Friday, February 06, 2015

Friday

Here's a note I got from Dr. Jim Siegel on my staff about the nest visitor yesterday.  Jim has studied sanderlings, scrub jays, great blue herons, brown creepers, hermit thrushes, and a few others pretty intimately,  including their territorial, reproductive and feeding behavior. Observing eagles is a hobby for him, so here are his thoughts:


"Birds are instinctual creatures.  If the male is bringing in fish without young in the nest (Feb 4) , he is provisioning the female - feeding her as if she cannot leave the eggs or young and making sure she is fit and healthy to reproduce.  The fish may have attracted the sub-adult (Feb 5) 

I am not convinced the sub-adult is a fledgling from 3 years ago just hanging out and visiting its parents.  Fledglings of long-lived predatory birds have to disperse widely from home or  they will be constantly competing with their parents who may live for decades in the same place.  Every young born cannot stay home and wait for their parents to die; they may end up waiting for years.  They will compete with their parents (and the new nestlings) for food and space every year. And every year more young competitors are reared.  The gene line loses in that case. 

Eagles don't live in family groups - none of the predatory birds do.  But jays and crows do and these birds try to live at the borders of their parents territory, hoping someone will either die or they find another unoccupied territory nearby that they already know well due to its proximity to their natal territory.  Longevity: 6-7 years for jays and up to 20 years for crows.  Most small songbirds only live 3-4 years at most.    

If the sub-adult bird (I don't know perhaps 2-3 years old?) acts juvenile enough, the male or even the female may act as if the sub-adult is the bird they, in their tiny bird brains, are thinking (?) they have hatched out of the eggs that have not even been laid yet.  They may feed him or tolerate him as if he was their 2015 fledgling! This before those 2015 fledglings even exist.  Its hormonal not rational.

That is why you get chicken hens brooding kittens, and songbird feeding gaping goldfish mouths in a backyard pond. And lions that try to care for young antelope. Maternal and paternal Instinct takes over and strange things happen.

The other possibility is that subadult is trying to displace the adult male or female bird. It is not likely, but it is possible, that the sub-adult is in better physical condition than one of the adults, and although sub-adult in plumage, it is masculine or feminine enough in its genetic fitness to convince the rival bird and its opposite sex, that it is a potential viable territory holder and mate.

I am learning stuff from these birds all the time."


New thread

578 comments:

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Sandi said...

Belle takes off first, then Shep.

Sandi said...

One just returned with another stick, which was added to the rails at the 11 position. Shep I think?

Sandi said...

Poof.

I was just reading on the Blackwater site that they have been in discussions with an organization called WildEarth.tv about having live streaming in place for next eagle season! How exciting for them - hope it happens! They will be on hatch-watch by the middle of this coming week and here we are still on egg-watch!

Judie said...

Good morning.

Seems as though there has been some activity at the nest this morning. Nest is currently MT.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day.

magpie said...

And Wishing YOU a Wonderful Day, Judie.....your avatar, well, is just not there...maybe one of your Very Fine Cardinals would be Ennervating !!

xoxoxo Lovins' and(( HUGS ))

magpie said...

It is calming and joyful to see the many Avatars here, always has been....

I don't change mine much...am pretty happy with this Yellow-Billed Magpie which Paula sent to me "years ago" -

I have not seen any Eagles this morning, and only heard the Crows a few minutes ago....

Best Wishes for a Super Saturday for all...

"Bon Samedi."

(this is James the Wise Kidster day for me....heading out for that pretty soon...)

God Bless This Nest, and
God Bless Us, Every One xoxo ♥

magpie said...

Aren't those "Browns" Rich and Beautiful at the Sycamore Palace !

Hoda said...

Well it is VERY MILD!!! As a matter of fact we are having a thaw! Actually we are now having flood and avalanche warnings. Yesterday I wore a rain coat! Ugh! WHERE IS MY WINTER?
Ski clinic was cancelled for today because of the weather conditions. It will be this way for at least a week!!! I am thinking of taking out my bicycle if I can not ski!!!

Going to Aqua Fit in an hour and then two yoga sessions today since I can not ski...

I love my juicer...

