New Fundraising Campaign
BioDiversity Research Institute announces the beginning of a $50,000 fundraising campaign to support our eagle and contaminant research. Our goal is to raise the funds by the time the chicks fledge in July in order to keep the eagle cam running free of charge, support our eagle research, and help our research on mercury and other contaminants.
To donate please follow this link (your donation to BRI is tax deductible): https://host2.maineserver.com/briloon/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=32
Or call 1-888-749-Loon (5666)
Your support will help us run blood and feather samples collected by Chris DeSorbo for mercury and other contaminants as well as characterize the diet of birds that we have samples from. Here is a link to a summary of his current results.
http://www.briloon.org/documents/BAEA%20Poster%20Desorbo%20et%20al_Hg%20Conf06.pdf
You support will also help up to begin to endow the eaglecam so that we have resources available if the equipment was to fail from a lightening strike or some other cause.
Additionally, your support will help our mercury and contaminant research. At BRI we are conducting mercury research on everything from water to eagles to songbirds to bats. Your support will help us continue and expand this research that recently has been used as the basis from national legislation from both republican and democratic senators and representatives. Here is a link to this research.
http://www.briloon.org/mercury/index.htm
http://www.briloon.org/mercury/hot_spot_bio.htm
A huge thank you to all of you that have supported us. You support has literally kept us online, kept this project free to all, and helped us buy a new computer when we needed it most.
If you are able to donate, please let us know if you would like your name displayed on our website.
Throughout the nesting season, I will keep you up to date on our progress towards our goal.
Thank you.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
To donate please follow this link (your donation to BRI is tax deductible): https://host2.maineserver.com/briloon/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=32
Or call 1-888-749-Loon (5666)
Your support will help us run blood and feather samples collected by Chris DeSorbo for mercury and other contaminants as well as characterize the diet of birds that we have samples from. Here is a link to a summary of his current results.
http://www.briloon.org/documents/BAEA%20Poster%20Desorbo%20et%20al_Hg%20Conf06.pdf
You support will also help up to begin to endow the eaglecam so that we have resources available if the equipment was to fail from a lightening strike or some other cause.
Additionally, your support will help our mercury and contaminant research. At BRI we are conducting mercury research on everything from water to eagles to songbirds to bats. Your support will help us continue and expand this research that recently has been used as the basis from national legislation from both republican and democratic senators and representatives. Here is a link to this research.
http://www.briloon.org/mercury/index.htm
http://www.briloon.org/mercury/hot_spot_bio.htm
A huge thank you to all of you that have supported us. You support has literally kept us online, kept this project free to all, and helped us buy a new computer when we needed it most.
If you are able to donate, please let us know if you would like your name displayed on our website.
Throughout the nesting season, I will keep you up to date on our progress towards our goal.
Thank you.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
posted by Bald Eaglecam at 3:29 PM
57 Comments:
I'll be donating, I've been watching since last year so I figure its about time. Also, I'm curious to know how some people are able to record video of the eagles? Is it special software you have on your computer?
I made a donation of 25.00 I hope this helps a little bit. I'm so amazed at the great work you all are doing! Thank you so much for this experiance!! Wendy in Maine
3/23 6:15pm CDT
Mom just flew in and Dad left but his left talon definitely looks like it is much better. The toes are a little spread out and he is walking better on it with just a little limp now. We're pulling for you Dad!
come on folks every one who watches these amazing eagles can donate something. i just gave what i could, i don't need to go out to dinner this month i'll just spend more time in the kitchen. you all can do it to.PLEASE HELP!!!!!
Mar 23, 2007 8:20PM (EDT)
Thank you for the information about the mercury testing Wing - I know much of it is sent off to (I think) a Texas Lab(?) - so that must be another expense.
Count me in on the support and thanks to you, Chris DeSorbo and others on the team.
Mom hears or sees Dad, so she takes off. Dad flies into the nest with food and she lands right behind him.
He wants to keep this food for himself (thank you) and takes off with his meal.
Mom squawks about his attitude and flies out of the nest to locate him, however, her maternal instincts kick in, and she returns to incubate her eggs - for a short duration.
