Update
I wanted to give you a quick update. We are still working hard on the new camera system that I hope will be up and running by the end of the next week—of course I have been saying this for the last couple of weeks. These systems always take longer to get going than one thinks. The good news is that the birds that I hope we will be watching are building their nest and look like they will be putting down eggs soon.
Charlie Todd told Bangor Daily News that 12 nests were destroyed between Harpswell and Eastport during the storm. Here is a link to the story http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=150037&zoneid=500.
We are fortunate that the nest that we are viewing through the webcam didn’t come down, and the birds continued defense of the nest site against intruders as well as the amount of time they have been spending on the nest, strongly indicates that the birds will nest again at this site.
Next week will be my last week in the office for a while. I will be out on remote islands from southern Maine to Downeast Maine. This summer I will be working along side my colleagues at BRI, collecting samples to be analyzed for mercury and contaminants from Maine to Virginia to New York to Alaska. We are working with everything from bats to sharks to birds of all sorts.
I hope to be able to give you updates throughout the summer on how our research is progressing, and hopefully I will be able to be providing comments on our new camera!
I know that there have been questions about how long the eaglecam will be running and I wanted to assure you that we plan on having it up year round, because we are learning along with you how eagles use a nest site when they are not tending to young.
Please be sure to check out the looncam at http://www.briloon.org/watching-wildlife/loon-cam.php. Lee Attix will have the live streaming up I believe nest week. You can now watch however the refreshing still image.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
Charlie Todd told Bangor Daily News that 12 nests were destroyed between Harpswell and Eastport during the storm. Here is a link to the story http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=150037&zoneid=500.
We are fortunate that the nest that we are viewing through the webcam didn’t come down, and the birds continued defense of the nest site against intruders as well as the amount of time they have been spending on the nest, strongly indicates that the birds will nest again at this site.
Next week will be my last week in the office for a while. I will be out on remote islands from southern Maine to Downeast Maine. This summer I will be working along side my colleagues at BRI, collecting samples to be analyzed for mercury and contaminants from Maine to Virginia to New York to Alaska. We are working with everything from bats to sharks to birds of all sorts.
I hope to be able to give you updates throughout the summer on how our research is progressing, and hopefully I will be able to be providing comments on our new camera!
I know that there have been questions about how long the eaglecam will be running and I wanted to assure you that we plan on having it up year round, because we are learning along with you how eagles use a nest site when they are not tending to young.
Please be sure to check out the looncam at http://www.briloon.org/watching-wildlife/loon-cam.php. Lee Attix will have the live streaming up I believe nest week. You can now watch however the refreshing still image.
Wing Goodale, BioDiversity Research Institute
posted by Bald Eaglecam at 11:15 AM
119 Comments:
can you pull the camera out since we have not babies
Another overcast Sunday afternoon here in Maine. 5-29-07
Thanks, Wing, for the update. What a great summer you have planned for someone in this business. An interesting as well as rewarding one, I bet. Good luck to you and the other workers. I had a nephew work off the coast of Maine on a Puffin project so I know how much these programs mean to people.
I can understand the updates being scattered throughout the summer months and I am grateful the cam will be on so I can keep track of the goings on at the nest site. I was wondering if anyone will be keeping the blogging updated so us faithful ones will be able to converse with each other as we have been, therefore, keeping a kind of "diary" you or someone can check on at the site to see just what is going on when you experts just can't be monitoring the cam all the time.
It will keep interest at this site if we can know others are still here and interested in our eagles.
It has been said many times and deserves to be said once again.
THANK YOU WING AND BRI FOR ALL YOU DO TO MAKE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE EAGLES AND MANKIND.
My best...
Anna
This is really a bittersweet situation.
By defending their nest this pair will probably use it again next year.
However, by chasing away intruders they have prevented this pair from re-nesting and raising babies this year.
*sigh*
thanks for the update wing. keep up the good work and can not wait for the other cameras to come up.
amy
5-20-07 5:13 pm
Wing, my reading of Charlie Todd's reporting in the article in the Bangor Daily News you sited is that "at least a dozen of the 30 nests" he and others "surveyed between Harpswell and Eastport were destroyed during the nor'easter", not 30 as you state. Is that correct?
5-20 Thanks so much Wing for your update. It is so good to know that the eagle cam will be up year around. Also I am having trouble with the Loon cam. When I go to the link you provided and click on live cam all I get is the Eagle's nest. What am I doing wrong?
Have a safe and enjoyable summer. Sounds like a lot of hard work and I for one really do appreciate all you are doing to help the eagles and other birds and wildlife survive. Keep up the good work and I will check in to see how you are doing this summer.
In IN the Osprey's are back on the nests. They are so high up we can't see if there are any young until they get big enough to see their heads above the nest. The county has built very tall posts with a platform on it for the Osprey's . It was origally for Eagles but the Osprey's have taken them over.
Again, Wing, thanks for your time to answer and update us on the Eagles and Loons. PP
Wing,
Thanks for the new update 5/20/07, we do appreciate hearing about your latest endeavours. We do wish you well in your projects and hope that you will have a successful summer with all of the testing that you will be doing all over this great country of ours. Stay safe and in touch when you can.
We do appreciate the chance to see our eagles all year around, it is so addictive. The loon is back, I hear, and I can't wait to see them lay some eggs.
If people want the answers to a lot of their questions they would find a lot of them in some of the archives if they would read them.
Loon and Eagle Lover
Sunday, 5/20 7:19 PM
I read Wing's newest update late this morning as soon as it was posted. It is wonderful news that the Maine Eagle Cam will be up and running year round! I imagine that BRI will also continue to keep the blog going at least for a while to utilize our comments on how the eagles are using the nest site when not attending to young.
BRI's anticipated field work sounds exciting. I for one, would love to accompany them as they travel throughout Maine collecting samples and doing research. Very exciting. I know I am not alone in looking forward to their comments regarding their work. Like many, I am an "armchair" biologist at heart!
I haven't been on the computer most of the day. The nest is quiet at present. No eagle chatter, just beautiful lapping waves.I'll be listening for the remainder of the evening. Maybe Mom and Dad will visit....
I'll be looking forward to reading your posts. Keep up the good work my fellow "armchair" biologists!
Chris
Grand Island, NY
5/20
7:44 PM ET
Could we catch a visit this evening? Very close chatter at 7:44 PM. Sounds like mom and Dad.
Chris
5/20
8:05 PM Loud eagle chatter. Sounds like Mom and Dad. Still no visual but they are close.
Chris
Monday 3:41 am May 21, 07
Just tried to get the cam up and server can't be found. Looks like the cam is down. Hopefully it won't be down for long. I know you got alot on your plate and thank you for all that you do so us eagle addicts can watch.
Thank You so much for leaving the eagle cam on, I still enjoy checking on them through the day just hoping to catch a glimpse. I am glad you moved the camera out. I believe they are in the tree out of view from time to time. Thank you again and good luck with your field research..
Chapin
Hello everyone. My husband spotted a squirrel in the nest last evening. He lucked out, since our pair wasn't around to have him for dinner!
Heidi in Maine
Monday, 05.21.07, 6:50 am Pacific
Thanks, Wing, for giving us a window on such important topics. It's up to the rest of us to support you, BRI, and others so that problems can be identified, solutions can be implemented, and actual results can occur in this fragile world. The cams you provide teach those of us watching so much. This is especially true when young people are exposed to daily wildlife interactions and are taught how nature (including humans) works as one organism.
Off the soap box. Haven't seen the eagles lately, but just seeing the nest and remembering all this raptor pair have been through in the past couple of years is enough. Then I stop and consider that these are but two. There was one intruder that landed on the nest and proceeded to assume an egg-laying position. One of our eagles chased the intruder off. I really felt sad for the intruder. What if she lost her nest in the storm and really just needed to lay an egg to carry on life? That's what I mean about our eagles being just one of many pairs.
