, not related to gender as far as I know.
Finally figured out how to leave a message, so I would like to say that I prefer the river names (maybe a shortened version for the one). Thanks for all you do!