Did Dad drop his prey? Eat it? I don't believe there is video of that, but I heard that Dad returned to the nest for a short spell.
Here's the video with a couple of "still photographs" of Dad's prey.
http://tinyurl.com/36o6l8
7:40am EDT and at long last I have caught a nest exchange. And now I can really tell who is Mom and who is Dad. Though the sound doesn't work on my computer right now, it was evident that Mom was giving an earful to someone off camera. She then stood up and flew off. Very shortly thereafter Dad landed (on both feet it appeared) and though there was a bit of a limp, seemed to be doing fine settling into the nest. After watching the dressing down Mom appeared to be dishing out, and seeing the size difference between the two, it is no wonder Dad does what he is told!
Mar 24, 2007 9:05am (EDT)
judy m I agree that he seemed to operate on his left foot much better yesterday and the talons weren't balled up. When he left, he placed his foot flat down.
Today (3-24) he flew in much better as well. When I looked in about 10 mins. ago, he changed position in the nest and dutifully turned the eggs.
This is a well seasoned pair of eagles, and they weathered that storm nicely. Where else could you get close and personal with nature, right from the comfort of your own home?
It's very good knowing so many classrooms are viewing this as well.
gigi You're absolutely correct, the tax deduction donations need to flow. The mercury testing is necessary, and not just for the eagles - all those animals and other sea birds as well.
MAR 24, 2007 5:04PM (EDT)
Here's a video of Dad leaving from a long morning of incubating the eggs.
At the beginning of this video, I included profiles (still pictures) of Dad and then Mom from this same video.
Maybe this might help someone when then try to figure out Mom from Dad - you zero in on their beaks to see "Who's Who!"
http://tinyurl.com/32xzdw
Such a beautiful day and sounds of coastal Maine!
Mar 24, 2007 5:10PM (EDT)
memlili That was well said - thanks for the chuckle and light side of the eagles.
Yes, once a Mom, always a Mom - and that includes Dad.
Of course Dad doesn't want to lose her. She produced many offspring from his genes and does it effortlessly (or so it appears).
Harsh, raw nature at times - and they still manage nicely.
I think if we thought about the minutes and hours of enjoyment this site provides, a donation would be the best spent money of the year! Think about how much it costs to see a movie - and that only lasts a couple of hours. Any watchers in NY state? What say we do our part to help sponsor this great cause ! I'll start the kitty with $25
Quick Question: On Saturday morning (3-24-07) 10 to 10:30 AM CST it sounded like a car accident on background sound. Any info on this?
CW
I've been lucky enough to see two nest exchanges, one with dad bringing food. Let's keep this going!!! Give what you can $1, $2,...$100...$500 it doesn't matter. If you log on to the eagle webcam or blog on :]. GIVE I can beg shamelessly and I WILL, this is my only oppurtunity to see and hear these majestic birds. I live in the Detroit area,eagles don't like it here,but thanks to Wing and BRI I can see and hear them! Kudzuarms, Thanks for the mention. To everyone else GIVE, I told you I would BEG.
mom has been gone most of the afternoon
dad calls often, but no response
he may end up minding the nest tonight
eJane
Sunday March 25th
5:24 AM
Mom is sleeping peacefully this morning.
The consensus on "Judy's forum" is that Dad did much better yesterday. He is able to control his foot better, and open and close the toes or talons.
(I'm not sure whether a "talon" is just the nail or claw, or the whole toe, or the whole foot!)
Will posted this videos from yesterday afternoon and evening, trying to catch the nest exchanges and look at the male eagle's use of his foot.
http://media.putfile.com/Maine-Mar-24-07-Pt-2
_________________
Sunday, March 25
I read in this morning's NYTimes that coastal Maine property is in danger of buy-outs for condo's and other waterfront development.
Any of this related to our eagles? (And, of course, other wildlife?)
How can we help?
Here's a link to the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/us/25waterfront.html
Animal-lover in NYC
3/25 7:30 am Sun
Someone on nest with beak open looking around. Camera is now at a different angle. Just see head instead of whole body.
I gave my $50. I challenge others to give same amount so we can keep this wonderful experience going. Thank you.
Can anyone identify the strange noise heard about 11:45 a.m. today(Sunday)?Can anyone tell us why the birds keep their beaks open?