This website expands my little universe. Thank you all - BRI, bloggers, and birds. By the way, the new cam view is good for this time of year so we can catch a flyby. Looking forward to the new cams, too.
Thank you to all at BRI!
Lynn in Manhattan, Il
Was I hallucinating or was there really a squirrel that crawled up the right side of the nest and then appeared to drop off? It was Sunday, I think late in the afternoon.
I wanted to let everyone know that the new nest in Pembroke has two very lively and healthy eaglets in it. They are quite vocal when hungry, and Mom and Dad are very attentive and are working hard to keep the babies fed. The alewives are running, and we see Mom and Dad hanging out in the trees watching for a chance to grab one. The babies are up out of the nest most of the time now, so we can see them whenever we want. Hopefully these eagles will return year after year and raise many new babies.
Suzanne! I went nuts over your "mom & dad 5/19" video! Thank you soooooo much for the "fix" ... Patti in CA
5/21 AT 10:42AM EST Sounds like alot of human made noises. Like raking? Talking? No birds at all!Wow this is so different than the Winter & early Spring noises we are use to. I hear some sparrows now and then, and a crow....but not the Eagles.....oh well I guess I should go hear nature in my own backyard today...Hope all are well. Thanks for all the GREAT
work Wing & BRI. Now I hear a boat? Must be Spring cleaning.
Anne, NJ
1:19 Dad on nest vocalizing.
cathy h in mass
1:20 Dad flew off but can hear him in the distance.
cathy h in mass
11:45 A.M. Central time, Monday 21st:
Interesting audio at the nest for half an hour: chainsaw noises very close to nest, occasional male voices, scraping or raking sounds, all very close by. (Cleaning up from the storm?).
Then, just after the noise stopped at 12:15 p.m., an eagle arrived on the nest and stayed for about three minutes. Possibly Dad from the voice. Calling continuously. Then left, flying towards camera.
Monday 5/21
1:27 PM ET
After being out over night, the cam is back up and has been pulled out for a wide view. This will be great to see the eagles that land in the tree but not so good for trying to ID the eagles that land in the nest. Guess we can't have it both ways. Either way, I always enjoy monitoring this nest.
Wing, I have the same concerns as Anna expressed. Will we continue to have the Maine Eagle Blog? If possible, I for one, would like to see it continue. Please let us know.
Our Eagle oceanfront condo is peacefully swaying in the breeze....just beautiful. Maybe it will entice Mom and Dad to visit. I'll be checking on and off today. It seems that we are most likely to get a glimpse of them in the evening.
Chris
Grand Island, NY
5/21 1:35 PM ET
Lots of soft eagle chatter for the past few minutes. Still eluding the cam. No visual but there is one close by.
Chris
Monday 5-21-07 2:01 pm edt
Just got home from work and settled in. Glad the cam is back up and running. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU WING. I find it totally mind boggling all you do at your job, and some how still find the time to keep the cam running mostly smoothly, and fixing it when it gets a hicup. Reading through and posting all the blogs. I can say that all you do for the animals and us, sometimes must seem like we are one and the same, is greatly appreciated. I have been totally wrapped up in all the action since I found your site. Hmmmmm Life without Eagles, can't imagine it. Thanks again.
Someone was on the nest today at about 1 PM. I think it was Dad. He didn't stay long. Unfortunately, I had to get back to work and couldn't watch for very long.
3:15 pm Central time and hurrah, there is an eagle in the nest. What a welcome sight.
Just want to thank Wing and all at Bri for all the enjoyment (and sadness, too) this site has brought. I will miss Wing's updates and comments as I feel I have learned so much by reading this blog. I, too, will keep watching and hope the blog will be kept running.
Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL
4:20 just eagle on nest. Looks like Mom. Very serene. Just looking out over the water.
cathy h in mass
5/21/07
Eagle was on the nest at around four and sat there about half an hour before flying off.
Just was suprised when i pulled up the live eagle cam and saw one sitting on the next at 4:40 P.M. today Mon. May 21st.07.
Thanks for all the wonderful work you folks do . Now i will go to the loon cam and check out whats going on there.
The whole family has been excited over this whole event.
Many thanks,
Patricia in Ct.
Monday 5/21
An eagle was perched on the edge of the nest when I tuned in around 4:30. It stayed there another 10 minutes or so, looking out at the water and then back toward the camera. Very peaceful. No sound of other birds around, just the wind and waves.
I'm looking forward to getting to HEAR the loons almost as much as I'm looking forward to seeing them.
Was just headed to my back steps to enjoy the afternoon but had to stop as our eagle was sitting on its back step watching the water - it sat on the edge of the nest for about 20 to 25 min. from about 4:15 to 4:38p.m. Mon. How nice to catch one of them at home.
Good luck this summer Wing, we so appreciate the extra time you take to keep the blog updated...there are no weekends for you in the spring and summer I'm sure....probably the fall as well! so thanks for spending your time for us. I was in the neighborhood of BRI Friday and stopped in to make a donation to the Loon cam and the eagle cam as well...everyone there was very gracious and warm to this stranger who wandered in. How is fundraising?? I hope summer won't slow down the donations.....
Has anyone teased you yet about the last paragraph in your latest blog? where you said Lee will have the loon cam live 'nest' week!! Too cute! Do you know something we don't??
The SMCC osprey have laid an egg I'm pretty sure as someone has been on the nest regularly since about last Wed. I saw a nest exchange with food! this past Sunday afternoon. Very hard for me to tell male from female, like the eagles, their markings are so very similar but I see a size difference - sometimes. I watched one eating some fish with binoculars - you can get so close to where the nest post is that I felt like the next pull on the fish should be mine!!
J in S.P. ME
For anyone who needs a baby eagle "fix," check out my slideshow of the chick in the Sidney BC nest at
http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z73/milanprima/Eagles/?action=view¤t=1179451907.pbw
What amazes me is,in contrast to "ours" last year, this chick just lies there while being fed, then flops its head down and goes back to sleep. I guess it's the lack of competition, but it certainly behaves unenthusiastically! What a life!
There was an eagle on the nest last evening around 4PM the 21st for about a half hour. I checked in this morning at 5:30AM and there was one sitting on the "Y" branch. I like this wider view of the nest, it gives a better sense of scale as to how big these eagles are.
Linnie......5/22..0535 computer is finally back up and running.......
Caught a beautiful sight when I logged on this am...Beautiful silouette of one of the eagles sitting on the Y branch just so still that I thought my live feed wasn't on! Had to look at the waves to check it! Within minutes flew down toward the water....what a vision...how to start my day off right!
Thanks once again to all of my fellow bloggers for all the entries. Even if there aren't any eaglets, it's still a PRIVILEGE to be able to see this amazing window on nature in all of its reality. Having always been an eagle addict, it's all the more fascinating for me.
Nippy this am, isn't it Anna? 34 here on the Kennebec.......
We walked the long walk down to see if our eagles nest had made it...nest there but no white heads/tails. It's hard to see because the river is very wide where we live, and we don't like to get too close. Next week maybe we'll take the boat (and I use the term loosely!:) down and get a little better view.
Well, it's about 0615 and there has been lots of chatter and a few drive-bys but no more nest occupants.
Going by all the other bird noises, nature sure is BUSY in the am.
Have a wonderful day, everyone, and keep the faith!
Linnie
Tuesday, 5/22
7:04 AM ET
Good Morning Fellow Armchair Biologists!
