Nest Failure
I have just confirmed that the birds have failed in this nesting attempt in a correspondence with Charlie Todd from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries Wildlife. An aerial survey was conducted on April 7th (as some of you noted) and the observers got a good look at the nest. They did not see any eggs in the nest.
The birds may have been tending to nonviable eggs from the beginning after the storm in March and may have buried the eggs in the nest. Charlie noted that this eagle pair now joins 99.9% of the other eagle nests in Maine with an imperfect breeding record.
The bird behavior in the last couple of days is characteristic of pre-laying behavior. In particular they have been sitting in an incubation position and copulating on the nest site. Charlie told me that captive eagles have renested 21 days after eggs were removed which is likely the least amount of time the birds would need. However, in the wild renesting in Maine is very rare. In the last 30+ years there have only been 4 documented.
In regards to collecting failed eggs. This would only happen with approval and guidance from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the landowner. If the state and federal agencies felt collecting eggs was appropriate, it would only occur in fall when we have documented no eagle activity. Disturbance at eagle sites during the entire year, but particularly in the spring can cause a pair to abandon a nest site permanently. Gathering information from addled eggs is helpful, but not at the expense of disturbing the birds.
We have had the opportunity to have a unique view into the challenges that eagles face as they try to successfully raise chicks. This pair has been extraordinarily successful over the years. Failing as they have done this year, is quite common.
What should we expect now? Well, we are in uncharted waters and we will be watching along with you. The birds continued attendance to the nest site and copulating does indicate that they are still attached to the nest site. Will they renest? Their behavior in the next couple of weeks will tell us.
I urge you all to keep a close watch and continue to provide your extremely helpful observation on the blog. We literally count on your observations to help us understand how the birds are behaving.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
The birds may have been tending to nonviable eggs from the beginning after the storm in March and may have buried the eggs in the nest. Charlie noted that this eagle pair now joins 99.9% of the other eagle nests in Maine with an imperfect breeding record.
The bird behavior in the last couple of days is characteristic of pre-laying behavior. In particular they have been sitting in an incubation position and copulating on the nest site. Charlie told me that captive eagles have renested 21 days after eggs were removed which is likely the least amount of time the birds would need. However, in the wild renesting in Maine is very rare. In the last 30+ years there have only been 4 documented.
In regards to collecting failed eggs. This would only happen with approval and guidance from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the landowner. If the state and federal agencies felt collecting eggs was appropriate, it would only occur in fall when we have documented no eagle activity. Disturbance at eagle sites during the entire year, but particularly in the spring can cause a pair to abandon a nest site permanently. Gathering information from addled eggs is helpful, but not at the expense of disturbing the birds.
We have had the opportunity to have a unique view into the challenges that eagles face as they try to successfully raise chicks. This pair has been extraordinarily successful over the years. Failing as they have done this year, is quite common.
What should we expect now? Well, we are in uncharted waters and we will be watching along with you. The birds continued attendance to the nest site and copulating does indicate that they are still attached to the nest site. Will they renest? Their behavior in the next couple of weeks will tell us.
I urge you all to keep a close watch and continue to provide your extremely helpful observation on the blog. We literally count on your observations to help us understand how the birds are behaving.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
posted by Bald Eaglecam at 11:51 AM
116 Comments:
I am so sad to hear that we won't be able to view a sucessful hatching this year. I do hope they will try again.I have noticed that there has been a lot of coming and going today from both eagles along with a lot of noise. I keep hearing sounds not coming from the eagle in it's nest. The once sitting in the nest keeps looking up & around making much noise. What is the cause of this behavior?
Such sad but not unexpected news...
I figured that flyover last Saturday was you checking on the nest.
Still hoping that someone will comment on the male eagle's leg injury.
We will continue to watch and hope.
Thanks Wing.
I am so sad to hear this but I am an optimist and with the mating going on who knows. There is a nest cam NCTC cam and their eagle s had a nest failure after their last round of snow awhile back. But they are mating and they are hopeful that they will lay more eggs.
I will continue to watch this pair as long as they are there. They are truly magnificent birds.
As I post this we are having a big snowfall here in Alberta. Sure tired of this.
4/10/07
12:20pm ET
Thank you for the update Wing. Although this is sad to hear, it is good to see that the Eagle pair are still attached to the nest and mating is going on. Only time will tell, but this pair does seem to be dedicated to raising young.
