White Pines and Strong Nests
Good morning. There are still 125,000 Maine homes without power this morning, including mine. Fortunately, we are back up and work and miraculously the camera is still on line. There was hurricane force wind here yesterday.
The birds have weathered the worst of the storm, but have a tough couple of days ahead. The wind will quiet to 25-35 mph with gusts to 40 today with rain. Over the next couple of days the chance of rain will decrease from 90% to 60%.
One of the reasons that these birds were able to weather the storm is that their nest is in a large, healthy, white pine. These large trees are extremely import as eagle nesting sites. Last summer, when I was working with Chris DeSorbo banding and taking blood samples from eaglets, we both noted, that almost without exception, that the eagle nests were in the largest trees in the area. This storm shows just how important these trees are.
We have also seen the importance of have a strong nest that has been reinforced over the years. If I zoom the camera out, you would be able to see that this nest is around 15 feet deep. The adults work on the nest the entire year, adding sticks. This storm has demonstrated how important this maintenance is, and why protecting existing nest site is so vital. If the birds were forced to start over because of disturbance, their nest wouldn’t be nearly as strong and would be susceptible to being destroyed by the storm we have had.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
The birds have weathered the worst of the storm, but have a tough couple of days ahead. The wind will quiet to 25-35 mph with gusts to 40 today with rain. Over the next couple of days the chance of rain will decrease from 90% to 60%.
One of the reasons that these birds were able to weather the storm is that their nest is in a large, healthy, white pine. These large trees are extremely import as eagle nesting sites. Last summer, when I was working with Chris DeSorbo banding and taking blood samples from eaglets, we both noted, that almost without exception, that the eagle nests were in the largest trees in the area. This storm shows just how important these trees are.
We have also seen the importance of have a strong nest that has been reinforced over the years. If I zoom the camera out, you would be able to see that this nest is around 15 feet deep. The adults work on the nest the entire year, adding sticks. This storm has demonstrated how important this maintenance is, and why protecting existing nest site is so vital. If the birds were forced to start over because of disturbance, their nest wouldn’t be nearly as strong and would be susceptible to being destroyed by the storm we have had.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
posted by Bald Eaglecam at 8:48 AM
83 Comments:
Good Morning Wing
So sorry to hear you dont have electicity still at your home. Hope everyone will soon have it.
Winds still real gusty here and rain. 37 degrees so at least not freezing. Glad to have you back.
April 17 9 am
Wow, truly amazing! Wing Goodale, I really appreciate your providing us with such interesting and entlightening information. I thank both you and BRI for allowing me (us, the bloggers) the opportunity of being able to be eyewitnesses to nature and her creatures.
Thanks Wing for the information. I was hoping the winds would be gone today but I see they are still around. This remainds me of the hurricanes we had in Orlando a couple years ago, but on the eagle cam I can turn down the sound of the wind. I was worried about the nest, so I'm happy to hear it is so reinforced. This is absolutely spellbinding to watch.
04/17/07... Wing.. Thanks for the info and dedication that you and BRI are putting into the project!!!I am so impressed with the fortitude that this pair of eagles have to make sure their eaglets survive!! Bev
Pinelands in Whiting, NJ
9:08am
Talk about rock'n the cradle!
Hang in there Little Wing and Wing2. Life should get better after this challenge passes!
Hope Maine residents get their electric back soon. We've all weathered a rough season.
maryd
4/17/07 9:16am EST
One eagle is in the nest, the other is perched on the Y branch - was there for a few minutes that I watched. Now I just checked and the one on the branch is gone... must have flown off as I went to type. I can't blame it - looked like it more than challenging to hang on to that branch as the wind whipped through.
About 9:12 a.m. Maine April 17
Eagle landed on branch above nest, can't make out which is on nest, which landed. Stayed awhile as if checking everything ok, then flew off.
Karen in Denmark
Posted at 6:15 a.m., must be on other blog. Thank you again for updates.
Can you give ball park demensions of the nest? I am trying to grasp how big it is. You said it was 15 ft deep...WOW!