There was an eagle visit on top of the Y shaped branch that was reported at approx. 5:30 AM ET today. Judy captured pictures and a video (beautiful sight with eagle looking out over the water).
I look forward to your posts. I will be watching the nest on and off throughout the day.
Chris
Grand Island, NY
05/22/07..GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!sTILL ENJOYING THE BLOG PICTURES SO VERY MUCH!! WATCHED YESTERDAY AS I BELIEVE MOM VISITED BOTH TIMES AT 405PMEST SHE TURNED TOWARDS US JUST BEFORE SHE LEFT AND YOU COULD SEE IT WAS HER. SHE CERTAINLY WAS IN NO HURRY AND SO ENJOYED JUST SITTING AND WATCHING THE OCEAN TO THE LEFT OF NEST INTENTLY!! HAVE A GREAT DAY AND HOPE THEY BRING THE CAM BACK CLOSE AGAIN SOON. ITS REALLY HARD TO TELL WHO IS WHO. THANKS WING FOR ALL YOU DO !! BEV
Wing, just read your latest update, how exciting, I am so looking forward to the information you will be collecting. I like the new camera view. Have a wonderful and hardworking summer! Keep up the great work:] 5/22 a.m.
Wing: with you being out of the office for an extended time, does that mean our comments on this blog site will not be updated regularly until your return? It would be nice if we could all continue posting blogs in order to continue sharing our observations and comments, if possible.
05/22/07
8:11AM
Good Morning.
There's a fascinating article "Response huge for swimming eagles info" by John Holyoke in the Bangor Daily News Sports Pages (Section C1)this morning.I don't have the link. He listed the following link to great pictures:
www.ketchikanphotos.com/Wildlife/Bald-Eagle-swimming.html
I haven't viewed the pictures yet but loved reading the 'swimming eagles' stories BDN readers sent to Holyoke.
Just signed in and the looncam is up and running.
05/22
12:15
Link to BDN:
http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/sports.aspx?articleid=150132&zoneid=23
May22,Tues.
Just checking in. Looks like a beautiful sunny day there in Hancock County. The ocean is such an amazing blue. I like this view. It looks great seeing the nest in it's entirety. I would imagine it will better our chances of seeing some eagle activity. It's a glorious day here in Derry, NH too. My favorite time of the year! Hope all you bloggers are enjoying spring and for those of you that are in places that are having droughts or storms, better days are coming! Hang in there. More rain and thunderstorms expected here at the end of the week. Oh well. Smiles and good tidings to everyone!
Maggie,NH
Tues. May 22, 07 3:00 pm edt
Good Afternoon everyone, Just a quick note. This morning was a chilly start to the day, but we are finally getting some much need sunshine. I don't know about you, but I was starting to feel like a puddle duck. LOL The forecast for this week is sunshine and more sunshine. Getting up this morning I started up the computer and got the cam up and running. Tho the eagles weren't there, the picture I was greeted with was awesome. The ocean is sooooo blue. I hated to have to go to work. I enjoy just listening to the waves and the other birds also. The only way the picture could of been better, would have been if one or both eagles had been in the tree or on the nest. This afternoon I am greated with the same view, but all is quite this time. Right now I have 72 degrees outside in the shade. I must leave now. grrrrrrr off to second job. Happy Eagle Watching Everyone.
I'm just catching up on all the comments which are great. I love to catch even if it's just a short climpse of an eagle daily for my fix. I was reading one comment saying they spotted a squirrel on the nest. Well I must have been looking that same day because I also saw that squirrel.
susan
May 23
Turned on cam this morning in time to see an eagle fly into the nest carrying a huge animal with a long tail {unfortunately}. A second eagle flew onto the y-branch immediately after. They left very quickly with the prey.
After looking at some stills, I think it may have been a cat. Maybe Siamese by the color of it's tail. Certainly glad the cam was not any closer in. As it is I don't think I want to watch any more. Very much a cat lover.
To those worried about the blog not being updated while Wing is away in the field....If you read HIS updates you'll see that just about a week ago he assured us that he'd do his best to keep them up or a fellow biologist at BRI would jump in to help him - let's rest assured that he will and they will....He's treated us A #1 so far!! No reason to expect anything less in the future - we are under his wing so to speak.
Maybe if you check in to the cam and not much is happening, you can take a few minutes to read through the biologist's bloggings and catch up on what's new with our eagle friends and with BRI. The links BRI offers on it's home page bring a wealth of info as well and that can keep you thinking when our birds are out flying.
Warblers are crazy in my backyard trees this past week, saw a beautiful Blackburnian Warbler yesterday...quite a sight!
SoPo ME
5/23/07 11:05am
There's an eagle in the nest. Looks as though he/she may be eating something. Can't get the live feed on, but it's great to see activity in our famous Hancock County nest. Reading the blogs faithfully so thank you all for the updates.
And to Wing and BRI - wishing you much success with your myraid of projects.
--Liz (W,DC)
5/22/07, 11:19 am found an scruffy looking eagle sitting on edge of nest. looked to be feeding some. did some preening and looked like some calling, but the video was not up so I couldn't hear anything. Flew off at 11:23 this is the first time I have seen anyone on the nest in some time.
previous comment was sent the 23rd, not the 22nd. sorry
Hello everyone....5-23-07
Thanks for all the blogs left while I have been off the computer. My little Lhasa Apso, seventeen years old, had to be put to sleep on Sunday evening so all you pet lovers know what I have been going through.
Nevertheless, it is a heart lifting experience and a comfort to be able to come here and read up on everything I have missed and when I signed in at 11:20 a.m., there was an eagle on the limb to greet me and make me feel better.
For the blogger that discovered the kill in the nest that the eagles brought in, I understand your feelings on the subject. I feed lots of small birds and just hate it when a large bird swoops down and grabs one and takes it off. But I have had to come to realize that it is survival of the fittest. A bitter lesson at times even when I watch wildlife programs on television. But we have come to love the eagles, haven't we? How do they live if they can not find proper food. I have read that eagles's diets are 80% fish...they are not out there just waiting to ponce on a tame animal. I believe they do this in time of great need. Maybe a cat was threatening their nest...would they not, by nature, protect it and maybe little ones in it? Cats get my small birds, at times, I would like to get rid of every one of them, yet, they have families to feed also. I know it is tough out there and hard to watch at times but I would urge you not to give up....you will not see that often, usually it is fish unless it is in hard times. I would hope all bloggers stay at this site and keep me posted. I enjoy every blog I read. You all are important to this project. Hang in there and keep the faith.
My best,
Anna
Geez Anna....one can have and love cats as well as love any & every species of bird. I don't let my cat feed on birds but nature is nature! Some people may feel that barking dogs are a nuisance to birds trying to nest or feed but let's not get rid of every one of them!!
Sorry you lost your pet, your friend - I recently also had to put my best friend, a cat down as she had lymphoma....your words were painful and thoughtless
NoName
May 23, 07
7:45PM
I'm hoping to see an eagle sometime tomorrow when I check in. So far I haven't seen one today or yesterday, so didn't witness the incident with the huge prey. I love my three cats who showed up at my doorstep when they were kittens. But I am very much aware of the fact that they are predators. We feed them well, and take care of them, -two of them are over ten years old, but the urge to taste wild 'game' they hunted and caught themselves is still very much with them. They hunt mice, and during spring and summer they try to get chipmonks and squirrels. Nature made them that way. I couldn't and wouldn't change them.
I get a kick out of them trying for chickadees, and watching the chickadees 'laugh' at them. This seems to have gone on for years. Maybe they catch brids when I'm not there to observe but as far as I know, and so far: cats score zip, chickadees and bluejays are the winners. Crows are a safe as in church around here, and so are Mourning Doves who feed off a very high platform I erected.