Around 11:19am I could hear the eagles. They were out of site of the camera, but I could hear them making that subtle sound they make sometimes when mating. Then Mom got into nest and nestled down. Her back feathers were slightly messed up, possibly from the aforementioned.
Thanks again Wing/BRI for letting us "in" on this Wildlife show. It really makes me realize how difficult it is for these beautiful eagles AND nature in general to survive, let alone raise young. So it really is a miracle each time we have a success!!
April 10
Thanks for the update, Wing. How disappointing to hear about the nest failure. As I recall from previous reports, you stated that it's unusual to have new eaglets for two consecutive seasons.
The storms last month were really horrible so I'm not surprised the eggs didn't make it. If indeed the mating(s) do produce eggs, how soon would that be after copulation?
I hope this unfortunate news doesn't deter folks from donating to the eagle and contaminant research. In Memoriam contributions would be appropriate, don't you think? Let's not all abandon this great project just because we don't see any eaglets.
--Liz (W,DC)
Wing, thanks so much. How hard it must be to be the bearer of such sad news!
I guess I can get back to work now (sigh)
Who ever said that Mother Nature was nice?!
Angie in Mass.
Thanks for the sad update. With all the adversity that animals and birds face in successfully raising young, it is amazing that a pair such as these eagles have been as successful as they have over the years. It will be fascinating to see if they make another attempt with milder weather.
Boy what a shame. I too was looking forward to watching another year of the fledging feat!
The parents are magnificent animals, their past performance has proven them as a pair and I'm sure we will be hearing from them again.
Thanks for all those posting to inform us guessers as to what's going on. It's sad news .. but better than continually wondering.
Very disappoining news but I feel blessed to have been able to witness the 2 eaglets mature into beautiful eagles last year. We can't control nature and the sometimes harsh weather. Maybe they will try again this year, it is still early in the season. It is still fascinating to be able to watch the adults in the nest. Thank you for all your hard work with this project, I hope all will donate to make this successful. Alison, China Maine
04/10/07
12:26PM
Sad to read that there will be no hatchlings at least this time around. But I think these stalwart eagles have been and will continue to be an extraordinary pair to watch even under the circumstances. Perhaps even more so considering the difficult times they had to endure. I will keep watching even though the nest will often be empty. I hope that contributions to this worthy cause won't stop now.
Thank you for allowing us to share these magnificent creatures with you! It has been difficult getting work done because it's hard to pull away from those pictures of the eagles we have learned to love. Hopeful that they will surprise us all with a new family even yet.. again I thank you for all you are doing to save "our" eagles.
It is still an honor to see the eagles, failure or not. We still have the loons!! Hopefully everything will work out for them this year!!
Thanks for the update, from a bird lover in Pennellville, NY.
Wing, what is going to happen to the male eagle's talon? Will you folks try to capture him and see if there is anything medically that can be done for him or will you just let nature take its course? I know others are interested in this matter also. I am so sorry about the failure this year but with all that has happened this past week is it possible for a second to at nesting or is it too late in the season for that? Please keep us posted. Thanks so much for all you have done and for the updates coming so regularly. A friend. PP
Thank you, Wing and BRI, for the site. I'm not surprised that they eggs didn't make it -- it has been so cold and stormy and the male eagle has had his problems as well. Hopefully, next time around. Last year was awesome and so was this year --
Its so sad to hear the nest failed.. i was looking alittle while ago and noticed a juvinial (spelling) at the nest at 1:16pm EST
A SAD DAY!!
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY THE EAGLES WOULD BURY THE EGGS AND THEN CONTINUE TO SIT ON THEM.
I DON;T MEAN TO QUESTION CHARLIE BUT COULD IT BE THAT THE EGGS WERE COVERED WITH DOWNY MATERIAL AND COULD NOT BE OBSERVED.
I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR THE EAGLES TO TRY NESTING AGAIN THIS YR.
At 1:15 PM (3-10) I just saw a different eagle (?) land on the nest, while the male was laying over the nest bowl. It looked like an eagle but had all brown feathers, perhaps a juvenile?? The male began to vocalize and after a few minutes the other bird left. I have recorded it and will post it later tonight if anyone is interested. The male continues to sit on the nest after the other (eagle?) left.
Paulette
Thanks for the update! But these two have defied odds before and may yet have some little ones.
Keep watching everyone! Work can wait as we view these magnificent creatures like never before.
Krumm (04-10-07)
Who was the guest bird? Looked like a nearly all black eagle? but the head was not the usual white of a bald eagle?