Thansk Wing.
Tonya
Saratoga Springs NY
4/17, AZ 6:24am
Yes, I saw the eagle fly off the Y branch and eagle on the nest is looking around and being rocked.
Good luck Wing, and all the other storm victims!
Wing,
I need some info.....If the nest is 15 feet deep, why don't they go deeper and not right on top?
9:15...Dad stopped by & perched for 2 mins. checking out his clan. guess Mom wasn't ready to leave. awesome video. Sharon D. Maine
I keep telling my children (while reminding myself) that these eagle parents know what they're doing. They picked their "homesite", built their home, maintained it and it is proving to be very well built and cared for. Nor'Easters are common here in the Northeast (although this one is slow in moving out...especially over Maine) so these parents have been through it before. While we were watching the nest rocking back and forth yesterday, one of my kids told me they will not complain anymore when we lose power from a storm (I'm sure I'll have to remind him of that!). We have affectionately been calling the eaglets "Lil Wing" and "Nor" (as in Nor'Easter since this is more than an average storm). After watching how diligent these parents have been, we have no doubt that the family will make it through just fine (wet, but fine). We have faith in these parents! They have already shown us not to doubt their parenting abilities. Forecast here in Mass calls for a beautiful weekend. I hope that forecast extends to our neighbors up north who are in desperate need of some drying out. Thank you Wing, and BRI for all that you do.
Amy on Cape Cod
April 17
Its amazing how large that nest is... I was surprised at how deep it was on the zoom-out vids... Our eagles are so smart and such wonderous construction builders!!!
TQuinn
My husband has said I'm obsessed with these birds and I think he's right! It's 8:45am Central time and one parent is in the nest, can't tell which one. Wind still blowing but, thankfully, not as bad as yesterday. This has been quite an emotional time watching the eagles handle this storm - what a pair. Thanks for all the updates and I hope power is restored soon.
It was good to see the Eagles this morning...Your explanation of the nest is truly amazing, 15 feet deep? Also I missed what happened to Dad's leg? Can someone fill me in? Was this from the incident with the Owl the other night? I am so impressed with the research being done, and can't wait for the Loon cam to be up and running as Loons are my favorite birds...~S Middle of No Where Maine
wow what a new perspective since you pulled the camera back for a full view !!! i have been watching these eagles and the pair and chick(s) of the channel islands santa cruze calif camera. after watching for a few days one gets to where you can actually tell each of these birds apart. there are differences in looks. never doubt the power of "mother nature" or the perserverance of her inhabtants!!! thanks for this look into the nesting world of the eagles, wing.
donna in norcal
Thanks Wing for information on size of nest etc..etc. I let out a huge sigh of relief to see that nest and parents had survived. Mom and dad deserve father and mother eagle of the year award. WHAT A PAIR!!! I also hope all the other nesting eagles have faired as well. The nest has a wide shot on it and am wondering if we can now go back to closeup? It is difficult to see details or anything other than that parent is on nest. Wing hope you get your power back soon and all returns to normal for all effected by this terrible storm.
fascinating information
it looks as if the eagles also know the worst is over, they seem more relaxed, and with both cameras moving, probably not as bad in the nest as it may appear
looking forward to calmer weather and the opportunity to have the camera zoom in and see how "Frosty" and "Windy" have fared
from our whole office, here's hoping all returns to normal soon for everyone
eJane
4-17-07 9:47EST To answer someone's question about making eagle videos.......Someone earlier suggested the software from: www.fraps.com. I am currently using the evaluation version, and it seems to be working fine. I do not have any special video capture cards or hardware in my computer, so some video capture software programs will not work on my computer at all. Does anyone know of any other programs that are good for those who do not have special hardware? I don't believe you can edit the videos you record with the Fraps software, so that is one drawback to that program. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks :-) Susan
Also appreciated getting the info on the depth of the nest. Amazing! While the storm is going to buffet us for a bit longer, things are beginning to quiet down and everyone will be pleased to know that they CLAIM we will see sun and tempreatures in the upper 50's this weekend! Mom and Dad eagle may be back to panting from the heat again!