Could Belle be too old to lay an egg? I had to ask because it crossed my mind several times. Any one have any thoughts on this question?

Yes SANDI PAULA is the one who enters egg laying dates.

I just head my fresh squeezed vegetable juice for this morning...kale, celery, ginger, beets, carrot, and an apple...yum. very delicious.
Now for my tea...

MARGY VERY VERY VERY good to see you.
Enjoy your day.
Miss you much when you are not on here...

stronghunter said...

Good morning,

Checking in. Was hoping to see an egg, but maybe later.

Nice to see Margy here this morning.

Eagle in!!!

stronghunter said...

Shep, I believe.

stronghunter said...

Moving a large stick.

stronghunter said...

Both there now.

stronghunter said...

Nestorations taking place.

Mema Jo said...

Good morning to all ♥
Great to see all of you here but
my heart dropped when I saw the MT nest - the no egg nest - then in comes the Royal Couple. Thanks Jerry and Sandy for tracking the nest activity ♥
Enjoy your 'James day' Margy.

Both still in the nest.

stronghunter said...

Poof Belle.

stronghunter said...

Good morning, Jo.

stronghunter said...

Both there now.

Moving flugg.

stronghunter said...

Stick moving.

Flugg arranging.

I think they are putting on the final touches.

stronghunter said...

Poof one. I think it was Belle.

Was back reading info Sandi and Jerry posted earlier this morning. The royal couple definitely spending lots of time in the nest.

Hoda, I do not know how old an eagle has to be before she is too old to lay eggs. Not even sure how old Belle is. I am hoping all is fine.

stronghunter said...

And back.

Two in the nest.

stronghunter said...

Put out some peanuts earlier this morning and caused blue jay madness. I need to make a video next time. It is almost scary.

stronghunter said...

I don't think the squirrels stand a chance.

stronghunter said...

Belle and Shep sitting side-by-side in the nest. Lovely scene.

stronghunter said...

HP

stronghunter said...

Eagle talk and one poof.

Sounds like crows in the area.

Hoda said...

This from a search I did on my question regarding Belle's age and laying eggs.

Q. How many eggs does an average bald eagle lay in a lifetime?
A. The average bald eagle clutch size is just under 2 eggs/clutch (1.9). If we assume that a female eagle begins nesting at age 5, and lives until she is 25, she will have 20 years of egg-laying. There is no evidence that a healthy eagle reduces egg-laying as she gets older. So 2 eggs/year X 20 years = 40 eggs in her lifetime.

stronghunter said...

Still one in the nest. On edge at about 5:00.

stronghunter said...

Thanks, Hoda. Good information.

stronghunter said...

So it sounds like we are okay for more eggs.

Mema Jo said...

Good morning Shirley
I am forcing myself away from the cam until I take all my meds and eat my breakfast = hard to do.

Mema Jo said...

Our nest really looks great - the crib rails and the flooring all in place.

Lolly said...

Good morning! Have read the paper and watched our Eagles. Saw the hp! Now how about an egg?

Leaving to eat a quick bite and then we are off! Just send a message on the fb blog if we get an egg.

Have a great day!😘

stronghunter said...

Good morning, Jo.

Not much happening right now. One eagle in the nest, just sitting near the tree trunk at the 5:00 position. Seems to be surveying the area.

stronghunter said...

Yes, everything looks ready for babies.

stronghunter said...

Have a good day, Lolly.

stronghunter said...

I hope you are enjoying James time by now, Margy.

Kathryn and Hunter will soon be heading out for Saturday adventures. Thinking about maybe spring football in addition to baseball. Also looking into the chess club. Hmm, that's a lot of stuff. Football was disappointing last fall, and this is the same coach. Not sure if it will work out. Coaches actually tried very hard, but the parents did not support the team, so we will have to see.

Kay said...

Good Morning Eagle Buds!!!

It tickles me pink to open up for the day and find our eagles in residence! I'll be tickled even pinker when there is an egg along with them!

HODA, thanks for posting eagle stats. There is a pair on Vancouver Island that is reported to be in their thirties and still producing. As to Belle's age, I wonder if anyone can guess. According to the natural order of eagledom there will come a day when a young adult eagle will "invade" and Belle will be outsted, as Mother Nature knows when it's time for retirement of Wildlife. We will be very upset, but it is within the grand design. I'm hoping that day is far, far off!

