No Nesting This Year
Greetings dedicated bloggers. Well I think we can be certain that the eagles will not nest this year. The birds at this nest site have been the most productive in the state over the last 14 years and they are now sliding back to the state average. As we have already discussed, there are many reasons why the birds may not be nesting this year, including getting old, last years nest failure, contaminant burden, mate switch, or simply taking a year off. What we have seen over the last three years shows how hard it is for birds to successfully raise young each year. They face so many challenges, from habitat loss, to changes in food web dynamics, to contaminants. Who knows, maybe the birds will surprise us once again and break records for late nesting, but all the sign indicate they are taking the year off.
We will keep the camera up and running and we are currently working on getting our loon cam and osprey can up and running. We will be setting up the loon cam this week and hopefully will have it live for you by the beginning of next week. I am trouble shooting the osprey cam which sustained a major lightening strike last year--hopefully we can get it up soon.
Also we have a number of other cam projects up our sleeve, and there is a good possibility that we may be able to get them off the ground (literally and figuratively) this year.
Thank you for all your support and amazing observations.
Wing Goodale
BioDiversity Research Institute
We will keep the camera up and running and we are currently working on getting our loon cam and osprey can up and running. We will be setting up the loon cam this week and hopefully will have it live for you by the beginning of next week. I am trouble shooting the osprey cam which sustained a major lightening strike last year--hopefully we can get it up soon.
Also we have a number of other cam projects up our sleeve, and there is a good possibility that we may be able to get them off the ground (literally and figuratively) this year.
Thank you for all your support and amazing observations.
Wing Goodale
BioDiversity Research Institute
posted by Bald Eaglecam at 1:02 PM
49 Comments:
Thanks for the update. Hopefully you will have more cams coming on line for us to enjoy.
For all of us eagle crazy people the next at Pelican Harbor, Channel Islands has two chicks this year. (Last year Limuw was killed in summer by a car in Nevada) They parents look quite happy with this year's brood Wobble and Bobble. Check it out at
http://www.iws.org/bald_eagles/nestcam.htm
Its great fun with sound also!
Penn
4/22/08 2:10 PM EDT
Thank you, Wing, for all of your (and BRI's) dedication and hard work. I enjoyed watching you on the news program. What a shame we probably won't have any eaglets this year, but I am looking forward to the loon cam and a more successful journey with them this summer.
I do have a question about the Maine eagles with respect to banding. I saw on the Channel Islands site that their eagles all have large numbers on their wings (wing markers) as well as backpack-mounted transmitter packages. One of them even has a GPS unit! Is there any hope of doing something similar to the Maine eagles? It would have been so helpful this year to confirm (or not) the change-in-partner theory, for example.
I do recall that the loons are banded.
For those of you who missed the Channel Islands site, it is here.
Also, I am curious why the female (we assume) stayed on the nest all night that one night.
I am still having trouble with Vista - one day the live feed is there and another it's not. Frustrating!
Thanks again to all!
Diana in Fairfield, Conn.
4/22/08 2:18 p.m. ET
Wing and all at BRI, thank you so much for providing us this amazing opportunity. My donation has gone in and I am SO excited about the new cam projects you mentioned! Looking forward to the loon cam too!
4-21-2008 2:32PM EDT
That's saddening for certain, however, you have all been very wonderful at Biodiversity that nobody will complain. The eagles are alive and there are many nests in Maine that are productive this year. One strike doesn't end the game.
We'll be happy to see what you have up your sleeve and will be happy to see the Loons this year.
Thank you for this update Wing.
GG
4/22 eastern 3:05 PM
Wing, and all involved in this amazing adventure...our endless thanks for what you have provided us. We have been witness to the awesome beauty, power, and mystery of Mother Nature. She has spun her magic into this beautiful nest site, the magnificent backdrop, the strength of our eagles, and the fragility of all that surrounds them.
Speaking for all, I'm sure I can say our lives have been changed. We will undoubtedly continue to peek in now and again, always hopeful that the Magician herself has more surprises for us!Looking at the nest today in a perfect setting of calm winds, crystal blue water, and a sunlit sky, I soak up the majesty that is the natural world. I feel blessed to have been a part of BRI's ongoing concern for the animals and habitats that sustain them. Thank you.
04/22/08..HOW SADDENED ALOT OF US WILL BE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THESE BIRDS ARE NOT GOING TO NEST THIS YEAR. MAYBE THEY WILL DO A LATE NESTING BUT AS YOU SAY WHO KNOWS. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU AND BRI DO TO MAKE THIS AVAILABLE TO US. I WILL CONTINUE TO OBSERVE AND LOG AND HOPEFULLY NEXT YEAR THEY WILL RAISE A FAMILY!!! ITS HARD TO GIVE UP AND SO I AM GOING TO HANG IN THERE FOR AWHILE. AS ALWAYS, BEV
4/22/08 3:44pm
Although I join my fellow eagle watchers in the disappointment of our eagles not having eaglets this year, it's been most educational!
I've been watching the Eaglecam for three years now it's been an eye-opening experience to say the least.
BIG THANKS to everyone at BRI for giving us all the opportunity to learn about these birds and their ecosystem.