They do indeed have a strong nest! I just wish the wind would die down. It must tiring for them. I was wondering how hard of time they have finding food in this kind of weather. I know we saw a food drop yesterday by Dad I think but it's just amazing that they can fly in that wind!
4/17 10:15 dst
Adult eagle came into nest with food. Is feeding chicks then resting in bowl of nest.
D in NH
Thank you very much for the update. I was concerned about the eagles during the storm. Glad to hear they seem to have come through OK.
Wing, hope you get your electricity back soon.
Mom left nest for 60 seconds....back with rather large meal ...feeding self & chicks
4/17 9:17am CDT
Parent left nest for about 1 minute and just flew back in. I am so absolutely impressed with the fortitude of these eagles. They seem to be indestructible and they never give up. We have a lot to learn from them. Thank you Wing for keeping us updated. Can't believe the camera has stayed on through this entire ordeal. You guy do excellent work.
4/17/07
10:21AM
Food-drop and feeding at about 10:14 AM.
Wow! The eagles are literally dwarfed by the size of their nest.
I have been "lurking, listening, and reading" mostly reading and watching!! This site is truly amazing, and the work that BRI is doing is highly commendable.
First off, I would like to address many newcomers, if you would take the time to read past blog comments you would get almost ALL of your questions answered.
I applaude everyone who has donated to making this site stay active and productive, however, that said...the number of posts/people and the amount collected is obscenely low. I am a newbie, but felt very embarrassed when Wing posted the amount raised so far. So I urge each and everyone of you to make a submission, no matter how small...for the miracle of this website. I know I have become addicted. If not for the research, why not a Birthday gift for "Little Wing"?? And if there is a "Stormy" another small Birthday gift? Come on, you would pay more than a small donation for a birthday gift for that annoying neighbor's kid that you don't even like *LOL*
Sorry for the soap opera, *getting down off of my soap box* but I get verbose when under stress, and that mighty tree a rocking has me VERY STRESSED OUT! (and quite a bit dizzy, even though it has calmed down since yesterday!)
And NO, I don't work for BRI, never even heard of them until a week and a half ago and have been glued to the blogs and screen as much as my job and life allows!
And YES, I have made a contribution, as large as my bank account would allow! And plan on making another in a few weeks, after all "baby needs new shoes" = maintenance on the webcam after getting beaten up by this storm, and/or how about "Little Wing's College Fund"? He's just GOT to go to Eagle University!
Thanks to EVERYONE who makes this Eaglecam possible, and to all the blogers who "fill in the gaps" when others have to *YUCK* actually get some work done or get fired *LOL*
Lin Towler, newbie
Ironton, Ohio
(On the Ohio River bank)
to sammii
the injury to the male's talon is believed to have occurred during a recent storm
as for the owl attack, it is being looked at and isn't yet determined what effect, if any, it had on that injury
April 17th
There are a lot of new observations attached to Wing's last comments labeled "Storm Notes" . (We posted the observations before Wing wrote the new comments)
Judy posted a video link there for a video of the parents making a nest exchange this morning during the storm.
For those having problems with the video links -- you can't simply click on them. You have to copy them and paste them into the search space on your web browser.
Some have said that when copying, you need to go beyond the last letter you SEE in the url, and copy to the end of the line. I don't know why, but it worked for me once when i couldn't get one to play for me.
You might try it, if copying and pasting the url isn't working. Copy a little bit of "blank space" on the end of the url and try that!
The videos are amazing. I hope you can see them.