We are sad to know there will be no chicks this week.
I've enjoyed watching the birds from So Cal. I grew up in Bangor and miss seeing all the eagles. I am happy to be following another pair of eagles via an eagle cam off the coast of santa barbara.
Carry on...
Ahhhh! I just read the disappointing news to my 24 second graders. We have been visiting your sight sinse last week. Thank you so much for the opportunity to have glimpse into the lives of these majectic birds! The kids have been so excited. We'll keeping checking for new developments. Great science lesson!
Whoa! Did everyone see the visitor about 10 minutes ago? Maybe 1:18 EDT. An very curious immature eagle (maybe four or so years old?) paid a quick visit to the nest. Dad kept his head down and still then gave him a few choice words and the visitor flew off.
I haven't been watching for all that long and have never seen two eagles on the camera at the same time until a few minutes ago. There was a bird in the nest, and then another flew in an sat on the branch nearby. It's head wasn't as white as the one in the nest. Do the male and female look quite different from each other? Did I see a juvenile eagle? I know they don't get the white on their head until they are a few years old.
From Jacob:
I am sad about the eggs not making it. We learned that sometimes the eggs make it and sometimes they don't.
From Scott:
The Earth can be a cruel, cruel place to try to hatch eggs.
From Lisa:
It's a part of life, but it is still sad.
From Brandon:
I can see why they did not make it because the weather was bad.
Sentiments from the entire class:
Although this has not been our desired outcome, it has been a learning experience. We still think eagles are great birds.
How sad is this...though not surprising. I also am interested if the center has concluded about the male's leg. Do you know if it's a talon, foot, or leg? Also if it will heal properly or is he lame for life? Do you think this failure is the weather, or more because of a low food supply do to Dad's foot.I still feel great pleasure to have seen these birds up close and personel. You can tell they are the best couple there is. A season off may be good for them, as Dad may now have time to heal and hopefully the weather will be better next season. I am deeply saddened though as I watch Mom still incubating her "eggs" no matter what. Mother nature is amazing and cruel all in one. I hope someone knows something in reference to dad's leg/foot?
So sad about the failure, but it's my gut feeling that this nest will produce this year. Why would they still tend the nest? The mateing that we saw and the one's I'm sure we didn"t see, give me hope for a hatch this year.
So so sad, but we will continue to hope for the best. I really enjoy watching and I am going to miss seeing the little guys grow up.
I observed another bird fly in at 1:16 pm today while Mom or Dad (I can't tell them apart) was sitting in the nest. Mom/Dad screamed until the intruder left. It looked like a juvenile eagle. Could this be one of their offspring from a past year? Sad to hear that there aren't any eggs at present, but I still love observing these magnificent birds. Thanks for the opportunity of watching them.
I didn't read the blog until later this afternoon that tells of the "failure" of the nest but beforehand I was absolutely glued to the cam as was my 21 month old son. We love to see & hear them chattering to eachother. This has been a wonderful experience (my husband keeps saying are you watching that eagle AGAIN?!). I'm continuing to watch & still very interested in what happens next. Thank you so much for all that you do for wildlife!
Best wishes, Holly Twining
I was watching today at lunch and at around 12:17 p.m.CST a Golden eagle stopped and sat on the side of the nest.It sat for less than a minute and left.
I was very sorry to read about the eggs and saw the pair mating on Monday on the branch at 3:19 p.m.
The eagle on the nest , as I watch is acting odd today . Ducking at the sound of thunder and peeking up over its nest and pulling its head down like a cat ready to attack prey. He or she almost seems paranoid ? Could this behavior have stemmed from the fly by to check on the egg's ? Perhaps it scarred them a bit .
The stranger everyone saw at approximately 1:16pm to me looked like Dad, covered from head to toe in mud! It was the female on the nest at the time.
Surprises at this nest never end...
Paulette...
Please do post that link so we can see if that bird had a limp when landing. That would say one way or the other if it was indeed Dad.
11am AZ, 4/10
We will continue checking in. This is a big disappointment, but it wasn't looking very hopeful. This pair are magnificent creatures! The eagle on the nest keeps looking around and ducking its head down watching, like a cat does when watching a prey. I har crows and other birds.
I saw that strange eagle land on the nest and listened to a different vocal responce from the nesting bird. The stranger almost looked to have oil on its feathered head. I'm just guessing though. How interesting.
