March 21
Over the weekend, we were able to confirm the presence of a third adult eagle near the nest, and we are almost certain that it is a breeding age female. Typically, the presence of a new female means she is competing with the established pair of eagles for the current nest. Nest competition is a common occurrence in areas with healthy eagle populations, meaning the total population of eagles near NCTC has likely increased in recent years.All I can add to this is to thank you for your concern, passion and understanding that intervention in this episode was not the right thing to do. Things don't always work out the way we'd like in nature, but I think we would all agree that we have gotten a rare glimpse, these past few days, into the world of bald eagles that most people do not see or will ever know about. The fact that we have competition such as this is speaks well for the recovery of the Bald Eagle, a species that was nearly extinct fifty years ago.
We have also confirmed multiple sightings of the male eagle who is part of the established breeding pair. The male does not appear to be injured, and appears to be in good health. The eaglet which hatched on March 17th has died and the remaining egg is not likely to hatch given that it is not being regularly incubated by the parents.
We do have biologists on staff here at NCTC who have been offering their expert assessments of the situation. In addition, our land manager has been communicating with another raptor biologist based in our Chesapeake Bay field office. There is general agreement among our biologists that if the new female eagle is successful in chasing off the current female, the new female will then need to recruit a male to join her. However, it is likely too late in the nesting season for success in laying, incubating and hatching any new eggs.
You may wonder why there is competition over this nest - and there are several potential factors. Eagles prefer to nest in the tops of large trees located near rivers, lakes, and other wetlands. The NCTC nest is located very close to the Potomac River, which is a plentiful source of fish for nesting eagles to hunt. In addition, eagle nests represent a considerable investment of effort to construct: they can be up to 10 feet in diameter and weigh up to 2,000 lbs. And finally, as mentioned above, nest competition frequently occurs in areas with a significant eagle population.
New thread.
1,077 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 801 – 1000 of 1077 Newer› Newest»Now I hope Turdy will not get in nest! NO VACANCY!!!
Someone landed at noon (not Turdy)~~chirping softly.
I heard her, kinda late for this to be starting again, maybe Belle is at her wits end and has had enough or turdy
Hi, Loretta,
I've been busy on the computer doing some homework, and heard Belle, so came to investigate. I assume that's Belle on the edge of the nest at about 11:00. I don't see any obvious dark spots on her head. I don't think Lib would be back, since the power struggle hasn't been resolved, as far as we can tell. All is quiet at the moment, so it's back to homework for me! Still have the sound up in case there are any more eagle calls.
Oh--Hi, Robyn, too! Guess there are at least 3 of us not sleeping!
Well, I can't speak for Belle, but I for one am SOOOOOO done with Turdy!!!
OK--back to homework for me! Gotta get more done.
She must be on the camera or very close...
I believe I see her shadow, she is in the tree, perhaps roosting there for the night (?)
Belle is back in nest
Belle is awake & pecking, nosing around the egg cup. When her head comes up she's sitting about 11 o'clock.
Belle is still sleeping in that sound sleep position with her head tucked into her wings. Sweet dreams Belle.
Belle getting some serious rest. Sleeping soundly against
11 o'clock edge of nest.
Went to the link with pics of someone in nest - Lib or not was the question, I guess. Well, I decided NOT to guess about the pics after not even recognizing Belle when wet yesterday morning! :o)
Belle still sleeping at 11 on side of nest. Head between wings.
45° here now, nice to see the moon shining on the nest.
Today's nest weather-Partly sunny this morning...then becoming mostly cloudy. Highs around 60. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
Belle is still restless but in the nest.
Thanks for weather report Megan.
Belle is awake and digging around egg cup. Now just sitting there. Very restless.
all tucked in!
Good morning early birds! and/or night owls!
Good Morning Dana, Megan - fellow gardener and lover of the woods, and Lynne!
So glad to see Belle got some food yesterday.
Good morning everyone. Belle looks to be resting peacefully. So sad to look at her though all curled up alone.
wow, now that it's light enough, you can see exactly how Belle is semi standing/sleeping!
Lynne - I got screen caps of her doing that yesterday morning - but from her back side. You could see her tail was down into the nest.
oh cool, I just got on from this angle so now we'll have a front and back view!
She's up now
and gone
There goes Belle, she flew out to the right.
Morning all:)
I can hear an eagle calling out in the distance.