It must have been shocking to watch the eagles bring in what appeared to be a cat. And so sad, too. But if we want to live with nature and animals, co-exist, and learn all we can it's important to accept them as Mother Nature designed them. My sympathies are with the folks who lost their cat, but I still love eagles and all animals. How could I not?
5/23...2230
As always, first thing I do when I get home from work.....check on the eagles and read the blog. This is a wonderful little community, isn't is? Its brought great enjoyment to my little world:):)!
Most important thought tonight...
Anna, you have my heartfelt sympathy...I have 2 cockers....13 & 14 and my little guy is very close to that time due to illness. They are such a huge part of our family (and our hearts), aren't they? My thoughts are with you.
Our eagle nest seems to be very special.......the location, the backdrop, the glorious sparkling ocean. The vantage point is really choice.
While its neat to look at other sights with eaglets, none of them have that something special that ours had.....just my opinion of course.
Here's hoping that Mr. & Mrs. stop by the nest tomorrow.....I have found that early in the morning is a good time to catch them at the nest.
Keep the faith,
Linnie in Fairfield
5/23 Wednesday 11:39 PM ET
Hello Fellow Bloggers!
I enjoyed reading your posts as always but especially today as I was at a day long conference and had to run many errands this evening. No eagle watching time for me....
Anna, I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Our pets become like family and I know how bad you feel. They give unconditional love and their loss always leaves a void in our lives. I'm so glad the eagle came to visit today. I think he came especially for you!
I have asked Judy the Administrator of the Maine Eagle Nest Forum via a PM whether it would be ok to post a link here on this blog to some of her fantastic video captures from the cam. I haven't received a reply yet but expect to soon. It would be great to have some of the videos available for people who can't check into the cam often during the day. She is a very talented lady with regard to her captures of activities at the nest!
Ann, I believe we were hoping for a confirmation from Wing that the blog as well as the cam would remain up and running.
Wing stated:
"I know that there have been questions about how long the eaglecam will be running and I wanted to assure you that we plan on having it up year round, because we are learning along with you how eagles use a nest site when they are not tending to young".
He did add that he would give us updates regarding his research and the new camera. I think we were just inquiring on whether the routine blog would continue to be updated every day or every other day. I am with you...Wing has been very receptive to accommodating us as "armchair biologists". We just weren't sure if he would have the human resources to routinely update the blog. I know we are all most grateful for the opportunity that he and BRI have provided to us... letting us view these beautiful eagles!
Well, the black and white cam view of the nest tonight is peaceful...the ocean sounds soothing. I hope we all catch a view of the eagles tomorrow.
Good night,
Chris
5/24 2:20 AM
I should have checked my messages on the Maine Eagle Nest forum before my last post here. Judy replied and was gracious to give me the ok to post the links to her videos.
Here is one from an early morning eagle visit on 5/22.
http://judykb.org/memay22530am.wmv
Pretty sight huh?
Thanks Judy for letting me go ahead and post your video.
Chris
5.24 6:30am
Anna, I have a hard time believing a cat would be threatening an eagle nest....I doubt it would even know there's a nest 70 feet above it's head but surely strange things happen every day. Let's also know from our eagle studies (because we are doing our best to learn about what we love aren't we?) that eagles can carry about 4 lbs and do eat small rodents, lots with tails. They also eat carrion (like kitten road kill) and are adept at stealing prey from other birds (I believe they call it 'opportunistic'). Check out why Ben Franklin did not want the eagle to represent the country....
Sorry to hear of the lose of your pet. I'm betting your angry words regarding the extinction of cats were said in grief....please don't wish that on any species; as much as we may dislike a species we are all a chain, a web of life, and the lose of one hurts us all. Isn't that part of what Biodiversity means, what this Institute is trying to teach us?
I love these birds and this site and I try hard not to anthropomorphize them or any wild species...save that for your pets.
Maine
5-24-07
To all I offended about cats, I am truly sorry. I guess what I was trying to say did not come out right. I do not want cats to be killed or disappear from the face of the earth. I was trying to say... at times, I wish they were not there to kill the birds. I was responding to the letter written on May 23rd, stating they were thinking about not coming to watch the eagles because they thought they see a cat lugged in by eagles on the nest site.....that they were cat lovers and did not want to view such behaviour.
Once again, I am truly sorry to those that I upset. I would never do that intentionally. I will back off blogging from now on and hope you all enjoy the eagles and continue to support them. I would never hurt any animal, even the predators. I hate hunting of any kind but respect those that legally hunt.
Be happy and have a great summer.
Anna
Hey fellow bloggers. I wanted to pass some information along to all of you. I was telling my husband about the viewers who thought they saw the eagle bring a cat to the nest and that the cat looked like a siamese. He thought that perhaps it was more like a Pine Marten than a cat. So I did a google search on Pine Martens and wow, yes they look very similar to a siamese cat. After my research on the martens, they get as big as the average house cat and they are climbers, so it is possible that it was a Pine Marten and it could have been a threat to the nest. They do live in areas of New York State, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, and Wisconsin. They are also occassionally preyed upon by bald eagles. Here is a link to the sight if you would like to read more about them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_marten
I hope this puts the "cat" issue in a better perspective.
Sorry Chris...I was referring to Wing's blog of May 12th where in the last paragraph he stated..." I will do my best to update the blog when I come out of the field and will work with my collegues to update the blog when I am away from a computer". I felt this meant he would do his darndest to keep the blog flowing even tho he's away on remote islands or wherever.
He does a fine job too...Saturday and Sunday mornings, evenings, etc. I believe it was you a while back that gave us an idea of your feelings for how Wing's day goes....and we probably all feel that he's overworked and underpaid....I'm guessing the word passion comes into play. Thanks again Wing....no coal in your stocking!!!
Ann SoPo ME
Thurs., 5/24; 4:08 pm.
I think Anna was referring to the prey that "our" eagles brought to the nest (and pictures of which are on the other Maine Bald Eagle Cam blog). It was white, furry and had 4 legs, but no one could tell what it was. I had a white cat disappear outside and I think they're kinda an easy target. I always thought a coyote got mine (b/c they attacked another of my cats). I don't think they take prey because it is a threat, and it was strange b/c they brought the thing to the nest and then didn't appear to eat it.
I noted on another blog that an osprey pair had a blue teddy bear in their nest one year. The nest year some other bird took it, and they went and got a piece of fabric or something almost exactly the same shade of blue. Maybe our eagles have decided they want something white in their nest.
Maura
Maura
1657..Hello,everyone!
OK, I think there is some confusion as to what Anna meant when she said "Cats get my small birds, at times, I would like to get rid of every one of them, yet, they have families to feed also. "
I took her to mean every one of HER cats, not all the species of the world. Anna has not ever shown herself be thoughtless in her many gentle, inciteful entries.
I know how you feel, Anna. My cat is a very good hunter, and went through a spell where he was bringing young birds (almost dead!)into the house. I would go right into a TIZZY, and be so MAD at him, but of course I knew that he was just doing what most cats do.......playing cat and mouse:):):):)! Still, I would think......THAT'S IT! I just can't have cats that kills birds . ..I'm such a bird lover! My desperate solution was to keep him in the house.....he and I wage this constant battle....he tries everything to get out, and I try everything to keep him in. In the local newspaper a few yrs ago, there was a story regarding an eagle who swooped down and picked up a dachsund......anyone remember that? I agree with you it's unusual for domestic animals to be prey, but I've heard of it a few times.
ANYWAY.....we are all creature lovers, it's clear, and that's one of the reasons we enjoy eachother's input.
Any eagle sitings today? I've been in and out, and when I check ..NOTHING!!!!!!
May 24, Thurs.