I am saddened to hear of the failure and maybe these two will surprise us and re-lay eggs this season. Wouldn't that be wonderful. Thanks for this great site. I am a shut-in and love it.
04/10/07
1:58PM
Looked in on the nest a couple of minutes ago. The eagle was sitting, then got up and looked down where the babies or eggs would be. He/she did this for some time, and then pecked at something (food? But in the place where the eggs would be? Not very likely), then sat down again. I keep hoping that by observation we'll soon find out what's going on.This eagle looked peaceful when I checked. Initially I was going to say 'pensive' but that's a little weird, so I won't say it. I'm feeling pensive, so I guess I'm projecting. Smile.
I am just so very sad. I feel like I have lost one of my pets. I will keep watching and hoping. Thanks Wing for your keeping us all posted. I am sure it is hard for you as well. Debby H.
Such a sad ending, mother nature is indeed unpredictable. With much hope and anticipation, perhaps these two will try again this year. Sandy in Washington State
I have another question. If there are no eggs in the nest what were the eagles doing all the time we thought they were turning the eggs? I can't believe that they would do that if there were not eggs in the nest. There is so much I have learned this spring watching and reading all the messages from the folks at BRI and the informed and knowledeable people who have writen in. Thanks for all you have done. If possible could someone answer these question. Thanks, PP
4/10/07, 2:05pm, Burke, VA
Wing, thank you for keeping us informed, even though it was bad news. However, I think we all kind of expected it, even though we hoped for the best. But they haven't given up the nest, someone was sitting there a minute ago.
I hope the site below will cheer everyone up. The weather has been pretty decent, there are 3 chicks doing very well and looks like they will survive.
Our Maine eagles and their chicks last year have had to deal with some pretty gruesome weather. Maybe we should chip in and send them to Florida. Hope you this cheers everyone up.
http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html
Maura
I am so sorry to hear of the nest failure. These eagles do become a part of our daily lives and therefore their loss does in a sense also feel like a loss for us. They are a gorgoeus pair with many more successful nests ahead.
Here is the link to the strange eagle that appeared. And I really don't think it was Dad, as I am sure Dad was on the nest. It definitely looks like a young eagle...but I'll let the experts decide!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVkFlnJaSzE
Could the strange bird be mom covered in mud???? If so, she really has had some morning!!! I wonder what Dad was saying as he obviously vocalized quite a bit when he/she appeared!
We are so sad to hear that there will be no successful hatching. A few of us from our office have been watching when we can hoping to see new eaglets, but with the storms in the area, we knew it was possible the eggs would not be viable. We will continue to stay in touch.
Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity to view these magnificent birds in their natural setting!!
I think that eagles work very hard to keep intruding eagles out of their nesting area. I read somewhere last week that during a nesting period they maintain a "no fly zone" theory when It comes to other eagles. If the uknown bird was not dad covered in muck then that would be another confirmation that the nesting had failed and that they weren't going to try again. The net claims they're only severely territorial (i am a terrible speller) during nesting periods... Not completely sure but i think that's what I read.
so sad to hear and would be interested in knowing what they were up to when it looked like they were rolling eggs?
I've been watching those eagles too Maura! So amazing! I'm very sad to hear about this pair. I've been watching for a few weeks now. Missed the mating yesterday though-who knows maybe there will still be eaglets! Here in Pennsylvania there's a pair that I watch every year. They are sitting their nest now and the eggs should hatch around the 22nd. No webcam though. But this will be this pairs 6th or 7th year of bearing young!!
OK...Now I think it was Dad in the nest and Mom covered in mud.
Never a dull moment...
Looks like the male with mud...
I think it is a juvi that landed and I also agree it was Dad on the nest.I would also like to know what they have been rolling.
Guess we will all know for sure once Mom shows back up :o)
This DEFINITELY was the male eagle in the nest bowl. But this dirty eagle..could it be the female that had a terrible time today? Or is it a juvenile visiting his old home?
I sure hope Wing can identify this odd bird for us!
I believe the mom just returned to the nest and she either cleaned up really good before coming home, or that definitely was a juvenile bird that visited earlier today.
I thought it looked like mom or dad in mud until it flew away. The feathers under the wings look different from mom and dad's that I've observed in the past. Did look like an adult covered in mud though at first.
Greetings!
I just looked over the video and it looks like a fourth year juvenile.
Also IF&W should be flying by the site tomorrow as a part of their eagle surveys of Maine. They may be able to pass by the nest again. If so I will post any new information that we learn.