Eagle back-
oh no,
Damn- is that intruder? yes
it's Turdy
Dang Trudy
That is the intruder isn't it?
Belle left and Trudy flew in nest.
She is at egg cup.
So now we know she was very nearby the nest, as soon as Belle left she came right in.
OMG, that witch is never going to go away!!
BTW, Good morning everyone!!
and here we go again....
What is it with that bird and the egg cup? Why can't she leave it alone??
well check her out.....
moving sticks around like it's her nest.
Trudy is moving sticks around in nest. Like the nest is her's.
Really??? Nestorations?? Really???
Trudy - NO NOT redecorate the nest!
she's not very good at this is she.
Trudy THINKS she's movin' in.
now would be a good time for Belle to dive bomb her once and for all.
Trudy has uneven color on her back and not a full white head.
Geez, she even looks huge in that big nest.
Oh my gosh the second B was out, T came in to redecorate. Wow
Trudy is digging like she is making an egg cup right there.
Good morning girls! This is really something to watch huh. Another WOW!
Good Morning! Am so excited I just the the whippoorwhil in the front of my house!
How is Belle this morning?
so, Dirty Turdy Hussy Birdy has clearly been perched in the tree all night....NOT attacking Belle. Sleeping soundly tucked in Belle. Odd. Gets stranger every day.
Waiting for live feed this morning--running slow for anyone else?
Properly picking any tiny leftovers that might be in nest.
looks like she has found some nestovers...
Yep cause you could see Trudy eating.
When we watched them Sunday, it just seemed like a waiting game, a standoff at times. Turdy would just perch in the tree, grooming, looking around, once she hopped down closer to the nest and just sat there staring at Belle. She doesn't seem super aggressive, which is a good thing.
Jennifer...oh my is that right? I had no trouble this AM with the feed. Trudy is in the nest, she fell right in a nano second after Belle woke and flew out a few minutes ago.
My live feed is working okay this morning.
and she's gone on her own
Mine was choppy but is is okay now. It is going to suck so bad if this eagle takes over our nest.
She left, come home Belle!!!
Trudy flew out of nest into the tree.
Intruder flew out off the back of nest.
OK, I've had some pain issues that kept me up last night. Need to try to get a couple hours sleep before I head to work. BBL
Just seen a shadow flew over right side of nest.
There went somebody zooming by the nest
All I can get is the OC site with the words EAGLECAM and big blank area no picture!
Try clearing out your computer history, cookies, etc. And opening the cam page all over again.
U can surely see how a passerby or someone who doesn't know B and L could observe and think all was well at the nest. It APPEARS so by the nest activity. This is just crazy!!
Ok, it's shower time. Bbl
Thanks for the help--had to shut down and start all over again
Best wishes for a good day everyone
Prayers for many things that are buried in the past few days' posts
Bless This Nest...
see you from work, maybe
xoxo ♥
Morning Magpie!
Do ya think maybe Belle is collecting rent from this bird or something?
Good morning, all! An active start to the day. I'm glad Belle got some rest last night. It looks like she's going to need all her strength again today. Hopefully, she's having a big breakfast.
Good Morning! and I hope she's with Liberty soaring high and just being together. Belle needs the comfort only Lib can give her right now.
Hi! How long has the nest been MT?
Good Morning!
Here's Trudy again.....
Turdy juest flew in, moving a stick
I hope you are right fuzzleMa. I must get ready for work. Will not be able to see this all day. Good luck Belle. You have to keep your nest, territory and Lib!
Rocking, if you are using FF, enlarge your window and refresh
Well I c T brought a stick n and rearranging things.
This bird has moved right in. This is very concerning to me.
Is Intruder's name Trudy or Turdy now? I've seen this a few times. Just checking.
OMG!!! That's Trudy in the nest!!! Isn't it?
I see the dots on her head!!!!
Call this bird whatever you want, I just want her gone.
intruder flew out
TURDY
I think she brought that small tiny stick at 6
she just flew off to the left
I changed my pic again.......need an eagle pic for my HEART!
Thank goodness she appears to be leaving Paddy and the egg alone
Paddy and the egg are covered up again?
She's not getting the message at all, but I think Belle isn't being agressive enough. This is incredible. It's almost as if they're taking turns with the nest.
If Lib and Belle are not at the nest, I hope they are somewhere together.
Yes, Geula, she buried them deep this time.