Greetings fellow bloggers and nature lovers.
Anna..I am so sorry about your dog..my heart goes out to you. Time will heal but for now I know how painful it can be. I have 3 terriers and shudder at the thought of the inevitable. I've lost 2 cats over the last several years. I have one cat remaining.
Speaking of cats. I can't believe that the eagle would get a cat. It must've been dead or very sick..and they both probably had to carry it. Could be it was a possum or martin or weasel? Anyway.. Can't really blame the wild animals. It's people encroaching more and more on their territory as we all know. It's not surprizing when a poor unsuspecting domestic animal gets snatched up. I always worry about my little ToyFoxTerrier when he's out in the fenced in area. I've seen hawks or eagles going after squirrels and actually shoed two away right in my yard that had a squirrel cornered in a tree. I'm partial to squirrels and I didn't let them get him for a meal. Maybe that's not right either. I do keep my cat in now for she was a ferocious hunter and I'd come home at the end of the day to a massacre sometimes. Like a whole family of chipmunks. It would freak me out and I would bury all of her catches. (Sometimes crying!) When she got two baby red squirrels that was the last straw and I kept her in from that day on. She's adjusted well and has become much more affectionate. Now I can put out feeders for the squirrels and the birds! It's been great watching them. Well..another animal nut here. But again I am sorry for your loss Anna and I enjoy reading your blogs very much and your dog I am sure had a wonderful life with you and quite a long life too. Peace.
Maggie,NH
05/25/07... Wing Thanks for pulling the cam in again!! I need to be able to see who is who and what they bring to eat etc.. and yes I do observe ALL summer and fall. Its an opportunity to document for BRI what is going on at the nest now that there isn't any babies. Thanks again, BEV
Anna, please don't quit blogging with us. Your observations are important. You are a valuable part of the blogs and I've enjoyed reading your information. It is very hard sometimes to watch nature at its best and or worst. Last summer we had a family of red fox living around our home and one day I saw one of them attack a cat and carry it off. It was really very sad and I was a little angry at the time as I am a cat owner. However in time I came to understand that wild life does what it has to to survive. Please continue to be a part of this wonderful experience.
5/25
To Maggie in NH, I too own 2 Toy Fox Terriers. Weighing in at 7 and 8lbs. I worry about them in my backyard. I've seen some pretty big hawks lurking around. They claim their share of mourning doves that I feed. So I never let them out alone.
Haven't seen much activity in the nest past few days. Hopefully when that new raptor cam gets going we'll have some new chicks to watch grow. Can't wait!
cathy h in mass
5/25 0850
Anna!I WON'T HEAR OF YOU BACKING OFF BLOGGING! I so look forward to your entries and updates, and I know I speak for many others as well. Please don't let a few ruin this for you..there were many more of us that wrote of their sympathy for/with you & shared the same situation. It was soooooooo good for me to know there are are others out there who face this awful situation of losing a loved one.
Must run......what is the temerature on the coast today, Anna? It's already 71 here....
KEEP THE FAITH!
Linnie from Fairfield
05/25/07
8:47AM
This is for Anna:
I'm so sorry to read about your dog.
Please don't stop blogging. You're an essential part of this 'eagle-lovers' community, and I want you to know that I never thought you wanted all cats to disappear from the face of the earth. It's not what you said anyway.
I try very hard to prevent my cats from catching birds. For the most part I think I succeed because I have a very large, high feeding- platform, and the post is wrapped in aluminum. No way can my cats climb it. Their paws slide off in spite of 'wicked' claws. I can't prevent their getting birds at times, I am sure, but I can make it easier on the bird population by wrapping aluminum around the post. They do catch mice and sqirrels, and chipmunks which are also in nature's foodchain for foxes, owls, other birds. That's the way of nature.
Please Anna, keep blogging. We need you.
For adklaurie:
Thanks for the information on pine martins. Now I have something else to research and look for when I observe what's happening in my backyard.
5/25/07 9:15 a.m.
Good morning everyone!
For all you cat lovers who hate when they bring home little "presents" there is now something called a cat fence which is fairly cheap and easy to install. Then your cats can still go outside but they can't get out of the fence (and other animals can't get in, except maybe eagles). Do a search for "affordable cat fence" and you'll find a website that sells kits. There's also a feral cat website that has a do-it-yourself cat fence instructions.
It may have been a pine marten those eagles got. It makes more sense, but they could have gotten a domestic cat as well. It only took one of them to bring it the nest, tho.
I want to give the BRI team yet another thank you for the eagle cam which I keep as my homepage all year long -- it's so great when you get a sight of the eagles even when there are no babies.
Maura
5/25/07
Anna I am sorry about your dog. It is very difficult to lose a pet. I do know how you feel only too well. However, like everyone else I take exception to your comment re cats. I have four cats(indoor--all rescues). I love all animals. Last year I thought I saw a big orange tabby in the nest being feasted on. The eagles were feeding their family--I can't possibly hold that against them. I also don't like that they feast on ducks! But they are predators and we can't forget that. Cats too are predators.
I think we all say things in a time of sorrow (and that we probably did not mean, or at least the way it may come out) that we regret later. I think we can all sympathize with you. Please do not stop blogging because of this. We all enjoy your informative blogs and that would definitely be a loss to this site if you stopped. We have all become sorta family here, and as with all families we have our differences. This is the friendliest and nicest group of people (starting with Wing and the staff at BRI) and YOU ARE SO VERY MUCH A PART OF THIS LITTLE BLOGGING FAMILY. We love you --- keep blogging.
And Chris, thank you for posting Judy's video.
Wishing you all a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.
Maura (VA)
Thought I'd share something I saw last evening around 7pm...We had pulled into our local Hannaford market and parked on the marsh side as usual and we immediately saw what looked like a duck splashing around in the middle of the water. It seemed odd cos the ducks usually play around closer to the shallow areas but this thing was almost thrashing in the water. My husband - who got the binoculars first! - said 'he's got something in this mouth , a fish, it's pretty big!" So as we continued to watch we realized the big fish was actually an eel and the duck was a coromorant, he kept bringing the eel down into the water to get it adjusted if you will to slide down the throat. Sure enough after a few minutes, he put his head back and the eel that wasn't already down his throat flipped up and down it ALL went. We saw about 10-12" before it went down. Once it was all down there was a lump for a bit but he rose almost out of water spread wings, flapped and probably thought to himself...I won't have to eat again til tomorrow! What an incredible sight to catch. As he was fighting the eel in the water, seagulls started nosing around...first only one then suddenly 4 or 5, then within seconds maybe a dozen or more all circling the coromont - but when he had his final swallow, they all left pronto! And he quietly swam away....if we had driven in just then we would've looked out at the water and said "Oh, a coromorant". Same day and time 2 beautious snowy egrets off in the grasses, one lifted a wing to groom and the setting sun hit that white....very pretty!
So this morning around 10 am I'm telling my daughter this story as we park at Hannaford again (she's shopping now) and low and behold there are 2 giant swans!!! swimming around. Not sure if they were Tundra or Turumpter but holy moley they were giants. The seagulls who are always around seemed to be sitting in the marshy flats just staring at them! Would love to see them flying!
Sometimes I feel like the luckiest woman in the world...thanks to my Mom and Dad who taught me a love of nature as soon as I was in it!
Hope I don't bore you all too much with my bird stories that are not eagle in nature; If you'd like me to keep quiet about birds that are not eagles, please say so!! OK?
J in S.P. ME
Hello everyone! I have a few things.
1- Anna, please don't stop blogging. I think you cleared up the issue very nicely and your entries and knowledge are always wonderful to read.