Wing, BRI
Guess it was indeed an immature. Must be going through a molt though because it sure did look scruffy.
I still think that eagle pairs do know their young from previous years not by appearance, but just by nature.
More unanswered questions.
Just watched the juvenile clip. Either it's a young eagle with squeaky Dad in the nest OR -- as I watched in slow motion -- it was Dad visiting as I could see his weak left talon when he took off. I'm no bird expert, just a hard-core Bald Eaglecam addict. What a wacky few days, huh?!?!?!
Sad about the news. My 7th grade boys were hoping to celebrate.We will continue to observe,however, especially after the odd visitor earlier. Some say Dad/Mom covered in mud, some say a golden eagle, it's a mystery until an expert makes a decision.My guess is an immature bald eagle.In any event, just one more very interesting thing to observe.
Thanks for the news, and I encourage all to donate to this project. It only took a click or two of the mouse and it was a done deal.
Well how disappointing is this not only for us but I am sure the eagles. They had some horrible weather to go through this year and I am guessing that all attibuted to the problems. What a shame.
I know they are mating again but we must realize that maybe this year, we will not have the opportunity to watch new life come out of the nest. I think most of us are avid supporters of this wonderful opportunity and I hope we all will continue to support by watching and donating.
Thank you Wing and all of the BRI folks for keeping us up to date on everything. We will continue to watch and HOPE!! God Speed Eagles!!!
was sad to hear of the failure. I'm new to this site just been watching last 2 weeks,I saw the other eagle appear,I'm sure it was one of her young from last yr. They are accting like the have other eggs there or she is going to lying more.
I have a question. If the nest has failed to produce any eggs then why are the eagles acting so much like it has? But if it has produced eggs then why did the eagle in the nest (Dad?) not chase away the unexpected visitor?
I just viewed the link to Youtube and believe the mysterious visitor is the female covered in mud. I still have trouble distinguishing male from female but this bird had no trouble landing, which leads me to believe it was the female. The news about the eggs is very disappointing, but hopefully there is still a chance for another nesting. Thank you all for this wonderful site and all your comments.
Anyone with me on a second laying of eggs??? Could they be grooming the nest for round 2?
I looked at the video of the visiting bird and I can certainly see how one could think it was an adult covered in mud, but I think like some others it was one of the off spring. Maybe it was coming by to cheer up the nest sitter. It seems they are acting like parents who hate to admit the truth. Watching them is almost sadder than knowing no hatchings.
TT
I am so sad, but relieved to hear it from the experts. All of us had our own multiple opinions regarding the nest. Maybe tomorrow's fly-over (if possible) will disclose some more interesting news.
I faithfully watch my Norfolk eagles and have even started watching their links to the James River Bridge falcon cams. Not sure when they will hatch, but 5 beautiful eggs in the nest. Thanks to all at BRI. When does LOON CAM season start...I'm ready!
I think it was a juvenile that visited also. I wonder if it was one of this couple's juveniles and that is why the adult did not really chase it away. I wonder if this is something that juveniles will sometimes do?
Janet in Maine
Tracey in Houston....
Hello to my fellow members of the Grieving Eagle Society. We have all been bonded by these wonderful creatures with excitment, anticipation and then with saddness. I have learned so much from Wing, BRI and from you with your blogs.
Thanks to all of you. I will continue to monitor each day watching, learning and hopefully our pair will become one of the "rare pair".
4-10-07 4:04PM
Today has been a very disappointing day but there has been lots of excitement associated with this nest and pair of eagles, too. I was a die-hard, wasn't going to think negative at all about the eggs until I was told by BRI that there wouldn't be any eaglets.
They have been a very devoted pair, for that we are thankful to have been able to observe. How lucky can we be to see such wonderful examples of nature. It seems as though there hasn't been a dull moment right from the start.
I have been watching for over a year and it never ceases to amaze me the wonder of it all. BRI, you are doing a wonderful thing with your research and the eagle cam. Thank you very much and also to those on the forum for all the pictures and videos.
Loon Lover On Sibley Pond
Tues 5:17 PM
Wing: Thank you for the update. It IS disappointing news but hardly unexpected. We would love to know about the male's leg injury. Please update when you can. Sharon
Here in Texas, we want to send hope. Our nest of 3 adults (2 males and a female) produced one eaglet. Easter Sunday it perched on the side of the nest, flapping its wings. Ready to fly? I think. The eagles even weathered 80 degrees one day and snow and freezing temps the next (April 12). Yes, even in East Texas the weather isn't always hot. :)
The Maine eagles look like they are going to make a go of it. Maybe there are more eggs and we just don't know it.