We're having a thaw here, too! I'm sure our local cross country skiers are not happy with it, but I sure am! Time to get rid of the ice buildup and leftover snow before the next onslaught of Winter!

Seth is home today to help Julie with Meals on Wheels---he's writing a paper on it for some class or other. I won't know til' early afternoon if he's go be here tonight or if he's returning to campus. My Kroger list is incomplete til' I know.

Hmmm, a little talking going on--can't tell which eagle is branching at the edge of the nest. No snow left there--yeah!!!

Love reading all posts! Love and prayers for all in need!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

stronghunter said...

Some eagle calls. Sounds like whichever one it is is summoning the other one. I cannot see much, so I do not know which one is at the nest.

stronghunter said...

Forty eggs would produce a lot of offspring, Hoda. I know that the survival rate of young eagles is not too high, but it is encouraging for the future of eagles that one eagle pair can produce 40 eggs.

stronghunter said...

Looks like there might be a sycamore ball in the crib rails. At about 2:00. Almost looks like a face looking out at us.

Lynne2 said...

Good morning!

Well I can't get the cam to run more than a minute but just long enough to see an eagle hiding under the branch and NOT laying an egg.

stronghunter said...

Oh, Lynne2. Sorry you can't get the cam to cooperate this morning. That eagle has been sitting there a long time giving out soft eagle calls.

stronghunter said...

I am using IE and, so far, it is working fine. I have the blog on Google Chrome because I haven't found a way to have two windows open on IE.

Mema Jo said...

Nest is completely unguarded
Eagle at 5 on the rail just Poofed

Perhaps they are up in the attic

stronghunter said...

Nest ET.

stronghunter said...

Missed the poof, Jo. Good you were watching. Hoping they will be back soon.

stronghunter said...

Meant to say MT. :)

Mema Jo said...

Belle would almost be 15 - 16 years old.. this is assuming she was 5 with the first eggs in 2006.

stronghunter said...

So, in eagle years, she is not all that old.

Mema Jo said...


BBILW

stronghunter said...

I just put out some more peanuts. The blue jays seem to have eaten their fill, so maybe some of the other critters will have a chance. Titmice and squirrels like them too--unshelled peanuts.

The blue jays gather in the redwood tree next door and watch for me to put out peanuts. They seem to take turns coming into my tree and hollering at me to hurry up with the goodies. Very bold birds they are.

stronghunter said...

Oh, and now I see a titmouse.

stronghunter said...

Titmice and chickadees.

stronghunter said...

Both eagles in nest.

stronghunter said...

Eating. I did not see them arrive. One eating one in egg cup. Not sure which is which.

stronghunter said...

Think it was Belle eating.

stronghunter said...

Would be very nice to see Blackwater get live streaming, Sandi. I hope it happens.

Both still in nest.

Lots of nest time today. Promising.

stronghunter said...

We can hope that a later egg-laying might mean warmer weather for babies. Maybe.

stronghunter said...

Working on egg cup and settling in there.

stronghunter said...

And up. More flugg moving.

Mema Jo said...

I'm watching them both in the nest

Mema Jo said...

11:51am One went Poof

stronghunter said...

Poof one.

Sandi said...

Hi all. I did a little checking back through old blog threads.

In 2013, eggs were laid on 2/6 and 2/9.

Last year, the first egg wasn't laid until 2/17. I didn't spend enough time looking to find the dates for eggs 2 and 3 but #3 could have been as late as 2/21.

Our eagles sure have spent a lot of time in the nest already today and the nest DOES look ready to go.

Only 1 in the nest now - I think Belle?

stronghunter said...

Not sure either, Sandi.

Checking out the cup.

stronghunter said...

Looks like Belle to me.

stronghunter said...

Sitting in cup.

stronghunter said...

Pretty sure that is Belle. I can see the V.

Mema Jo said...


Whoo Hoo

Belle did a nose dive and is now sitting pretty in the egg cup

stronghunter said...