Looks like a Menage a trois could be in the making!
GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE...
It looks like Trudy has prevailed in the survival of the fittest and in keeping with the reality of life in the wild. We will always mourn the loss we've suffered, but must adjust if this is the eagle we'll be following as time goes on. Who knows ? Belle herself may have done this very same thing in her early adulthood, for some research tells me it's a common behavior. Apparently this same scenario is being played out in many places, it's just that most don't have cameras and followers. I'm going to stop thinking of her as Hussy, Turdy.....though the name Trudy will most certainly stick. I may be all wet and we'll see Belle and Lib regroup and escort this young lady away---can't help but hope so !
Good Morning Wanda.
Is tonight Food Bank Night?
I think Belle is getting food and will return.
No way this is over, turdy may be playing around in the nest, but Belle hasn't given up yet. Just wait and see.
I am certainly not ready to concede that this juvenile has taken over the nest, certainly not. I pray and pray that our couple gets it together and regains their territory. They are inexperienced with this and maybe they just need to get their bearings.
Paula just told me the NBG Intruer story on Sunday. It can't be too soon for these two to end up back in the nest together and to see Turdy banished forever like down south.
Just checking in before school.
Based on a quick read of Kay IM's post, the wording reads as if she is saying Belle has joined Paddy in eagle heaven...if this is known, please say so.
Morning, Lori...yes Soup Kitchen this evening:)
No Belle is still here, Judie.
NO NO JUDIE! Belle was in the nest until a little while ago!! She is fine!
Judie...we have to keep believing that everything will be back to normal in a day or two. We CAN'T JUST GIVE UP...positive thoughts!
Have a good day at school:)
I don't think the fight is over yet...
Geula, if you are still on here...our Pastor is in the Holy Land right now on a tour. Can hear bombs or gunfire or both. We a very concerned for his safety. Can you hear anything?
Better do a re-read of my post, Judie. I said no such thing. This morning Belle has left the nest and Trudy has arrived. She has been rearranging the branches and nesting material as if the nest now belongs to her. As I said, we can all hope Belle and Lib return to claim their nest, but we'd better be ready for new tenants, just in case. This is a very natural phenomenon. I have watched this nest for two years and am just as fond of Belle and Lib and their eaglets as anyone !
I'm wondering how the scenario played out in Ca. before the 2 females and 1 male decided to become a Menage a trois and all tended the nest together?
Wanda, the WE nest was a threesome before the most current male joined it. No battles when he arrived.
I don't know about the original threesome however. The 2 females were hacktower mates, so they may have felt like sisters.
This isn't the first time SHE has rearranged the nest. Yesterday Belle Flew in with a head-but
Yes, we have seen her move twigs several times.
At present though, she does not have a mate that we have seen.
Oh, yes, Paula, I remember now that the females were Hack Mates and were probably joined at the hip...er...wing:) Wonder how long the 3 of them were together?
Very interesting situation at WE.
Good morning everyone. This feels like a good day for a resolution, what ever that may be. (((faith))) Hope for a solution for these 3 fine eagles while respectively morning the lose of Paddy.
Paula,
Do you think one of them is watching the nest from up in the tree?
Good morning. Just checking in. I have much to do today.
The nest is empty right now.
I read back to the top of this page, but can't do any more right now.
Have a good day!
Good morning... Re: 6:30'ish comments: I saw Dirty Turdy Hussy Birdie trying to re-arrange logs yesterday, too. The nerve of her... :(
Have to get some work done here in my office. I'll check back later.
Lori, didn't hear any cries out on that last visit. I don't think Lib or Belle are nearby.
I would guess the real battle will take place off the nest, now that Belle has Paddy and egg safely tucked away.
West End Nest info
The West End nest was first established in 1991. It is very unusual because three eagles (two females and a male) have been cooperatively breeding there since 1992. Dr. Sharpe feels that Dianna and Wray consider themselves to be sisters, since they were released from the same hacktower at the same time. The original male disappeared in the spring of 2006 and was replaced by the young male, 01.
Dianna disappeared in March 2008, I can't recall off the top of my head. She hasn't been spotted since then.
Yes, Dianna has been gone since March 2008
Thanks for update Paula. I can't have sound up during this part of my job.
Thanks for that info, Paula. I guess that goes to show you that Menage a trois just doesn't work in the birdworld or humans.