Happy Eagle Eyeing! Krumm
*********************
41007 6pm Thanks for the update and thanks Maura for the other cam.I think our eagles with a coastline condo will contimue to keep us guessing. I still will watch and read every day.
I hope the 2nd grade class continues to watch with us.
Annie Cote
to nancy in va-
would you be willing to share the other web sites for viewing other birds. I have become and created several bird watchers in my office. We would love to have other birds to keep an eye out for.
thanks
Nicki
Regarding the intruder -- I agree with those who say it is a juvenile. If you pause the video when it spreads its wings to fly, you can see black feathers mixed with white under the wings. I believe Bald Eagles are mostly white under the wings so I think the colors are still changing. Also it did not chirp at Dad at all like Mom would do. Perhaps it is one of their off-spring coming by for parental reassurance.
4/10/07
6:35pm ET
Just an irrelevant observation... Is it just me or are there ALOT more crows this year?? I don't remember hearing them as much last year as I do this year. As a matter of fact, I don't recall hearing them much at all. What is strange is... I live in Winter Springs, FL. Our backyard backs up to a forest conservation area. In the almost 9 years we've lived here, we don't ever remember hearing or seeing crows around here. Grackles yes, but no crows. Starting approx. a month ago, we started seeing/hearing the crows around???
So sorry to hear about the eggs and I hope that this pair will succeed next time. I will keep watching! It has been very educational, entertaining, and at times emotional. Thank you so much Wing and BRI and I plan on making another donation right now for the future of all eagles.
This web cam has given us untold joy and suspense and now disappointment. No one, however, can say it was a loss or not worth it. If our eagles hatch the second time this season or not I wouldnt have missed it for the world. Thanks Wing and everyone else for giving us this beautiful slice of living. Kay
I too am sad that the hatching was unsuccessful this year. I am wiping the tears from my eyes and crossing my fingers for maybe a successful second try. I'll keep watching. both eagles are on the nest right now being very vocal.
7:10pm est. 4/10/07
I think they just did the nest bop again....4:25 pacific time....
Apr 10, 2007 19:25 (EDT)
Another copulating while Mom was in the nest at 7:23pm.
I'll post the video.
We're back in business. We HOPE!
They're still in the mood for love...
At 7:17Eastern on 4/10 Mom had a visit from Dad. She sang and hollared for about four minutes before they mated and he departed at 7:23.
Here's hoping for more eggs.
7:21pm 4/10/07 I have not spent as much time as many here watching, so I am rather novice. Both birds are on the nest, but this does not look like the regular dad. At this time, mother is low in the nest, and the male comes up from behind, looking to mate?? She doesn't allow it, and he collects himself and flies off.
Is it possible this isn't the mate? And this is perhaps a second male, "taking over" if you will due to the injury of her mate?
The news of the failure makes me feel like I have lost a pet. Not sure why I feel that way, just do.
Be well.....
7:20 pm EDT
This has been wonderful, and heartbreaking, to watch.
The eagles may be trying again, as I believe that they were just mating in the nest.
Thank you BRI and Wing for keeping us up to date.
WAL in NH
I know what you are feeling as we also lost our 3 beautiful eggs in our Shepherdstown WV nest this year due to the late snow. I just watched the video of the 'intruder at the nest' and WOW what a beautiful juvie! I'd say about 3 years old since his/her head was starting to get white feathers.
Just maybe he/she was offering her/his condolences to an eagle that maybe once was his/her parent.
Your eagle couple is beautiful and I certainly enjoy watching them.
I too was saddened to read of the failure.
I just witnessed Mom and dad having quite the "sqawk-fest" Dad did some mantling over mom all the while both of them were talking up a storm!
Let's hope we will witness the rare miracle of a 2nd attempt!
Kate
6:30pm CDT Now things have settled down with Mom in nest but it was chaotic up until about 10 minutes ago. Mom was extremely chatty. Some strange sounding chirps. Looked like another mating in the nest.
Wing -- could it possibly be that they covered the eggs in the nest due to all the bad weather to protect them? It's so puzzling that they continue to sit on the nest albeit with a lot of flight breaks.
Around 7:20 p.m. April 10th it looked like there was an attempt at mating.