2- Let's go with the Marten instead of the Siamese cat. I have one and he means the world to me. I know nature isn't always pleasant, but gee - I can't imagine my Abby being gobbled up by one of our eagles! I was pretty upset with the thought of a cat as prey, but I respect nature and I know everyone needs to eat - I just prefer that it not involve domestic animals! I am a cat fanatic, and I love the eagles. I was feeling a bit torn. My husband made me feel better when he told me "Well, it was probably one of those cats that sleeps on the side of the road..." :-)
3-Someone referenced another Bald Eagle Maine blog site. Where is this and how can I get to it?
4-Finally...When people refer to viewing still shots, where are they? I can't seem to find anything other than what is on my screen, or from 2006. Can anyone help? I would greatly appreciate it!
I hope the Anna situation is resolved. I was a little discouraged when I read some of the blogs. It seemed like the "friendly community" blog was becoming controversial and I don't think that is BRI's intent. I don't believe anyone one meant harm, yet at the same time I think there were hurt feelings, and again, I hope this is resolved.
Have a nice holiday weekend,
Heidi in Maine
Fri. May26.
I see an empty nest but hear the eagles nearby. Aslo hear motorcycles and perhaps a boat or a passing airplane.
WoW! Anna.. Please don't stop blogging. I love reading your blogs. You seem so sweet and I don't think you have a mean bone in your body. I don't understand why people got upset at what you said. I'm a cat lover and I didn't take your comment as a nasty comment..Just one of those things..you know those pesky cats ate birds in my yard..I didn't take it to heart at all. It was completely misunderstood as far as I can see. ((((((((ANNA))))))))) I think you are great..This is the nicest place to visit.. Everyone please don't let a misunderstanding put a bad feeling in the air..I so enjoy reading all of your blogs!!!
About the ToyFoxTerrier..Mine is 11 lbs. Yours are tiny. LOL I don't blame you for not letting them out alone. My other dogs are 18 lbs. and 24 lbs..and they are pretty scrappy. They're fine. The ToyFox is just kind of timid and he's "my baby." At 11 lbs. I guess I don't have to worry too much. We get tons of turkeys here and hawks and eagles..and I've seen those Pileated Woodpeckers.. a pair of them..They are incredible..and the cry they make is so loud. Like a jungle bird. One day I was driving down a road that has wetlands on either side and of course some industrial sites have been built in the area. Well.. lo and behold I saw standing in the middle of the road a Great Blue Heron! He must've been 5 feet tall. I got out of the car and tried to shoo him off the road. He looked me straight in the eye. It was amazing...He did get off the road. My husband said I was nuts and that it could've attacked me but I'm glad I got such a close up look at that giant bird! I'd like to see an eagle mess with one of those! They are a problem for people who have little fish ponds with poi fish. The herons come and steal them out of their yards.. Oh well..what can you do. Those fish are expensive too. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! And by the way, I appreciate all the stories of experiences people have with animals, pet or wild. Cool with me. Just keep writing! Peace a warm wishes.
Maggie,NH
Maggie,NH
May 25
Meant to say how quiet the nest has been for the last couple of day in my post above. Have heard some chittering and twittering every now and then. Some close and some a lot further away. They need to put in an appearance to give us our eagle fix.
For anybody who might be interested in viewing a nest of 4 baby peregrine falcons hatched out around 4/26/07, here's the place to go:
http://blogs.indystar.com/falconblog/
A pair of falcons has been hatching nestlings atop a tall building in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana for the past few years. There are 2 cameras set up for viewing. The babies were banded just last week and are half down/half feathers right now. Very neat website!!
Indiana bird lover
Friday, 5/25
11:57 PM ET
Hello Fellow Maine Eagle Lovers!
Another very busy day and not much time to check in on our nest. I'm hoping some of you will be able to update me tomorrow so I will know what I missed.
Ann, Wing has been very fastidious about tending to our blog. I know we are all grateful for his efforts. I'm hopeful that he will continue to update for us. It would be great if he could get a Computer Science or a tech savvy Bio Major from a local college or university to commit to an internship and help him our with some of his tasks like the blog. He really is a very busy gentleman.
Anna, Hope time is beginning to heal the hole left in your heart from losing your dog. Every time I looked into my pug's sweet face today I thought about you and hoped you were feeling a bit better.
I've been watching the Harrisburg PA Falcon Nest Cam for a couple of months. The chicks were banded yesterday. They are full of the dickens and are now exploring the ledge of the building that holds their nest. It makes me a bit nervous since they aren't ready to fly. If our nest is quiet and you want to check out the falcons here is the link:
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/
On the right side of the page you can choose RP or WNP to view the cam.
adklaurie, I think your husband might have something with regard to the pine marten. It certainly is a possibility.
I know we have to be careful around western NY. I've only visualized one bald eagle but we do have falcons who will go after small animals. We have a few pedigree bunnies and have to place a mess cover over their 6' x 6' exercise pen to protect them from becoming the falcon's lunch.
Well the nest is quiet again tonight. Earlier this afternoon I checked in for a few minutes. No eagles but it sounded like someone was cleaning up the yard around the nest site, Maybe tomorrow Mom and Dad will visit. Keep me posted in case I don't get to the computer!
Oops it's after midnight...have to catch some shut-eye....I look forward to checking your blog entries tomorrow!
Good night fellow armchair biologists!
Chris
Grand Island, NY
Saturday, 05.30.07 8:16 PDT
Greeting to BRI, Wing, and all fellow bloggers.
Even now, with minimal nest activity and sightings, there are observations to be made about wildlife. Yesterday I heard eagles in the area. Today, just crows and other natural sounds. And then, just like last year after Big and Little fledged, I saw a 'normal' sized bird land in the nest. It is such a shocker to see, because it brings back the truth that these eagles are HUGE! When all I see are eagles, this fact frequently fades into my memory. You know - such cute babies'.
Also, several days ago I heard chain saws and other human activity sounds. I figure someone was cleaning up from that nor'easter.
These are some animations from the May 23rd visit around 5:48 a.m.
First Eagle
Second Eagle
Both Eagles
Saturday, 5/26
Just checking in to see if the blog had been updated. It hasn't but that is understandable due to the holiday weekend. I'm hoping that Wing and his associates are going to take some well deserved time off and enjoy a BBQ and a bit of rest.
After re-reading the most recent BRI blogs, I see that there are a wonderful group of bloggers here that have a sincere interest in our beautiful eagles. They come to this blog to share information but perhaps more importantly to create a log of activity at the nest for BRI. In our own humble way, we are aides to the BRI biologists. With that being said, it is imperative that we all continue our efforts to keep this blog going in a meaningful manner.
I never blogged on any blog until registering this year with BRI. My time, as everyone else's, is tight with routine family responsibilities but I felt a need to converse with others that have an interest in eagles and therefore committed to making entries and becoming part of the "armchair biologist team". I still feel that way despite there being less activity at the nest. I'm hoping that all of you feel the same, especially Anna. It was you Anna, that provided in depth daily weather reports during horrendous storms and glorious sunshine. You provided necessary forecast information that was difficult for those of us that live far away to assess. Your entries are essential to the scientific side of this blog. We need to be alerted to what weather our eagles will experience to be more vigilant in viewing the cam. We continue to need your meteorology updates. Your fellow bloggers need you and BRI needs you. I hope that when the blog is updated, I will see what has become to be known as "Anna's Meteorology Update". Don't give up on us or BRI Anna. I'll be watching for your comments.
Have a Great Memorial Day fellow bloggers! It's even more meaningful knowing that we all have an interest in preserving the symbol of our great country...the Bald Eagle!
Happy BBQ'ing!