:) Hi Jo. Keeping my fingers crossed.

stronghunter said...

Maybe she will spend tonight in the nest.

Mema Jo said...


Is she faking us out

I think she may be standing - maybe not

stronghunter said...

She moved out of the egg cup. Geesh, Belle.

stronghunter said...

After noon. I need to find some food for myself.

Mema Jo said...


Is everyone "PUSHING"

for Belle lol

stronghunter said...

PUSH IT!!!!!

Mema Jo said...


Deb Stecyk is recording!

Mema Jo said...

Trying to keep pics current in our album

JudyEddy said...

1215punchtime hello onb lunch need to catch us lots ofcomments

JudyEddy said...

as often as the mated yesterday we sould have half a dozen LOL

Mema Jo said...

I hope those upward glances are for
Shep

stronghunter said...

Me, too, Jo. :)

JudyEddy said...

seems to be a uneventful day at the nest so far no visitors

stronghunter said...

Judy, do you get a 30-minute lunch?

stronghunter said...

Uneventful is nice if it means no intruders. There has been a lot of nestorations and one HP event, though.

Mema Jo said...

Does your sound fade in and out OR
isn't it windy all the time ?

stronghunter said...

I am not getting sound right now, Jo.

stronghunter said...

Well, maybe. I hear birds, but not a lot of wind.

Mema Jo said...

No What

She is up

I didn't see it happen

Mema Jo said...

Something distracted her

stronghunter said...

She is just sitting there. But not in the egg cup.

stronghunter said...

But she has been in the nest for a long time.

stronghunter said...

She looked up and is moving towards the cup.

I bet Shep is in the attic.

Settling into the cup.

JudyEddy said...

back in cup

JudyEddy said...

back in cup

stronghunter said...

Hearing more wind now. Not really loud, though.

Mema Jo said...

Do you see her now

Sorta got up
did some nestorations
pulling some flugg up around her

Oh My

I really need some lunch but I am afraid to move .......

stronghunter said...

I heated leftover spaghetti and green beans and found some lemonade. Wish I could share with you, Jo.

Mema Jo said...

Belle is up eating

stronghunter said...

I think she is just getting ready, but it will be awhile.

stronghunter said...

Kathryn and Hunter finally left after much discussion about the upcoming sports season. Spring football? Baseball? Both? Where are the red football pants?

stronghunter said...

Belle is snacking. I am feeling like she is getting ready for egg-laying.

JudyEddy said...

BACK IN THE BOWL BELLE AND PUSH

stronghunter said...

The crows are doing a lot of hollering in the background and the wind continues to pick up.

stronghunter said...

Looks to me like it is cloudy there. I do not see shadows. It's sunny here.

JudyEddy said...

She ducking??????

Mema Jo said...

Something is overhead

I hope it is Shep

JudyEddy said...

Can froze on me

stronghunter said...

And poof.

stronghunter said...

Cam shake.

JudyEddy said...

Keep loosing can on laptop pooffffff

Mema Jo said...

MT NEST

We are playing games again

Im getting lunch!

JudyEddy said...

Check Google

stronghunter said...

I think she circled back and landed on the cam, Judy.

JudyEddy said...

Heading back to time clock Angie party is after work Adults only

stronghunter said...

Laura Ingalls Wilder--148th birthday. Nice one, Judy.

stronghunter said...

Hope you are enjoying a nice lunch, Jo.

Mema Jo said...

Shirley - only as good as a Bologna
sandwich can be! lol

What are you going to do with your MT house today ?

WVJerry said...

I see nest is MT. Good afternoon. On lunch break...will be last chance to watch today. Talk later.

stronghunter said...

Sounds like something quick so you can get back to watching, Jo.

House is not empty now. They went over to talk to the football people and came right back. Kathryn is cooking some bratwurst, but I'm not hungry since I had spaghetti. Hunter is up showering and getting ready for some more adventures. I'm not sure what all they're going to do next.

I might try to do a bit of cleaning when they depart.

stronghunter said...

Wish I could practice bowling, but think I need to wait awhile for that.

stronghunter said...

I am allowed two free games every week, and I am missing out. They expire. But it would not help me to get my knee all in a mess again.

stronghunter said...