Wing, is the camera angle due to the wind or did you change the zoom on it. Now, even when I go full screen it is hard to get a good picture of the eagle on the nest. I realize that the lens is still covered with rain drops but it is hard to view the close up of the eagles and at this time I couldn't see a little one at all. I do thank you for your diligence to keeping us updated even when you yourself are without power. We have some bad storms in the mid east but nothing like the storm I have just watched the eagles go through. Our storms, tornados, last maybe 10 min and it is all over. I can't imagine going through a storm that last 24-48 hours. What a wonderful symbol for our great nation to have....the EAGLE. These birds have truely met task of hanging in there. Thanks again Wing for the updates and the good work with the eagles. Hey guys out there, if you haven't donated to this cause maybe watching what these birds have endured for the last 36 hours will urge you to donate. Without our help Wing and BRI wouldn't be able to keep the camera on. Thanks again BRI and Wing Patty
I am very grateful for all the information you give us. I have been so afraid for this eagle family the last few days that I have to read your blog first, make sure they are ok, before I get the nerve to look at the eagle cam.
I fractured my femur in January and have been rather immobile for awhile. I have gotten strength watching these beautiful birds weather all adversity, patiently lying to keep their eggs and chicks warm and fed throghout it all.
Thanks again for all your information. Lois from MA
Watching for a few minutes before I have to do errands, and I saw both parents in the nest. It sure is the kind of day to keep the family together and safe. One just took flight. Bravery, vigilance, never giving up...qualities all of us could use more of! Thanks for the nest info. It certainly looks strong...have complete faith in these two wonderous animals to know exactly what to do. As far as names for the chicks, I know the scientist in you guys at BRI says that's a no no, BUT you have to admit there's merit in the thought!
Stormy, Windy, Little Wing, Wonder, or Fuzzball and Fluffy...they bring out the best in love, wonder, and delight in all of us. Our witness to this drama has given many a new look at this amazing thing we call nature. Thank you.
Judy, Sammii was asking what happened to dad's left foot and I went back to try and find the shot you sent with him coming in with his Talon swollen and crying. I couldn't find the shot. If you have the video that you sent could you post it again for Sammii? I do so appreciate your postings as I seem to miss all the action. Thanks for keeping up informed with your clips. Patty
Tues,Apr17
It's almost 10:30 a.m. I was relieved to see a parent in the nest. The nest is still being rocked but more gently. I saw the parents make the exchange but I don't know which one is which because they are both looking so wet and grungy. I didn't see any feeding. Poor birds. I'll never complain about rainy days again. At least I can get out of any weather just by going inside. Losing the electricity stinks. I hope you get it back soon. It's pretty back to normal here in Southern NH. The winds have died down and its just drizzling. Can't wait for spring to really show up! It's my favorite season and I don't want to just go right into summer like some years. Well.. hope everyone is having a good day. Warm wishes.
Maggie, NH
I worry about them being able to hunt for food for themselves and the babies. It's SO windy, how can they possibly navigate well enough to catch anything! Someone please post a note if you see them feeding the chicks. I wonder how long the babies can go without being fed? Laurie in CA.
at 10:15, parent left nest, returned in about 40 seconds with (I think) a rather large fish. guess all are eating well!
4/17/07 ... 10:48am
Morning Wing and bloggers!
Thanks Wing for your post. We really do appreciate them more than you know.
I just wanted to bring forward Judy's videos from the last blog of this morning's nest exchange as it is quite incredible to watch:
Judy said...
Video of amazing nest exchange April 17 around 7:55 a.m.
http://judykb.org/meapr17800amne.asf
or at YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48hZxcCeGCw
Just copy & paste...
Someone earlier asked if the nest is 15 feet deep, why don't the eagles nest deeper?
I know the answer to that one :o)
These eagles have nested in this same tree and nest for the last 13 years and each year they add a new "layer" for each new season. It really is quite amazing. I think they may have to find a new tree soon though since they are almost getting to the top of this one.
I watched the eagles all day yesterday in between "flooded basement" duties and I just have to say that I am in awe of this eagle pair. Never ceases to amaze me what they are able to endure especially this latest battle with Mother Nature.
The good news is that we are going to have nice weather finally come to Maine!!! What will that be like?
Hang in there Lil' Wing Miracle & Stormy. We all know that you have incredible parents.
Thanks again Wing for the update.
Greetings!
A quick note. Chris and I watched the owl video and determined that it was in fact a barred owl. These owls will feed on chicks and eagle nests have been predated by owls in the past.