Sunday 3/25 12:00
Sunday
1:34
Eagle flew off the nest
1:36 Nest still without eagle
The bird has its bill open because it is panting. One way that bird's regulate their temp is through their legs. So when they are on eggs and their legs covered they get hot and pant to cool down.
Wing Goodale, BRI
Sunday 5:47 PM
Is anyone else having trouble with the picture? Mine stays on for exactly 10 seconds then freezes. This is very frustrating.
junk02915 Rhode Island
Although I have already made my Eaglecam donation this year, BRI's new fundraising campaign is far more important to the eagles we all love to watch and learn about from Wing and his buddies.
My donation last year and this year was self-based, in so that I could continue to access the eaglecam - without cost. But this new donation I am about to make is for the benefit of these eagles (and all wildlife).
I still remember vividly the painful postings about Dad's injury and how some wished the researchers could do something. By all of us supporting BRI's eagle and contaminant research, we can do something that will benefit the future generations of our special and extraordinary eagle pair.
If you can't give a lot today, give 20 bucks a month, 10 bucks a week, 5 bucks every payday. It all adds up if we all join together!!
-- Liz (W,DC)
3/25/07
6:30pm
Mom leaves and Dad comes in and takes over incubating duties.
I am very happy to say that Dad's left leg looks ALOT better tonight.
His foot was open and he walked much better.
What a relief :o)
Lori
I donated... Have you?
THANK YOU WING FOR THE INFO REGARDING THE BIRDS OPEN BEAK.
THERE WAS A NEST EXCHANGE AT 7:10 P.M.
I COULD NOT SEE HOW DAD WAS MOVING ON HIS LEG. DID ANYONE OBSERVE HIM LANDING AND MOVING TODAY?
HOPE EVERYONE DONATES TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE.
SUNDAY 7:20 P.M.
If you can't give a lot today, give 20 bucks a month, 10 bucks a week, 5 bucks every payday. It all adds up if we all join together!!
-- Liz (W,DC)
If you can't give a lot today,
10 bucks a week
???????? $40.00 a month is not "a lot" to you??????
Monday March 26
A video from Will showing how much Dad has improved. He even put his weight on his leg, at one point, and didn't limp at all.
http://media.putfile.com/Maine-Mar-25-07-PM-Landing
3/25 Have YOU donated yet? Yes,I'm talking to you ,if you are reading this send something. I'm the relentless beggar, and proud of it
3/26...8:00AM...Ariz
We watched eagle shift eggs and settle in. We will be making a contribution this week toward this exciting and worthwhile project.
Everyone at my office watches the eagle daily we are trying to keep up with her and her mate. I did notice this morning that wing of the male was sticking up like it had been injured, this concerns all of us. We all feel for the eagle when she cries. But we know this is part of nature. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the of the chicks.
Monday March 26th
7:45 AM
The first nest exchange was at 7:19 AM
Dad landed on both feet, and walked fine, but his lame leg/foot got caught in some of the nesting materials on the way into incubation posture. I was holding my breath and telling him to be CAREFUL.
My view "froze" right after that as he lay down.
Someone else continued the observation:
"After he hunkered down he kept his head very low and did picking...it seemed forever before he looked up and gave us a face on stare!"
We call it "picking" when Dad fusses with the nest materials and twigs after he first lands. He likes to get everything JUST so, and he often doesn't quite seem to approve of the arrangements.
I couldn't get the system to accept my post so am sending it later.
Jane
3-26-07
5:10pm ET
THANKS AGAIN for the video!! It was such a relief to see Dad doing better with his foot. What a relief. Here's hoping he stays on the mend and makes a total recovery. These Eagles are truly remarkable!!
3-27-07
5:30pm ET
At approx. 5:30 Mom (I believe) started crying out a lot. This went on for a minute or so and Dad finally landed with some food which he gave to Mom. He watched her for a bit then flew away again. I couldn't see what it was that she was eating because her back was to the camera, but it seemed like a good meal as she ate for quite awhile. She's now content and back to incubating.