Caltrans had their first chick hatch, I believe it was yesterday
TH is down to one egg :( Expected hatch date 3/24 or 3/28, since it is not known which egg was lost
Wanda, no one thinks Dianna was driven away, she was there one day and not the next. I think most people think she passed away.
New to all of this I have a question. Is is possible Belle is back with Liberty and won't return to the nest? They leave the nest once the eaglets have gone...is that right?
Gotta get going now.
Enjoy the sun - rain coming tonight to Mid Atlantic.
Keep up the great posting and details.
I sure hope to see Belle in the nest, Lib too, no Trudy, this afternoon.
Take care.
Well, this quiet empty nest is certainly not what I thought I would be watching this time of year. My heart is so heavy with the loss of it all. So heavy.
Good morning everyone. I see Turdy is being bad again. What will we see today? Only the shadow knows. lol
Trying to watch the NBG cam this morning. Haven't watched any other cam since all this began.
Hello All - Still reading but wanted you to know I am up/running - well not really running. I see the MT nest and need to read - so happy you morning peeps are here. ♥
Christine, they may not be visible in the nest but they stay in the area year round.
I was so anxious to see photos from nest visit of Lori, Paula, Scott and Megan. Scott gave directions to view his photos, but all I could find were Advertisements for his Studio.
Can anyone advise me...I know some of you saw the photos...my blonde roots are showing again;)
Hmmmmm....has anyone noticed that Yahoo changed the lay-out of the page a bit today? Mail link is now in upper left corner.
Email from Chrissy.........Scottish Wildlife Trust is NOT turning on the webcams.....big shake-up there; blog had already been discontinued. Now no cam to know if Isla returns. Needless to say, she is heartsick as are all who await the new season to find out if the Lady of the Loch has survived. So very sad.
She is also suffering with us on our tragedy.
@Costume Hi, the link is http://home.vaphoto.com and then go into the Raptor gallery at the top of that page. Photos 32-51 in that gallery are of NCTC. Let me know if you have any problems.
Great, now there's a little sparrow or something walking around the nest.....
Chrissy is getting hit very hard emotionally - Isla was her enjoyment. It is the 22nd and man what a heartbreaker because Isla's date to return was tomorrow.
I am thinking about Delphia and
praying for her biopsy to be benign
When I went to publish my first comment it bounced me over to enter my user/password. Held my breath until I came back in and my long comment was here.
Wanda, Scott's pics, as well as John's, are in albums on our Yahoo page! Jo made them each their own album on first page.
Praying for Delphia's biopsy to be benign as well! Good morning everyone! Feeding the chicks at NGB.
Make that NBG! Little dyslexic this morning!
Good morning! Jo posts and then reads the blog. I read the blog and then post. ☺
Was telling Jack last night when we went to bed about Dirty Turdy Hussy Birdy. He relied, "Can't you get Slut in there somewhere?" So, I went to sleep with a smile on my face, thinking Slutty Dirty Turdy Hussy Birdy. Now say that 5 times fast!
I just saw Chrissy's email. I know that is hard on her, she loves them so!!
I was thinking that much of the battle for the nest may not play out in the nest. We may never really know what happens.
Good morning everyone. (((groups))) thinking about all of you.
Make it a good day is a good thought. I will try to follow my suggestion now :-)
Oh, poor Chrissy! Need to email her. That is so frustrating that they turned the cam off and they will never know. I bet folks will be out with binoculars if possible.
Well, just saw a Mockingbird on the cam. He is singing away.
Song of the day. . .
How neat is that to listen to him sing!
Got a happy mocking bird nearby.
Prayers for Delphia. Hope she gets the results fast.
There is a song bird singing to us at the nest. Wonder what kind it is?
Oh Sissy, it is your favorite bird singing to you! A mockingbird.
@Lolly - Thanks for the much needed laugh this morning. :)
I'm still here watching and reading, but I really need to get some things done at home cleaning wise at some point & my boys are off school this week so I may have to take a break. I'll catch up on things later on this evening.
Song made me cry Sher. Really, really do need some good news. I told Tom last night, I could use a good stupid movie that makes me laugh so hard I cry. I am tired of being sad and heartbroken!!
LOL at the mockingbird!!
Jo, sure would be a relief if they can tell Delphia something encouraging today....the wait for results is a very disconcerting time.