Also, I wanted to note that the adults walk around the nest site with balled up feet to avoid stepping on the chicks and eggs with their talons.
Wing, BRI
Thanks Bald eaglecam, my husband said all along it was a barred owl, I thought so too, but with the one note call thought it could be the great horned owl. So hard to tell when it doesn't give the who cooks for you all call. We hear them a lot here. Saw and heard them when we were stationed in Florida, camping and canoeing. Love owls but not when they are attacking "our nest".
Karen in Denmark
4/17
Thank you for the update Wing.
And Judy thank you again for the videos. The one of the nest exchange was great-these eagles are truly amazing. I'm relieved to see that they are eating and feeding the chicks. And, actually everyone living in Maine must be pretty amazing and rugged!
Let's settle on names for our babies. I vote for Miracle Wing for the first one and Stormy Miracle for the second.
Maura (VA)
Thanks Lori for the answer to my question about the 15' deep nest! I am making my donation today! Come on bloggers....lets show them our gratitude for making our boring lives a lot less boring and giving us something to look forward too!
4/17 11am CDT
Thank you Wing for the eagle info. We all appreciate any tidbits you can give us. Judy -- please keep those videos coming. I just watched the nest exchange this orning and that was a fabulous shot. I as well as other bloggers count on you to give us the highlights since we can't be watching every minute. Thank you Judy.
Can someone in Maine give us an idea of when your local stations predict this storm is going to break? I keep checking the radar on intellicast.com and it looks like the weather is about to break.
4/17
12:09 PM
So glad to see that things are improving for the Eagle family.
A HUGE THANK YOU to JUDY for her video clips, Judy, you seem the capture the very best moments at the nest. Your work has contributed so much to this posting in keeping fellow bloggers up to date as well as providing BRI material to review and study. Your efforts are appreciated!
Wing, hope your power comes back quickly. Many of us in the Buffalo area lost electricity for three weeks last Octber, so I can empathize. We became indoor camping experts. So grateful when the juice came back on!
Chris
How do I access Judy's fabulous videos?
Tracey in Houston...
WOW! What a rough ride that was yesterday. These birds have captured my heart. I will continue to pray for their safety and strength. They must be totally exhausted and to think they still have winds and rain to endure for yet another day or two.
What a truely dedicated pair they are.
Thank you, Wing, for your updates. I learn something new each time you post.
04-17-07 12:00PM houston time
i think that people mistook the camera movement as nest movement. I doubt that the nest moved very much
10:10 a.m. AZ time... I think we have two parents in the nest. One is inside the bowl, hanging on to the side, and one is hunkered down in the middle... I can't believe the wind is STILL blowing... Okay, god of the winds, it's really enough now... Sharon...
I'd also like to thank Judy - just viewed the next exchange. It's now 12:10 central time and we have one parent in the nest and the other just in front and to the left of the nest sitting on a tree branch.
I, too, have made my contribution and don't know when I've gotten more pleasure from a donation.
Thanks Wing and to all at Bio
Weather forecast for Hancock County area:
Rain. Windy..high in the lower 40's. NE winds 20-30 mph with gusts possible up to 60mph through midday.
Windy with rain for the evening. Then lighter after midnight. Lows in the 20's...NE wind 20-30 mph.
Wednesday: mostly cloudy with rain showers in the a.m. Chances of showers in the p.m. Windy with 20-25 mph winds. In the mid 40's.
Thursday: Partly cloudy...highs in the 40's.
We can always predict one thing to change in Maine and that is the weather.
Anna
it is also amusing watching as they waddle carefully around the nest avoiding the eggs and chicks, and their expressions
as for names, many of us have settled in on Frosty and Windy, and some have varieties of these
last year we used Frank 'n Stein which many thought was clever for naming the 2 eaglets that survived
the chicks are cute to watch and many viewers like to personalize them in their own way, so it's fine for individuals to use their own selected names, whatever they are
besides, as they grow and develop personalities, other names may better suit them
whatever name(s) one uses when they blog, we'll know who they are referring to
what's important is that we all continue to support this fine effort
Wing - sorry you are still without power! This storm really did a number of a lot of people since it started out West. Hope you will get power soon -it's too cold to be without heat - hope maybe you have a generator?