3-26-07, 5:35 pm
Dad arrived with supper (looked like a fish). Mom got right up to claim it and Dad jumped over to the thick branch and landed with both feet firmly holding on!! As Mom ate, Dad lifted off after about 10 to 15 seconds. Mom wolfed down the chunks of white flesh in just under 5 minutes. Must have been a fish as she did no de-feathering. She then went right back onto the nest looking quite happy.
Mar 26, 2007 6:45pm (EDT)
Dad has mended quite well as he has brought an offering of food into the nest where Mom had been incubating the eggs for about 3 hrs.
Here's the video, with a still picture at the end that shows both talons gripping the branch.
http://tinyurl.com/3y8m5t
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
March 26th
Sometimes when Dad has his wing up awkwardly in the nest, we think it might be to keep his weight off his sore leg. Not sure, though. But his leg keeps improving.
He brought food to the nest tonight, and let Mom eat it... he went and perched on the branch behind the nest. This is the first time in a while that they haven't "fought" over the food, and one of the other of them hasn't flown off with it!!
I'm guessing that now he can now catch enough so that he has extra to give to Mom.
Around 5:30 p.m. Mar 26, he made a food delivery for Mom. :-)
Here is the video of it.
http://media.putfile.com/memar26f
8:00 p.m. EDT: It must be raining. Mom shakes her wings just the way a dog shakes when it's wet. Then settles down deeper into the nest; appears to be covering as much as possible with her wings. It reminded me of how she covered the chicks in inclement weather last year.
Tuesday March 27
6:43 AM
Yesterday at around five PM Dad brought food to the nest. It looked like maybe a small fish, and he carried it with just one foot, his "good" right foot.
Judy made a video of it, which she will probably post here. Later Will took her video and made a bunch of slow motion and still shots, to see how Dad's left foot was doing. Here's the link to his video and observations.
http://media.putfile.com/Maine-Mar-26-07-PM-Food
Tuesday March 27th
6:03 AM
The nest exchange was early and quick this morning, just after 6 AM. Mom surprised me by flying off the nest just after some of their first "calls" back and forth. Dad seems to either roost or perch nearby, as he is right there answering her calls before it gets "light".
Dad came in and landed on the nest with both feet, but he took his weight off his left foot immediately. He walked carefully into the nest bowl, and seemed to have some difficulty lifting his left leg over the loose nest materials. Later on when he was picking around in the nest, he found some left overs and had a snack. Maybe that's why he picks at the loose nest materials when he first gets into the nest.... maybe he's looking for leftovers.
Please let's not get into a debate about what constitutes "a lot" of money for donations. Everyone has been trying to make the point that every little bit helps. Some will be able to easily write a check for several hundred, some will be stretching the budget to give $5.00. I have thought that if each of us put aside $1.00 each time we access the eagle cam and sent it in we would be raising, literally, millions of dollars. (Didn't I read that in the early days this spring there were 3.5 million hits on the site in one day, or something like that?) The point is not the amount, or who can give what. I think the point is that if each of us gave what we could, it would make a world of difference for BRI and the eagles we all enjoy so much. And ultimately the research into mercury levels can affect each of us personally as well.
Very interesting article in the Times. I live in Hancock County, where the eagle cam is based. I think the situation varies from town to town. Here on Mount Desert Island a lot of the poperty is held by Acadia National Park ~ good for eagles! Some towns on the Island have been very specific in their zoning to insist that the use of harbor property must remain in the working waterfront categroy. Unfortunately, in most towns this kind of zoning doesn't get put in place until big chunks of waterfront have been sold to developers. It's usually not until we see the negative results of something that people take action to stop it.
March 27th
To Mrs E's class:
There are a lot of really good web pages about eagles, where you might find answers to your questions.
Here are a few I have in my Favorites Folder about Eagles. If you look for a list of related "links" on these pages, they may lead you to more. These aren't necessarily the best ones for school classes, just a few I like, and that I could find in a hurry!
I have seen pages designed especially for schools but I didn't keep the internet addresses of them. Maybe your Resource Room Librarian/Teacher could find some of those for you.
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/search/BaldEagle.html
http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0207/feature2/index.html
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Bald_Eagle.html
To Jane,
Thank you for the web site links. We'll research them. We really appreciate them.