Nest MT.

Mema Jo said...

I think you are using good judgement about the knee and bowling practice.
I would favor it a bit longer.

I was sorry to hear that Sharon has had pain since her Hip replacement.
Not sure how Tori is doing.

I am going to get off of here for a little while

BBL

Unknown said...

Hi everyone! I am busy with work and admin of another WCV FB poage, But I will be back here when things start to happen with our nest. Belle and Sheop and still #1 for me! And I am following the activity. Soon.....

Hoda said...

MT Nest...
Left over food.
My desk top does not stay on for very long! Ugh!

Hoda said...

The longest my cam stays on is 50 seconds! I will try my iphone and see what happens

Mema Jo said...

Hi Lydia ! Take care and BTW I love your cardinal pics on FB - really good photos.
We'll see you soon - I hope things begin to happen very soon. ♥

JudyEddy said...

My can has been up on tablet. On Angie desktop keep going down

JudyEddy said...

Cam. Not can

JudyEddy said...

Odd on tablet I have NO time counter also no volume

Ms Bookworm said...

Hi, Gang,
Golly, no egg yet!! Sure hope Belle gets busy soon. Wonder if the extra cold temperatures have anything to do with the delay.

Nothing much happening here today, except that Ken made some brownies (not the kind Hoda allegedly makes). We found a box of sugar-free brownie mix, and decided to make it before it got too old and stale. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Going to go watch some recorded TV shows with Ken, so we can delete them and make room for more shows. Will be back later.
Have a great day, everyone! I ♥ us!!!

Mema Jo said...

Are there some Momsters on here that are watching the darkness coming in upon our MT nest !!

Raise your hand if you are ♥ lol

Mema Jo said...

My Live Feed Sound is NOT there.
It was this morning and early afternoon.

Our Royal Couple is really twitching my nerves...

Sandi said...

My hand is raised, Jo! I am disappointed - the morning looked so promising!

I have sound (I think) but the wind has died down. The live feed kept crashing during the early afternoon, but mine has been running for over 2 hours now on my laptop.

Dogs have been fed - people food is fixed. Guess we'll eat and watch some more TV since there is no entertainment at the nest.

Maybe tomorrow ...

Sandi said...

Live feed has switched to black and white for the night.

Margy, hope you had a great day with James!

Lydia, good to see you on the blog today - please come back more often!

Judy, are you attending Angie's party or Jordyn sitting?

JudyEddy said...

Eagli in

Sandi said...

Eagle in! I DO have sound - heard the landing.

JudyEddy said...

Shake cam

Sandi said...

Both now!

Mema Jo said...

6:00 sharp

eagles both in

JudyEddy said...

Flew off w something

JudyEddy said...

Poof both

Mema Jo said...

HOLY COW !
They are gone.............


stronghunter said...

Yes, they are gone, Jo.

I have critters asking for their dinner. I have gotten nothing done around here today. Need to do something. First, I must feed the pets.

Nest is pretty dark, but I can see that it is empty. Shucks.

JudyEddy said...

Gonna go party see ya


Angie b day party

stronghunter said...

I don't think they are likely to return now that it is dark.

stronghunter said...

Nice to see that Lydia was here. :)

stronghunter said...

Must find food . . .

Mema Jo said...

Guess I best check what is on TV this evening! lol

BBL

JudyEddy said...

Sauces has a EGG

Unknown said...

Thanks Memeo Jo! Yep, the ation will start soon. Betcha first egg will be here by this next weekend :)

stronghunter said...

Listening for the fox.

Lolly said...

So, not eagle I. The nest at sunset

Had a great day! Went to Joseph's 11 o'clock game, then Jacob's game at 1 and then rushed to Joseph's game at 2! It was loss, win, win!

Basketball is almost over, then Joseph starts soccer and has track, and Jacob is going to play spring basketball. No rest for the weary Mommy!😳

Just baked a cake for covered dish lunch at church tomorrow.


JudyEddy said...

Lolly we did have a quickie at 601 to 605
Chilling outside for a bit

Judie said...

Perhaps tomorrow/tomorrow night will bring a future eggbert.