Thank you for the update on the eagles. Cheesh!! I'll bet these eagles have no idea how many "parents" they have that were so (and still are) worried about them. I hope to see some sunshine soon!
Also, I hate to ask, but somehow I never could find the link for the video for the owl that visited the nest that one night. Would someone mind reposting it?? Thanks!
Let's hope the weekend coming up will bring some good weather for our babies!!
1:17 pm EDT
4/17
Highland Lakes, NJ
re: weather here in Maine:
It's still pretty wild. Rain/snow and "breezy" (that means 20-25 mph winds) through Thursday, but slight improvement each day. Friday through the weekend and into next week - SUN SUN SUN!!! highs in 50's !!
Anonymous said...
Can someone in Maine give us an idea of when your local stations predict this storm is going to break? I keep checking the radar on intellicast.com and it looks like the weather is about to break.
Glad to...
I am happy to say that the worst of this Nor'easter is behind us however we are know dealing with the "wrap-around" tail end of the storm unfortunately. We will continue to have rain and wind but not as severe until Thursday.
Then....we are supposed to be getting some NICE, WARM weather.
What a welcome change that will be!
April 17th
An amazing movie or video by Will showing the eagle taking care of chick during the storm. We think she was feeding it/them and we could see the head of the bigger one bopping around for a minute or two.
Apr 17 at 6 AM EDT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DiXDFlSML0
Hey Judy... I want to thank you for your video clips too... I can't watch constantly, so I REALLY appreciate all the good stuff that you caught for us...
SMOOOOOOOOOOOOCH!!! Sharon in AZ
April 17th
1:43 PM
The storm is supposed to end very gradually during the day Weds, and maybe ending in the easternmost part of the state Thursday, I think, with showers. Friday is supposed to be a sunny day with normal temperatures. (Bangor Maine TV forecast) I'll believe that when I see it.
I just heard on public radio a storm warning broadcast for a large part of DownEast Maine including Hancock County. I don't remember if it was for wind or flooding or both. We've had both. So it isn't over yet.
(unfortunately)
Wow! The tenacity of those eagles has really touched me. What a "cushy" life I lead! Had the birth (hatching)of my own children required such hardships - I doubt that any of us would have survived
the ordeal! Thank you so much for an appreciation of not only nature, but of my own lifestyle as well.
Wing thank you for all the information you give to us. I keep the camera on all the time, but work sometimes interfers with watching! I'm hoping that you all get your power back soon.
Thank you for the updates Wing... it's comforting to have the information you provide. Sometimes it's hard to just sit back and watch "Days of our Eagles" without feeling sick to your stomach i.e. storms, parents gone from nest, more storms, thinking the eggs weren't viable, and mating... all the things a great soap opera is made of. This is without a doubt the most incredible reality show I've ever seen.
Tues. Ap. 17 2pm EDT
A suggestion:
Would it be possible to post a link to Judy's marvelous video clips. Then all of her video clips can be viewed at leisure by we, the addicts of this Eagle site. Living in California, I can not make myself get up at 3 am to watch morning activity. Of course, I do get to watch the Santa Cruz Island family long after the Eastern addicts have shut down for the night.
Thank you Judy for the wonderful clips and all the time and effort you put in to make them available to everyone.
BET in the Sierra Nevada's of California.
Anonymous said...
4/17
Thank you for the update Wing.
And Judy thank you again for the videos. The one of the nest exchange was great-these eagles are truly amazing. I'm relieved to see that they are eating and feeding the chicks. And, actually everyone living in Maine must be pretty amazing and rugged!
Let's settle on names for our babies. I vote for Miracle Wing for the first one and Stormy Miracle for the second.
Maura (VA)
It's always going to be hard for everyone to agree on what the names should be :) Wish there were an easy way for all of us to vote at once.