Maria, small birds visit the nest frequently! No concern.
Good Morning Momsters and Dadsters! I hope things work well at the nest today and Belle finally chases that dirty turdy birdy from here to eternity. Looks like I am going to have to work hard today so will not be able to join in much but will try to check in when I can.
Someone in tree!
Eagle just landed in upper branch and I hear Belle a talkin'- but not close enough to be the one in the tree -
SAw a shadow go over the nest, think it landed in tree- big shadow- keep watching- gotta run
Someone is on the cam or right at it.
Hedgie, I'm sure they do, just seems like everyone is helping themselves to this nest lately. lol
Oh, Sissy, great song-----and I love Anne Murray!! When I was young, people used to say I looked like her!
I wish I could be on the ground there to see what's going on.......this is frustrating
Sharon thanks for The Song
Keep The Faith
ROFL Lolly, Jack is just so thoughtful! My grandmother would have said The Little Rip !
Appears that I have lost THREE of my forsythias...:( only have 5....makes me unhappy.
My gal Carolyn (Jewels) is taking me grocery shopping this afternoon. She will also move the dog crate to the basement----I need to go down and make room for it. I think stacking it on top of theother one is the most space-economical. Just have to move the stuff on top of it.
Sharon, just listened to the song. Very appropriate! Yes, I like Anne Murray, too!
Lynn, are you going to eventually consider another dog? I hope so. Maybe a smaller, adult dog?
I wish a siren would sound as soon as any feetsies touch any part of the nest so we would know to watch.
I need food
BBILW
Now if you want to smile and feel good watch Lily and family. Those little cub feet will make you feel good!!!!!☺
Saw Scott and John's photos. NICE:)
No one got Lib on film. I thought they saw him. Need to know that he is OK. Paula?
Gotta get to work...BBL
Get away from this site for awhile...it is good for your sanity!
Lolly, love your tongue twister!
Just watching and waiting here to see what happens
Okay, so try this one
not a link
I have been over in album 3/01 to 3/31 adding pictures to bring it up to date. Last picture added is 6:56am Belle has chased Trudy out of nest again 3 22 2011.
If anyone has pictures after that time please add them to the album. I wasn't here but I see your comments show Trudy came back into nest after 6:56am. So please add any pictures like I said after 6:56am 3 22 2011. Thank you.
There ya go Sis-O-Mine!!
can't read backwards right now
am watching our nest, and also BWO - watching a pair of lovely ospreys bringing in sticks and having fun
wish I could be more polite
Good Morning ! xoxo
I have pics of Lib as well as Lori, just haven't had a chance to post them yet, will try to do that tonight. I did at least get to look at them last night.
Lori has pictures of the eagle perched in a nearby tree that we thought was Liberty. I think she hasn't had a chance to post them yet.
Morning, Margy!
I love you. You love me. We're a happy family. With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you, won't you say you love me too? I love you!!
:-)
Just heard something at the cam.
Laurel should watch the bear cam. She could relate. Lily is trying to sleep and Hope wants to play. One reason Laurel likes to visit home is so she can sleep in and the boys will not bother her. LOL
Keep it up, Sharon! You will make yourself feel better soon. Stole your song on fb and shared it!
Going to leave this morning to get my do done. Something will happen while I am gone, so be prepared.
Will be leaving in a little over an hour.
Decided everyone was probably tired of my mug and have gone back to my old avatar. Maybe this will help everyone! Hope so!
Good morning, all. This is Kathi at work.
I have a favor to ask: since I can't be reading all posts at work today (or the rest of the week), can you type the updates (Turdy in nest, etc.) in CAPS so I can quickly see what's going on?
If you don't want to do this, I totally understand. My heart is with all of you and Lib & Belle today. Praying for the quick exit of the eagle formerly known as Trudy!!!!
I just wanted to pop in and say thanks again to all of you who continually give us updates and info on the eagle soap opera. I come here to get my "fix" on what is going on with the trio. I feel lost right now because I am at work with no visuals. I can't seem to pick up the video here. But it looks like not much is going on at the nest anyway?:(
Eagle in the nest, It's Belle or Lib....has a fish?
Is that Belle eating in the nest?
Belle or Lib with a fresh fish?
It ain't TURDY!
Yay, Belle's back! :)
Broad shoulders - I say Belle and in customary fashion, she always seems to start at the head - she's so neat about it -
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