Restful sleep for all.

Mema Jo said...

I am going to sit in my recliner
I usually dose off - nothing interesting on TV - makes it seem like a long day.

If I don't return

Goodnight to all and God Bless ♥

Lolly said...

Well, I am ready for bed😄. Have the comfy Jammies on, under my lap blanket and reading! Two hours of reading ahead of me if I do not fall asleep here in my chair!

Night all! SED!

stronghunter said...

Must say good night. Eyes watering.

SED.

Hoda said...

Goodnight.
God Bless Us All

JudyEddy said...

GoodMorningEagle Buds

Sandi said...

Goodorming Judy and all my eagle friends.

Nest is too dark to see anything yet.

Tennis for me this morning at 9am.

Temps are supposed to get into the 50s today - my kind of winter weather.

Hoping for an egg today - have a great day everyone.

Sandi said...

Eagle in! Can just barely see but I heard the landing.

Sandi said...

Oh, it looks like both arrived - I see 2 white heads.

grannyblt said...

Good morning Sandi. I'm watching with you. See two white heads

WVJerry said...

Good morning Sandi and gb. Been watching with you both.

Sandi said...

Good morning Lynne & Jerry!

Color on the cam. Shep is gone but Belle is calmly settled in the middle of the nest.

WVJerry said...

Hi Sandi. I didn't get good early view. Has Belle been in same spot? Thanks for early reporting too.

WVJerry said...

Both in now.

Mema Jo said...

Good Sunday morning to all you Early Birds.
Happy sight to see them both in our nest.
I haven't analyzed the situation lol
I can't tell if Belle is sitting or standing

One went Poof

WVJerry said...

Just one now.

WVJerry said...

Good morning Jo. Good to see you.

WVJerry said...

Two now.

Mema Jo said...

Shep up on rail at 10 position
Belle standing and there may be a distraction as she stand over at
3 position looking out.

Mema Jo said...

Shep went poof
Belle still standing like she is on guard.....

WVJerry said...

Sounds like crows hanging around. Only one in now.

Mema Jo said...

Belle sitting on railing at 5 position

stronghunter said...

Good morning,

I see Bell there by the tree trunk.

stronghunter said...

Don't let me forget to pay the mortgage today, folks.

stronghunter said...

Sounds like she is calling to Shep.

Mema Jo said...

I didn't have my sound turned on
Didn't want to wake hubby up

WVJerry said...

Hi Shirley. Two in now.

Mema Jo said...

Return
Now both in nest

Mema Jo said...

Out again

Going to be a busy day at the nest

Mema Jo said...

Jerry - Shirley

Getting a cup of coffee ..

WVJerry said...

OK. One back in.

Mema Jo said...


MT NEST

Very pretty fly out

WVJerry said...

I was going to work outside some today...hoping it does warm up.

stronghunter said...

Got the dishwasher going. Will need more coffee soon.

Woodpecker saying "good morning" in his woodpecker way. There is very little wood on the outside of this house, but the woodpecker just pecks away.

stronghunter said...

Nest MT.

WVJerry said...

One back in.

WVJerry said...

Both in now.

Mema Jo said...

Jerry it looks like rain could happen on this side of the mountain.

I was eating breakfast - didn't realize they were back
This could go on all day!
Really exhausting - in/out in/out

WVJerry said...

Jo I agree. Probably same weather here. Only one now.

WVJerry said...

Gotta step away for a few.

Janet said...

morning. looks as if we are heading towards another split...and we all wait.

egg. egg. egg. we silently chant. egg. egg. egg. and belle takes her time. she knows. we wait.

cloudy morning here in nashvegas. after work yesterday had a quiet day reading and relaxing. today planning a semi lazy day.

tulips and daffodils are greeting the late winter days....lots of green popping up in the flower garden. :)

have a great day to all! (((hugs)))

Mema Jo said...

They both seem to be on their guard

See you later Jerry

Have a great day, Janet

Mema Jo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mema Jo said...

Get ready for the

400 S P L I T

Mema Jo said...

Are they getting serious yet

Belle in egg cup after pulling some of the flugg near her

WELL Guess Not
she is up again

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3/28/24

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