Everyone on this blog seems to have chosen Lil' Wing for the first chick but on the Maine Bald Eagle Cam Discussion board we named the first chick Miracle. That's why when I write about the 1st chick I always write
Lil' Wing Miracle...
The (soon-to-be-seen-hopefully) 2nd chick I think we're calling Stormy but that is subject to change...
Just like Big & Lil' last year, eventually names for them will just fit and stick. :)
Someone was asking for the link to the owl video. I too was searching and finally found it. Quite impressive. Looks like "momma" can take care of her own. Here it is:
http://judykb.org/meapr1411pm.asf
Had to download it with flashget.
Hope this helps.
By request, Judy's video of the owl...
...and the possible 2nd chick :o)
Judy said...
Video that shows the owl flying by twice, Mom's reaction and Dad squeezing in next to Mom in the nest bowl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URDz3zCuPb0
tinyurl:
http://tinyurl.com/229mlk
The video I posted earlier from around 12:52 showing Dad feeding an unseen chick and there is a visible chick to the right at the same time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMLMHf8qfPU
tinyurl:
http://tinyurl.com/2cf7pf
We just got our power back here in
Boothbay, ME. after almost two days
with no elec., phone, or cable.
I was thrilled to see on the Bald
Eaglecam that the eagles are still
on the nest persevering and protecting their babies. What a relief and thrill!!We took a ride around our area and the devastation from the storm is horrific. Huge
pines have been ravaged and I was
sure the eagles were in trouble. What a miracle they are on the
nest and all is well. We saw a
bald eagle fly over Adams Pond
and land on rock today. Maybe we
have a family here in our area!
Thanks for all your wonderful work,
Wing. Judy A.B.
As a 100% native Mainer I have to chuckle when people ask how we survive storms like this. Certainly there are people whose homes have been damaged by this storm and they are suffering and need all our good thoughts and prayers. For others of us who live on the coast, this is winter-time entertainment. I have the great, good fortune to live on Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park and its famous (at least in these parts) "Loop Road". This week's storm has produced AMAZING surf (hence the continuing flood and coastal erosion warnings). Today I played hooky from work (I'm the boss, so I can get away with it) and spent 2 hours standing in the rain watching the surf on the ledges and cliffs and taking photographs. I am now chilled to the bone, nearly frostbitten, soaked to the skin (right through my winter jacket) and so exhilarated! Just as watching Mother Nature on the eaglecam is awe inspiring, so too is standing next to the ocean in all its violent majesty (from a safe spot!). Normally the Loop Road would be deserted at this time of year, but there was a parade of vehicles driving by to watch the show. If I knew how to do it, I would post an album for you all to see! And I can report that, though it is still raining here in Hancock County, the sky is getting lighter and the winds are certainly lessening. I guess this week's weather has illustrated my explanation of windy vs. breezy!
Judy thanks for the awesome next exchange footage from this morning! WOW! My husband and I both are obsessed with this little family. We now have the eagle cam showing on each of our home computers. One is going 24 hours a day. I like the names Lil Wing and Nor (if there are two).
Thank you for updating me as to what is thought to have happened to Dad's leg...I certainly hope he regains all his strength...My kids love to watch the Eagle cam as much as I do and were very impressed with the Owl video...~S Middle Of No Where Maine
am once again enjoying the EagleCam. i have to agree and chuckle with 'memlili' as well about the weather here in Hancock County. i'm a transplant of 25yrs living near MDI/Bar Harbor and yes, there's a lot of wind & cold rain and the eagles have been having a rough ride in the tree but to me it sure beats hurricanes of >100mph and tornadoes that arrive unannounced & totally demolish. i love the change of seasons here & the occasional blizzard and wouldn't trade it for anywhere. the natural beauty is beyond grand!
4-17 4:16 EDT I agree on the names Lil' Wing for #1 and Miracle Storm for #2 and if there is #3 Lil' Nor
Those are my votes. Is anyone going to keep tabs on these. I am having so much fun reading all that you eagle fans are writing. I have never seen anything this close and wonderful in my life. I grew up on a farm so was used to the miracles of farm animals but they are fed and watered and don't have to go hunt food and try to keep their young dry and warm in bad storms. Thanks you BRI and Wing for all your knowledge. Patty IN
Sending lots of love and good energy, to our eagles, from Northern Wisconsin.
