The shape of thingsPosted on 22-09-2010
We’re watching the peregrine adults today settling well in
the eyrie with it’s new size and shape, along with it’s much more suitable gravel
layered floor.
This much better layer of rounded pea gravel (supplied by Richards Sand and Soil,
Orange, carted 50m up the tower with awesome help from Ash J!) is around
4-6cm deep (2.5inches) and allows the birds to create a safer “divot” in which to
stop the egg/s rolling around, as well as settling more comfortably themselves.
A deeper gravel floor helps in settling more comfortably
As a further back-stop there’s a rubber floor-mat underneath with large holes,
so if they were to burrow down far enough there would still be grip and shape.
This rubber floor-mat should also allow better drainage in the event of a rain deluge,
but the “Concrete Hilton” should protect from the worst of the weather anyway.
Underneath the rubber mat we’ve placed a layer of fine non-toxic, non-rust,
brass mesh to retain most of the finer gravel, which in turn protects an ample series
of drain holes.
Between the tower wall and the roost itself there should be just enough gap to slide
up a thin flat plate over the window in the event that we need extra safety measures
when banding any chicks. In also having large opening hatch ends, and a vastly taller
ladder (thanks Bruce and Facilities Mgmnt; apologies for the loss of your best ladder!),
it should be a much safer and less traumatic process for all involved.
A couple of months’ planning and 3 previous years of experience has given us a
wealth of knowledge in roost construction.
If anyone is interested in our construction techniques you can contact us through the
Form down the right hand side of the page.
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FAQ
They have gone to a LOT of time & trouble to set up a really professional nest box - just hope they have at least one juvie to watch now.
OMG...they are gorgeous!!!! Thanks Robyn...and thanks Susan for sharing the pics!!!
Wow, fantastic photos...