We are glued to the computer when Mrs. E. lets us.
From,
Brenden
3/27 10:57
I agree with memlili - Let us keep this a friendly blog about our eagles. The earlier comment that mildly sniped at another blogger, has no place here. Give what you can. Dad does look much better!
Marcy 27th
A new video from Will which shows that Dad actually perched on a stick at the side of the nest, with both talons, and bent his legs (crouched) to push off!! We haven't seen him do that in a while.
Misty movie of exchange at 9:58 AM EDT.
http://media.putfile.com/Maine-Mar-27-07-Takeoff
Wed, 3-27-07,12:58 p.m.EST
Mom calling periodically, finally Dad in for a smooth nest exchange almost as soon as Mom flew off. Was a bit stiff-legged, but did not put out wings or fall to either side. Got back up to reposition eggs at 1:03 p.m.. Lots of nest rearranging throughout. Foggy all morning here in Maine.
Yesterday I posted Dad bringing a fish at 5:35 p.m. After seeing a repeat video of the event I stand corrected. Dad stood firmly on that thick branch for a full 31 seconds before an effortless lift-off.
At 1:13 p.m. Mom calling nearby, Dad responded but stayed settled in.
We come back to Maine every summer for a few weeks and there are two beautiful eagles on the lake where we stay. My son is facinated by this site and the fact that he can watch them real time. He can't wait to see the babies and asks everyday if they are here yet :^) Thank you for this opportunity to watch and learn. It's a wonderful chance to do something as a family.
Mar 27, 2007 3:03PM (EDT)
To the class of Mrs. E:
Here is another good site on the bald eagle:
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/arctic_wildlife/101290
the following tinyurl for the above site it is easier to copy and paste into a browser:
http://tinyurl.com/yv9kat
Wed 3-27-07 4:11 pm EDT
Mom signals Dad and leaves nest. A lot of talk back and forth.
4:12 pm Dad lands firmly on the nest, with both legs extended and walks down into the nest and gets settled.
4:15pm CDT
Mom flew into nest but Dad didn't seem to anxious to leave. He remained nestled on the eggs for a couple of minutes while Mom told him off. Then she started housekeeping and seems to have poked him in the head with a big stick. Dad must have decided he had enough and got up and left. Mom continues housekeeping. This is so much fun to watch. Thank you to Wing, Chris and all involved. Making my donation now
Mar 27, 2007 7:45pm
Cute video of Mom figuring how to get Dad out of the nest bowl, so she can start incubating the eggs.
Dad just didn't want to leave; he was so happy and comfortable.
He was the same way back in 2006 - wanting to incubate the eggs and even after hatching, he enjoyed protecting them with his body and wings.
http://tinyurl.com/3yxeoq
Wednesday March 28
This is a funny movie Will made late yesterday afternoon. Dad was in the nest and didn't want to get out. But Mom wanted to take over. She found a way to make him leave!
http://media.putfile.com/Maine-Mar-27-07-Healing-Well-
Mar.28 @ 6:35am
Dad came to the nest to take over for Mom. She flew off a few seconds before he landed. Only about two more weeks till the eggs start hatching ... oh boy (or girl)!!!
Liz (W,DC)
March 28th
Wednesday
Will's video:
Wednesday Morning's nest exchange at 6:38 AM EDT
http://media.putfile.com/Maine-Mar-28-07-AM-Exchange
wed. March 28 4:30 pm Thought I would check on eagles before I cook supper, there's no one incubating?? Wind is just whipping, I watched for 16 minutes still noone there :( Hope everythings ok...Wendy in Maine
ok forget my last post lol i just saw someone peeking up over edge, apparently they are extremely low because of wind!!! Now I can go cook supper! Wendy march 28 4:39pm
Tracey in Houston.....
I'm sure glad you posted that you saw an eagle peek over the edge during this very windy period. I haven't seen an eagle in 15 minutes.
4:48 PM Houston time
Wed. March 28.
4/10/07 - 1:15pm. Just saw a different eagle land on the nest, while Mom was in it. It was black and white head, and when it opened its wings to fly, it was black and white spotted. Is this a young one from last year???? Boy, this sure held my attention! Pol
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