Here is the video.
http://judykb.org/meapr10pmm.asf
Or YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj1LscET-1M
It certainly was disappointing news to learn that there were no eggs spotted. I may be an eternal optimist, but I haven't given up on this pair producing little ones this year. I had the joy of seeing last year's eaglets hatched and raised. This project is so worthwhile. It's great to know that the eagles activity is being monitered in classrooms...what a wonderful lesson!
I didn't watch for most of the day but this evening approximately 7:00 EDT, the pair was very vocal with each other. The female flew away with the male for a few minutes, they both returned and she settled into the nest. The male stayed for a short period of time before flying off at 7:25 PM. I will continue watching as long as the eagles are at the nest. This year I had my first sighting of a bald eagle in western NY but haven't located a nest. I like many others posting on this site, have become an "eagle addict". They are magnificent creatures. Much appreciation goes out to Wing for providing professional updates.
Chris
Grand Island, NY
7:20 pm EDT
This has been wonderful, and heartbreaking, to watch.
I think the eagles maybe trying again as I believe they were mating on the nest at 7:20.
Here's hoping.
Thank you BRI and Wings for sharing this with us.
WAL in NH
April 10th... 8:11 EST
Thanks, Wing, for confirming that the visitor to the nest this afternoon was indeed a 4th year juvenile, not mom or dad after a mud bath. My guess was a juvenile close to getting it's white head feathers.
Right now there's an adult in the nest fast asleep. I took a look maybe an hour ago and it was preening.
At any rate, I'm disappointed at the nest failure this year too - but it sure did seem like a very rough month for them... poor things! I would love to see them beat the odds and have another go of it, but only time will tell!
I too am looking forward to watching the loons this spring - and really hope they have better luck this year, as far as final outcome goes!
One request of folks who post comments to this blog - can you please be sure to include the date and time in your post? It's hard to know what date your posting your observations if you don't indicate in your post, and I'd love to know what day you're talking about as you all share what you're witnessing. Thanks so much!
Well, it's disappointing that the nest has failed, it was exciting watching the young being reared last year.
There is an eagle nest where I kayak here in central Maine, it has been there for close to ten years and there are some years when there are no small ones but the adult eagles always stay in the area even if there are no young. Last year those eagles raised one eaglet to fledgling. I've gotten some good photographs of them and I'm sure to see them again this year but I'll have to wait till the ice thaws before I can paddle to check things out.
JohnnyAT
Apr 10, 2007 22:08 hrs (EDT)
Here's the video of the 2nd mating.
http://tinyurl.com/ynlypd
It's at the very end of the video. Dad seemed to want to go and roost for the evening but Mom continued her cries and Dad is obligated.
Since that juvenile came to visit Dad I believe it was a young female and Mom knew it was in the area. Is this juvenile there to find a mate?
Maybe it was good the intruder came to their nest. They needed to bond together, so and let's hope more eggs are laid!
april 10th, east
9:20am - 11:10am
nest completely unoccupied
i can't imagine that these extended periods of time away from the nest bode well for the eggs
1:15pm - 1:16pm
a visitor, appears to be an immature, looked curious, parent became vocal, then visitor just flew away
will continue to monitor
eJane
Around 2:11 p.m. April 10, he was picking at something white.
Here is the video.
http://judykb.org/meapr10w.asf
I have been following the nesting of these two eagles since early March and found it quite addicting to watch everyday. I was really sad to see the outcome but I believe they will try again. We live on Lake Murray in South Carolina and I have been lucky to have a pair(male and female) of eagles in my backyard. We also have two juveniles around 4 years old. Me and my family will continue to watch and hope for the best...
I am sad there are no eaglets this time, as everybody seems, but it has been an amazing couple of weeks watching & waiting. Their recent behavior makes a little more sense, but would they be mating, fixing up the nest & Mom making these movements with her butt up in the air in the nest if she wasn't planning to lay more eggs? Do they eat the leftover shells if there are no chicks, to help keep their calcium intake up? It definitely looked like almost chewing today.
We'll see what happens. It really is amazing to be able to watch them & learn. After watching the eaglets last year I initially just assumed they'd have another brood. It is reality of course that nature is not always nice.
Wing & BRI, thank you for all your input, and answering questions, and most of all for having this site up and running with live stream.
It's been snowing every day here (Jackson, NH) since last week, today is beautiful but snow again Thursday supposedly. Very bizarre spring - they probably nested early because is was so mild, then the winter came late.