Chris
Sat. 5/26/07
In keeping with the scientific efforts of Wing and Lee, we bloggers should limit our blogs to observations related to the work of this particular web cam. Technically speaking, this is not a "chatroom". As observers, we need to limit the length of our correspondence in order for the BRI staff to focus on their primary task....the observation, recording, and sharing of factual information. If the site becomes to "heavy" with personal matters, we will lose valuable space, time, and energy filtering through the paragraphs. In this field of science, we are all enriched by the feedback of the BRI team. They are a most gracious staff...and we can best show our appreciation, by keeping our writings to the point and factual. This is a unique web site...almost an association of friends....but let's not lose sight of our "Maine" purpose.
From the less smoldering Pinelands of NJ, maryd
Saturday, 5/26 1:37 PM ET
I just received word from Judy, the Administrator of the Maine Eagle Nest Forum...she will be updating video and screen shot posts here on the BRI blog. For the veterans of this blog, we have already developed an appreciation for Judy's talent in capturing activity at the nest...it's fantastic! For the newcomers to this blog....you are in for a treat in viewing her work!
Chris
Sat. May27.
Finally made my contribution to the EagleCam. I will send more thoughout the year.
Nest is empty. There is no sound so don't know if there are any eagles nearby. Looks like its a beautiful day in Hancock County. It's partly cloudy here in So. NH.
Didn't get much sleep last night because the last week or so at about 5:00 A.M. each morning I am awoken by parent birds teaching there fledglings to fly. I rarely get up that early! I guess they use food to entice them from place to place. Sounds like about 3 babies. I tried to get a glimpse of the birds but only saw a flash of brown. Maybe robins? Anyway I love to hear birds sing but these babies are screeching, demanding food not far from my window. I suppose it will all be over in a couple of days and they will be flying just fine. Just thought I'd mention that since we've been on the subject of the collision of animal and people habitats. Hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day. Anna I hope you are feeling a little better with each passing day. Peace.
Maggie,NH
Saturday afternoon, 5:34 PM, just turned on the eagle cam to check if any activity. Nothing there so was about to exit when I heard what I thought was an eagle call. Sure enough, an eagle landed on the nest, checked it out a little, then turned around and flew off. I was so thrilled to see him or her again as it had been quite awhile since I had been blessed with a sighting. What a magnificent video cam this is and many thanks to Wing and BRI for all their hard work.
Pam in Waynesburg, PA
Very short visit May 26 around 5:35 p.m.
Video
5/27 1542 Judy, hope you caught that. Logged in heard eagles calling very close. One landed than another, maybe with prey. Neither one stayed long, but it was sure good to see them together for the first time since the Nor'Easter. It's the first time I've seen them, I think, working the graveyard shift mixes up my days!
5/27/07
7:06PM
Checked in at 6:56 and heard an eagle calling. Mom perhaps? She was very loud, but off-cam. Then she talked quietly off and on, but did not make an appearance.
The 15-second Update isn't working.
Anna? Are you with us? Please check in and let us know. We love your posts.
May 27th around 3:40 p.m. a quick visit by both.
Video
Sunday 5/27 6:40 p.m. Central
Eagle vocalizing off camera
Sunday, 5/27
11:12 PM
I missed the visit from Mom and Dad at 3:40 ET but watched Judy's video (thanks Judy!). It is so great to watch these eagles as a couple and not difficult to "humanize" their actions toward each other. During today's visit, Dad brought in a snack to the nest and flew off shortly afterward. Mom took a look at the food left in the nest by Dad, decided it wasn't her choice of entree, looked out over the water for a minute and then took to the sky after him. They are a great pair...always a blessing to watch.
We heard them again close to the nest at 6:58 PM ET but there was no visual.
Presently, the nest is peaceful looking in it's black and white cam mod.
Have to get up early to take photos of the Memorial Day ceremonies for the local newspaper. Hope to read your blogs tomorrow.
Anna, are you out there? We need our weather update! Rain passed through western NY today..not sure if it's heading toward the nest site.
Goodnight Everyone!
Chris
Grand Island NY
There is an article in the latest NWF magazine about "handedness" in various animals, but eagles are not mentioned. Does anyone (biologists?) happen to know if research on this in eagles has been done, and if so, which are they? -- right or left taloned?
I am thinking of Dad's injured left foot and how that might have affected him, for better or worse. JSinSETx
5/28 2007
Just returned from being out of town, and, of course, had to check in on our site. Boy, our eagles must be vacationing elsewhere, cuz, they are not making appearances much at all. Love to catch up on all the pleasant, informational entries...feels like touching base with friends.
Anna, I was hoping to see an entry from you. I, for one, really would like to hear how you are doing. I think of you so often. It's quite obvious that there are LOTS OF US who look forward to reading your input. Can you tell us what it's like there for weather? I ditto everything that Chris, Heidi, & Maggie said. Also, think it's nice to have a little touch of the personal....many bonded when we had a blossoming eagle family..gosh we were soooooooooo excited, weren't we? Then, our worse fears came to be. Those that perhaps have lost interest have dropped away, but the rest of us are still here. When we have observed or heard something at or around the nest, we write about it. Wing and the folks at BRI - will you please let us know if our 'chatting' is inappropriate?
OK I'm excited! 2017 lots of nearby eagle chatter...sounded kind of excited and I was hoping for a landing, but nothing!
Maggie, your great blue heron story is amazing! Wow! That you had to shoo it out of the road is a riot!
Has anyone else read of the Dachsund in Madison that got carried away by the eagle while his master watched?
Be well, all, keep the creature stories coming, and, above all, keep the faith.
Linnie from Fairfield
This tues. may 29. Thanks Judy
for the video.I enjoy this site
and watching the eagles.The eaglet
here is getting almost as big as
dad.I have been taking lots of
photos and some video of him and
the adults bringing food for him.
I have posted the site on an earlyer Blog. Here it is again
go to Google and type in
indiana nesting eagles my site
is the first on the list,Photos
by buckskiner.I hope you enjoy
them.
Your friend in Indiana
David Hamenstafer
May 29th
I haven't been able to get either the 15 second picture or the live cam for a couple of days. I read that there were some difficulties with the loon cam so wonder if this is related.
05/29/07... Yeah, Judy... Those of us we have found your work soooo great are waiting to see how everyone else enjoys it. I can't tell you how much it helps me with my journaling. Thanks and look forward to seeing more. Bev
I was at camp in Oakland yesterday and saw an adult eagle fly into the nest carrying food. Can't tell how many eaglets yet since the nest is so high in a pine tree. I have to look at it at an upward angle. That's one nest and eggs that survived the storm!
5/28 8:30am CDT No live viewing or still camera. Hope it is back soon.
Thank you Judy for continuing to give us updates with your videos. It has been days since I have seen either of the pair in nest and so comforting to see your video with both of them together.
05/29 @ 09:00
My last comment did not make the blog ... don't know why. I will try to repeat what I said.
No eagle sighting to report. While away from home, I had limited internet access and relied on quickly scanning the blog to keep updated. I was sad to notice many regulars had disappeared; sadder still to read some confrontation which I hope has been resolved as I hate to lose any contributors.
Finding video posted again was a special treat when I returned home. Thank you Chris, Judy, Suzanne and others who have the expertise to provide us with visuals.
As the nest is so calm, I am wondering if intruders have given up now that nesting (egg laying) is over. Might our pair spend the rest of the summer enjoying their ocean view without further stress?
My still cam picture has been blank and today I lost the live feed as well. Sounds as though others have a similar problem.
JAM in IL
Tuesday May 29th 11:24am EST
Happy and Sad all at the same time. The West Virginia Eaglets have started branching & one took it's first flight today. Go see this link for a cute Eaglet fix.
