There is word that Bald Eagle HE, Dad Norfolk's mate and mother of one eaglet last year, has been found dead. I haven't found any sources other than two blog posts for this. I'm still looking for confirmation... Berry College Bald Eagles have their first egg! Last year, they laid their first egg on the 6th... Here we can see the egg for the first time:
Here's a video of the big event. Something rare in this video, we can hear Mom vocalize as she pushes to lay the egg. Here's the video: Mom Vocalizes During The Laying Of The First Egg (8:44):
The Harrison Bay Eagles have a recurring visitor. Here's an animated gif.
Here's a "Where's Waldo" shot of the White-bellied Sea Eagles. One of the parents is visible in this s'cap. Can you find the adult? Leave a comment if you see it!
There was lots of wingercizing this morning.
Look at how big they've grown!
The next three s'caps show SE16 catching some air.
They can't hover like Osprey. But they still get some pretty good height.
They are both wingercizing here.
Then something did a fly-by of the nest, seen at about 10:00 in this s'cap. SE15 didn't see it, but SE16 is reacting by ducking.
These babies have pretty faces.
Planning their escape from the nest.
The babies look full grown when compared to the adult.
Pam Monahan has a new blog post about Bald Eagle HK. He has a nest at Honey Bee Golf Course. Pam's picture shows something on HK's head, hopefully it's a smudge and not an injury...
Loch of the Lowes Osprey FR3 is now on the Gambia River, about 20 miles aways from sibling FR4. Here's a link to their update.
The Center for Conservation Biology has published an article The Wanderers about transmittered birds and the information they've gleaned from this technology. I love the map with the different colored dots for the different birds. It really highlights how unique each birds travels are and also where they have sites in common. That helps the biologists figure out which areas need to be conserved. CCB does great work. If you are looking for a good cause for your charity dollars, I'd suggest CCB. It helps them in their conservation efforts and it's a write-off on your taxes!
The White-bellied Sea Eaglets gave me some good comparison shots today.
The look of the nest changes pretty quickly in the morning. Right before the sun hits the nest...
...then a bit of golden light.
And here's the money! SE15 in front looking so much smaller than SE16. And SE15 being closer to the camera makes him look bigger in comparison than he would if they were side-by-side. So, there's still a big size difference between them.
Pam Monahan has a new post on her blog about Bald Eagles HK and Sterling. Here's a link. Maybe this upcoming nesting season will be the year that HK becomes a Dad! He's certainly old enough, having hatched in 2009. And Sterling is 2 years older.
The Africam Black Eagle parents will start to show aggression toward their fledgling, maybe when they feel the youngster is ready to strike out on its own. For Kendi, that turns out to be only 20 days after fledging. Last year's fledgling, Jono, first saw aggression at 59 days after fledging. Here's a link to some new pics, including some pics of Kendi interacting with a parent.
The Center for Conservation Biology has published two articles about Whimbrel Hope. The first is Sharing The Story Of Hope, where her story is being brought to the classrooms to teach children about conservation. The second is News Of Hope, about what has been learned by tracking her migrations.
The White-bellied Sea Eagle chicks were up early this morning.
Their bird neighbors were being noisy. It seems like he first thing a songbird wants to do upon waking is sing!
I like it when I catch them in similar poses. It makes comparing them easier. I which that tree trunk/branch wasn't in the way...
Something has caught their attention.
I wonder if they still have some growing to do. Their wingspans don't look full size yet.
Their chests are finally the same shade of brown. It took SE15 a while to catch up to SE16 in this regard.
It's fun watching them watch the same thing.
I found this video that was posted yesterday by the Africam Black Eagle folks of Kendi flying (3:00). It looks like she has mastered the art of flying (although there was a missed landing). Sometimes she is hard to track against the rock and brush background -- Great job to the videographer!
The Center for Conservation Biology has published a paper: Biologists Prepare For Historic Woodpecker Move. I'm interested in finding out how well this works. I hope they write another paper with the results...
I posted this on my dog blog, but I love this video so much and wanted to share it here too. I had my phone with me at the right moment today. The Shelties had a little impromptu play session today. They are so much fun! Check out the Shelties Playing video (0:38) -- Shannon is laying down and Sky is standing up:
Awesome news out of Norfolk!! Mayor Fraim will not run for reelection! Maybe the city can now get someone in there who has some common sense! You can read my thoughts on this guy here.
The Harrison Bay Eagles spent the night in the nest tree.
Mom was first to make her way into the nest and do some fluffing.
Then she went back onto her branch and Dad made his way down to the nest.
Knowing that Dad needs a lot of supervision in the nest, Mom came back down into the nest and shoved Dad out of the way. He must really love her -- she gets away with a lot!
Pretty!
It looks like a foggy morning.
Launch!
They did a lot of nestorations today!
Another launch. (I like catching take-offs and landings!)
Dad was moving a stick and Mom decided to help.
They make a pretty pair.
I saw Mom feed the chicks a couple of times this morning.
Dad was staying close to the nest.
It looks like SE15's feathers are lighter in color than SE16's.
Sometimes, I think their size difference has lessened.
If they are like Bald Eagles, they will spend a lot of time between now and fledging looking out at the world. Soon enough, they will be out in it...
Here's a short video of Dad taking the Scenic Route to get to the nest (1:38).
They have posted an update about Kendi, this year's Africam Black Eagle Fledgling. There are some great pictures and Kendi looks awesome!
I lost my internet completely Sunday and Monday, the high waters were persistent and kept my telephone junction box submerged so that it never dried out until late last night. I called in to Verizon Thursday or Friday and they "fixed it" today. They didn't do anything, the super high tides are gone now. Thanks for nothing! Verizon sucks! I told them that box is getting submerged and it needs to be elevated. Of course, they did nothing.
They are saying on the Big Sur Condor site that the chick could fledge any day. But I didn't think that they fledged until after day 165. So, I think it's early still to look for a fledge here.
It looked like a dark day at the White-bellied Sea Eagle nest today. I wonder if they are in for storms...