Our vote for names is Lil' Wing
and Miracle.
We really think these babies are miracles.
Hoping for the calm after the storm.
5:31 pm (EST) Mom (?) left the nest briefly then returned and settled down. Suddenly she became very alert and started vocalizing (tho you couldn't hear this over the howling wind). She continued to look around viligantly for a couple of minutes, before settling down a bit.
Poor thing sure is looking ragged tho! Wet and bedraggled - but still so beautiful.
I like "little wing" for the first baby and "stormy" for the second. These seem fitting.
Shannon - Glenburn, ME
Thanks for the update. Hope things are getting better for you Wing.
I think the name Lil Wing is great, In honor of Wing Goodale, for being dedicated to keeping us informed on the blog, even when he has no electricity.
Looking forward to Lil Wing getting bigger, last year was awesome watching the eaglets grow up.
Thanks to everyone for posting video s of events we miss.
4/17/07 8:14 PM
Can't tell if there is an adult on the nest. It is too dark. I just got home from work, and the wind is still howling in Maine.
In response to Dianna's question about the nest being 15 feet deep and why the eagles aren't deeper in the nest...they add to the nest each year, and this pair has been using the nest for 11 or more years, so each year they add to it. Over the years because of the adding to the nest each year, it is now 15 ft. I imagine they add to it in layers each year, hence the depth. If you read some of the 2006 entries, it might explain it better than I have.
I sure hope the winds stop. It was interesting to see the video of the nest exchange. It amazes me that the eagles can maneuver their flight and landings so well!! Keep praying that they make it thur this Nor'easter!!
Cheryl
Ward and Lori - Thanks so much for reposting the videos of the owl intrusion from the other night. Don't know how I missed BOTH of them! LOL These eagles are just so amazing to me. The caring and gentleness they show not only for each other but their little tiny babies as well. I'm in awe.
Judy you are fantastic with these videos. I have no idea how it's done but you have given a lot of people pleasure by allowing us to catch up on the day's (and night's!) activities when we aren't able to sit in front of our computers!!
11:04 EDT
04/17
Highland Lakes, NJ
God Bless all at Virginia Tech
Good Morning
I was also interested in the size of the nest. I told a friend I read on the blog it is 15 feet deep, he said feet???
April 18
How can we see the Eagle/Owl encounter??
I watched the nest all night long until around 6am Wednesday morning, 4/18. The mother was sitting all night long as usual and when it became light out she flew off and within a few minutes either she returned or the father did, can't tell which. Anyway, that eagle sat down on the nest for just a few minutes and then flew off also. I've been watching off and on since then, it's now almost noon here in Massachusetts and I don't believe either eagle has returned, or at least no one is there when I look and that's often. I can't tell for sure if anyone is on the nest but I don't think there is. Does anyone have any information about what's been going on between the hours of 6am and noon EST? Very concerned if both eagles haven't been back.
The adult is leaving the nest fairly often today without waiting for a nest exchange. Is this normal at this point? Has anyone observed a feeding or chick activity today?
well it's 1pm here in New England, just checked the site and one of the eagles is finally back and sitting on the nest again. Whew, I was worried.
Am I the only one but does the nest look unoccupied tonight? I just got home and of course looked at the site, it's almost 1:30am Thursday, 4/19 and I can't tell for sure if there's an eagle sitting on the nest at all. All day today the eagles have been acting different, leaving the nest for long periods of time with neither parent there. Now this late at night I can't make out any parent there at all. Please let me know if anyone notices the same or anything different from my notes.
Hi all, Nick here from Maine. I was watching this morning around 630am 04/19/07 and saw one of the parents, standing in the nest, and squawking...poor thing...she must be so hurt and lost. I havent seen anything after 730am, he or she left and havent seen anything now. Im so upset. Poor mamma and daddy Eagles. Will they at least use the nest for anything?
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