Anne, NJ http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html
Tuesday, 5/29 1:14 PM ET
Hello Fellow BRI Bloggers!
Aren't Judy's video clips great!? They sure help to fill us in if we are away from the computer. She is a most talented and dedicated lady! Very much appreciated Judy!
I'm hoping to get the links to other Maine Eagle Lovers videos posted here at BRI....stay tuned!
I was wondering how Wing's field work is going. I'm hoping that he is able to find a minute or two to give us a quick update. Good work that he is doing!
The nest is quiet presently. Looked a bit misty earlier but could have been fog. Anna...we're hurting here...we need the weather information for the log. Please post.
Linnie, Maggie, David and everyone else..thank you for the high quality eagle information. The more we learn about these beautiful creatures, the better equipped we are to make meaningful observations when Mom and Dad visit. We have had to be patient as of late, waiting for their visits but after all this is their first summer in over a dozen without babes. Life goes on and they are enjoying their freedom. I can't fault them for that and so like you, I wait for a glimpse of them. It is always worth the wait!
Thank you again fellow bloggers for your posts!
Maybe by the time of the next blog update we will have more video clips and/or visit information on this fantastic couple!
Chris
Grand Island, NY
Tuesday, May 29 5:21 PM
Somebody sitting next to nest, in the shade. Can't make out who it is. 5:36 PM Still there. Sitting very quietly, almost obscured by the leaves. It is definitely an eagle because I can make out the shape of its body and see the white head.
May29, Tues.
Nest looks lovely on what looks like a breezy, sunny but fading day in Hancock County. No eagles that I can see and my sound is down so I don't know if they are near the nest.
Thank you David Hamenstafer for sharing those beautiful shots of the Indiana nesting eagles. I really enjoyed seeing those. You got some great shots! It's been a perfect day here in my little corner in Southern NH. I wonder if and/or when the Loon Cam is going to happen. Oh.. Wing. It sounds so exciting to read about your future projects. Exploring small islands and gathering specimans sounds like a fantastic journey. I hope you experience much good weather so you can get the most our of it without being soaked. Watch out for the poison ivy!
Warm wishes,
Maggie NH
This is a video I put together. It is about 4 days worth of pictures, that gives different lighting views of the nest.. Also shows zoom in difference.. plus clips of visits from last thurs & friday You will have to copy and paste it. Sir lance..
http://www.hostingphpbb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=33398&mforum=tdbc#33398
Wednesday, 5/30
7:41 AM ET
Lots of chatter earlier. Periodically hear Mom fairly close but no visual as of yet.
I'll be looking forward to your posts!
Chris
Mom still calling out. Fishing boat went by at 7:51 AM ET but no visual of our eagles.
Chris
5/30 8:46 AM ET
Lots of vocalization between Mom and Dad. Very close but no visual yet.
Chris
Wednesday, 05.30.07, 6:05 am
Heard Mom and Dad very close to the nest, but then two little 'normal-sized' birds flew onto the Y branch. No eagle sighting. At least I know they're still in their territory.
6:12 More eagle calls.
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
Are the still images for the Maine
eagles no longer available? I can't seem to get anything but a white screen 9:25 am est.
Wednesday, May 30th 3:22 PM
I haven't been able to get the still pictures for a couple of days but the live feed is ok. There's nothing happening at the nest site at this time.
5/30
Am still getting the blank (white) screen on both the still and live eagle cam. I am a MAC user and had been getting the eagle cam fine until a few days ago. The loon cam is fine and I get Judy's clips fine. Judy, thank you for doing them. Right now that is the only way I get to see the eagles at all! It seems that others are having the same problem.
Haven't been able to get the still cam for quite a while.
David your pictures are very nice, thanks for posting. :-) I have also had the pleasure of watching an eagle nest since February that is in the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and I have several videos that I have been meaning to post. Florida eagles are much smaller than Maine eagles. I watched the eagle nest from the shoulder of the road and would go for several hours. Usually an adult eagle was nearby and just stayed in the same position most of the time.
The first video is from March 23.
March 23rd Video
March 25th Video
March 30th Video This video has a panoramic view of the area.
It appeared that one eaglet fledged way before the other as one. I started worrying about the eaglet but it finally started flying and I believe it is the eagle you see in the last video.
This video has a good bit of flying, it was late in the day and very hard to zoom in and keep the eagle in view. My camcorder has a 35x optical zoom and that is why I appear much closer than I am.
April 7th Video
Here is the last video and I haven't seen the eagles since. This fledgling was the only eagle there that day. At around 1 minute into the video he coughs up something? At 3:00 you hear him calling and at 3:30 he tries to go higher on a broken limb, which doesn't work. It was rather warm that day and I think that is why he opens his wings.
April 28th Video
I still have video that I haven't processed yet including the time that I got to see both adults on a branch together in front of the nest. :-)
One Saturday this spring I went to a nearby Wildlife Festival and watched a raptor show presented by The Center for Wildlife Education located at Georgia Southern University. Afterwards I went and filmed a southern bald eagle named Glory. About 14 years ago she was found shot and lost some of her wing as a result. I believe she was a juvenile at the time. Here is some of the video and I did get carried away with close-ups! But when will I ever be that close again! :-)
Since the file is large, I split the video into three parts lasting a little over 2 minutes each so that it would be easier to view. But once again be warned about all the extremely close views!
Part I
Part 2
Part 3
Just barely May31 Thurs.
Judy. Really enjoyed your clips. The pair look so healthy and strong now, don't they? Chris. Thanks for all your enthusiasm. It's very inspiring and makes me smile.
Anne. I went to that sight you posted with the pictures of the two bald eagle fledglings. Amazing shots! When they stand up so straight like that all puffed up with chests out they look incredible those young eager birds! They are majestic! Thanks for those.
I miss your posts Anna. They add so much color and interest to the blog. I hope you will be feeling better in the coming days and be able to share your feelings with us. I know you are sad. I hope you will find some comfort in the nice weather. How is the weather in Maine? Hope to see you blogging again soon. Miss you.
Maggie,NH
3:21 a.m. Central time, 5/31
Eagle vocalizing off camera, briefly. Sounded like Mom.
7 A.M. May 31, "Dad" on the nest, Mom close by. Lots of chatter, he seems content just looking at the water. Just happy to see and hear them. Gives me hope they will nest here again next year. Really miss watching the little ones grow up, thankful our pair survived, and so did their home.
5/31, 7:50am
Still camera - no pic, but live camera shows nest & cloudy morning. I heard an eagle close by calling out, and a minute or two later heard it again but further away. Just heard it again, closer. It must have been looking in the other direction when it called a few minutes ago. I'll bet it's perched somewhere close by, but out of camera's eye. So glad they're still close to home!
Thurs. 05/31 6:40am EDT
Male in the nest. Voice still a giveaway but seems to be improving. Much vocalizing in the background and male called out twice. Male left at 7:16am.
I have been a quiet observer since the beginning of last year’s nesting season and now a first time blogger. Thank you for your updates and video clips.
Thank you BRI for the unlimited access to the live cam and the insightful updates.
Thursday 5/31
I was out on the road this AM and missed Dad's visit to the nest at 6:39 AM ET....wouldn't you know it!
Nest looks lovely and serene. Hope our pair comes back later today...a bit hazy over the water. It's been very warm here in western NY...not sure if the same is true for the Maine coast........
Catch you all later fellow eagle lovers!
Chris
Grand Island, NY
5/31 10:21AM
Today I can get the live feed on the eagle cam but not the still cam. The java sign stays on for about 10 seconds and then disappears, leaving the screen entirely white.
Sunday 7:15 both eagles on the nest awesome to see Dad was quite vocal Mom was on the Y branch...........at least they are still together
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