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[STLbf]

Oh boy, a male kestrel, perched briefly on a hanging-down branch near the nest about 11:00.  This bird used to be called a sparrow hawk. Possibly the smallest raptor.  Beautiful.

MrN has been on alert to something overhead during the afternoon. Did the kestrel stay nearby?

[Phyl]

https://mailchi.mp/3e8a59470a35/soar-early-2018-programs-and-events-5860087?e=a5cfa03734

[STLbf]

Phyl, thanks for posting the info about SOAR.  Always good to remember their work to save injured raptors.

MrN has been on the nest since overnight, and off for brief periods.  DNF ate a rabbit on the large log under the nest tree. Was it leftover or a new carcass, couldn't tell.

[Ginger52]

The egg broke yesterday.  It cracked and eventually completely broke open.  There's probably video.  Mr. consumed the contents.  This morning he's back to sitting in the bowl -- for awhile anyway.  I don't think he'll continue with that for much longer.

DNF roosted last night on the Hideaway Branch.  Mr. was not on the nest overnight.  He brought a nice big floppy fish to the nest for DNF this morning (after she loudly flew around demanding it.) 

[STLbf]

Oh, Ginger, sad news about the egg at the North nest.  But in case they try another clutch it is good that there wouldn't be a much older eaglet.  All this makes us realize how hard it is for eagles to reproduce successfully.  Food gifts from MrN to DNF gives me hope for a new egg soon.

[STLbf]

Mostly quiet today at the North nest since early morning fish.

That pesky squirrel returned to gnaw on the equipment braces. Tasty wood salad.   

[STLbf]

And life goes on at the North's valley.  Snow  overnight covered the nest and really outlined the bowl shape until MrN came for a short visit. Then he perched in the Love Branches for a time.  Geese honking and crows calling in the background.

[Nora in IA]

Does anyone have any kind of idea what kind of bird has been going into an opening in bank, leaves, and comes back.  It didn't turn around in there, it would back out and then take off.

[STLbf]

Nora, I have been wondering the same thing about this gray&white&black bird.  Is it nesting or looking for food?  Looks about the size of a robin, not as big as a crow.  Let me get out the books and check AllAboutBirds.

Might be the Rough-winged swallow. See attached from AllAboutBirds.com

[Ginger52]

It's a Belted Kingfisher pair working on their nest.

[Nora in IA]

It's a Belted Kingfisher pair working on their nest.

Thanks Ginger!  That makes sense now, I could see the wide white "collar" a couple times and didn't realize they would build in banks.  Cool!

[Nora in IA]

STLbf I thought of something like the Rough-winged swallow or similar too at first.   

[STLbf]

Oh, darn, I thought I made a good discovery.  My first thought was belted kingfishers because we see them fishing around the Brush Pile, but thought the size and colors were not right.  I will rewind and watch more carefully.   Thanks to Ginger and Nora!

[STLbf]

Cam ops got closeups!  This bird would be the male because it does not have the rusty color band across the belly.  Usually the male birds are more colorful, but not in this case.  Unless another pic shows the band, or belt.  My bird book does not say if both work on the nest hole.

[Puff]

Raccoon at base of NN -Calling out by both parents.  Danger call, get away from our nest and eggs?  About 6:18 nest time.

P