April 11 at 5:40a.m. EST.. one Eagle calling, then left the nest while the other came immediately and settled down into the nest. Siloulette this time of day with the sun rising in the east, so hard to tell who was who.
Wing thinks the eggs may have not been viable since the storm we had in March. Its amazing to me how the eagles just instinctively know that the eggs will not hatch and they bury them in the nest bowl. Mother nature is an amazing thing. I have a feeling these are eagles are going to renest. It is currently 5:40 AM and a nest exchange just happened. It seemed the male was extremely careful settling himself in. Maybe its wishful thinking but if there was nothing in the nest wouldn't he just plop down. Maybe the fly by today will provide us with some good news.
This morning the Eagle that spent the night on the nest left at around 5:40 after some calling before it left. It is the first time that the other eagle got there right after the first eagle left and hunkered right down on to the nest. Have a great day all.
4/11/07 As a casual observer, I have a different theory about the eggs, or lack thereof. The way the adult eagles carefully walk around the nest bowl upon landing, before they settle down, might mean that the eggs are still there, but because of such a cold spring, the parents knew enough to cover them with soft nesting material as an extra protection from the elements. Maybe that's why they could also leave them for longer than normal periods of time. Having lived deep in the woods of Maine for the last 20 years, I have become aware of just how ingenious animals can be when they have to be. Here's still hoping!!
Weds. April 11th
If they DO lay more eggs and incubate later into the summer, of course the weather will be much more favorable. So if the weather is what caused the nesting failure, they will have a much better chance. And perhaps the male's injury will improve, and his adapations to the injury will increase.
There's a chance his injured talon broke the eggs, and caused the nesting failure. If that's the case, will the same thing happen again?
Will another male challenge him for the territory, the female, and the nest? And if so, will he be able to defend and keep his territory?
Will another male become a "replacement mate"?
Stay tuned for future developments. Whoever said it was better than a "soap opera" was sure right!
It's amusing as I read all our comments, that we seem to be much more devastated at the nest failure than the eagle parents!
We'll all be fine in due time (I hope)!
Every day I learn something new about eagles. I'm just loving this. Can someone tell me why the eagle in the nest appears to be panting or something. Thanks Wing and Bri for this awesome education.
Will some one please unconfuse me as to what I am seeing on this nest!! Is there an egg or not?
Maybe they will relay.Last year I watched Peregrines here in Mi. reclutch after the first nesting failed,alas the second one also failed but it was a real learning experience just to watch on the web cam. Here's hoping your eagles do the same but with a better outcome.:o]
4/11 9:38 a.m.
I have a question....why is Dads voice so horse? Is it normal to have such a voice? But, more importantly, is he able to vocalize enough to scare away a predetor if he's not able to get any sound out?
H in Mi
p.s just heard the fly over @ 9:43
It's me again here's the site to watch Peregrines. http://www.macombcountymi.gov/peregrine/index.htm
The flyover happened about five minutes ago. Don't think they will have anything conclusive because our feathered friend was there, taking cover!
9:45am Wednesday morning.
Think i just heard a plane real close. But mommy eagle was in nest and just ducked. She seems all calm now.
GIGI...I live in macomb county and had no idea that this website was even around. Thank you
The eagle on the nest, Mom? seems to be moving like she is repositioning eggs. Is is possible that she has laid more eggs? She keeps wiggling her butt around like a bird does while sitting on eggs? Has anyone else noticed this today? She did it at 10:58 a.m.
H in MI 4/11 11:00 A.M.
This is really sad. Do you think that the mating on monday will produce another egg for us.
Rhode Island
I have posted at least three times about the difficulty I have been having watching the video. It keeps freezing and the picture only lasts a few seconds. For some reason, my posts have never been printed. I was hoping someone could help me with this problem.
It is so sad that the eggs will not hatch...perhaps someone can tell me why the birds are still sitting on the nest as if they were incubating eggs.
April 11th 11 AM
junk02915, do you have other programs running at the same time? I noticed that if I had anything running in the back ground it seemed to mess up the Eagle cam. Try minimizing other windows and see if that helps.
Heather
can anyone see anything in the nest
I think its dad that is sitting on the nest. He looks to be sitting up high.
There is something moving around at the bottom of the nest.
It looks like everyone is wrong!
Ken M
There is something moving around at the bottom of the nest.
It looks like everyone is wrong!
Ken M
I WAS RIGHT!!!!
Ken M
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