--Liz (W,DC)
Wing and everyone at BRI, thank you for all of your hard work and for the time you put in to educate us. I have such great memories of watching Big and Little two years ago (and almost getting caught by my boss after I gasped when I thought one was taking it's first flight). As I said back then, your site has made me look at birds differently. Right around Thanksgiving or Christmas time I was walking at Recompence Campground in Freeport and I saw my first bald eagle fly low across the field in front of me! I was with two others who didn't quite share my awe and amazement. But for me, it was pure joy! As I tighten my budget I hope to be able to send you folks a small check. Thank you!
Well at least we can see them from time to time, can heaar them and the other sounds of nature.
Thank you for the up date..
A freind of mine is renting a beach house this summer on Butler Point. He was told there are many eagles around. I can't wait to visit him there..
Looking forward to the Osprey cam.. Take care..Steve.. orono maine
What were the results of the fly-overs of all the nests in coastal Hancock County? I am curious how other eagle nests have fared.
Now on to the Osprey!! he he. I know that I can breathe a bit easier with the conformation that it probably won't happen this year. The face mask was my first clue.
I do look forward to the other cams. The osprey are fun. They have nests in the most random places. There is a nest on the top of phone pole going down to Cape Cod in Ma. I looked up and couldn't believe my eyes. I guess they aren't shy....
As aways thank you Wing and assoc. and all the armchair biologists who have allowed me to log on. Read the blog, and feel like I was there...
Now on to the Osprey!!
Thanks again!
~Amelia,Mi
How disappointing to have no eggs and eaglets this year, but how wonderful it has been to watch them. Thank you, BRI, for providing such a rare thrill.
Please, no GPS, no transmitter backpack. Leave the numbers to the NFL. These glorious eagles should be left as they are, wild and free, and we who watch them will have to learn that there are some questions that remain unanswered. It is good for us.
the check is in the mail. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you Wing and the folks at BRI for giving us the opportunity to see first hand a very small portion of the life of our beloved eagles. Yes, I'm disappointed that we don't have eggs but I will still watch for them on a daily basis because I just enjoy seeing them, they are magnificent. I have watched the cam from the first year and have gotten so much enjoyment.
Now it will be time to go to my other love and that is the loon, can't wait for that cam to be up and running. Let's hope that things are more successful for them this year. Whatever hand mother nature will deal them, I will be there cheering them on.
Your other cams are sounding very interesting, can't wait to see what they are going to be......
Have a wonderful summer and thanks again for all that you do.
Loon and Eagle Lover.
4/22/08 11:04 PM
Thank you for the update Wing. I haven't posted here in quite awhile but watch the nest every day. I guess we'll just have to wait until next year...again. But, that's nature for you! There are so many other successful nests this year but miss this pair so much.
But remember everyone - just because the Eagles didn't nest this year doesn't mean BRI doesn't continue to need our contributions!! We want the cam to stay on and be ready for next season!
PattiO
Thanks for all of your work. Like everyone else, I'd been hoping they'd raise a family this year, but did realize it was getting less likely with each passing day.
I am glad you are going to keep the cam on so we can see the adults from time to time through the summer - and hopefully watch them return for a more successful season next winter.
Wing, thanks so much for the update and all of your hard work. I'm disappointed about the nesting this year, but pleased that the other watchers have given me some other websites to watch the birdies. There are some great sites out there.
Diana, I'm not having any problems with my Vista. Just make sure that all of your Microsoft updates are done too. I'm originally from CT and went to Oldfield School for Kindergarten and 1st grades before moving to Stratford.
Have a great year all!
Sandy in Pinellas Park, FL, but originally from Stratford, CT
Wing, thanks so much for the update. I was so looking forward to a successful year for our eagles. Fingers crossed for next year.
Can't wait for the loon cam and the osprey and other new cams.
4/23 EST
Wing, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your hard work and many hours that you have put into this project. I know that, I for one, will continue to frequent this site and will be looking forward to next years nesting.
Thank you to all the bloggers for making this "The BEST site" that I have been too. Information from each and everyone of you has made my experience here a wonderful one. Love you all.
I am anxious for the loons to nest and will be watching them. Have a great summer everyone.
Cal
For those of you needing an eagle fix - there are 3 babies in this nest in Colorado. They were just small bits of fluff last week, this week seem like they are starting to get pin feathers. One is smaller than the other two, but so far everyone is ok.
http://birdcam.xcelenergy.com/eagle.html
Gram WA - 4/23 6:35 am PDT
4-23 at 9:30 Michigan time.
I was disappointed to hear that we will have no babies this year, but hope does spring eternal. Wing, that was an excellent interview.
I have learned quite a bit about eagles and Maine and also how blood curddling a red fox bark can sound. And there are seals....LOL.
Thanks for letting me know that the loon cam is not up yet. I thought I was having "technical difficulties."
BRI..keep up the good work.
I also am having trouble with Vista and getting the live feed. It doesn't work more than it does and it's very frustrating. Is there anyway to fix this?
4/23 10:26am
All of the great people who blog on this site have already expressed how I feel every bit as well as I could.
I agree with anonymous who said "please no GPS or transmitter pack". Our questions that remain unanswered are not that important and these majestic birds have enough burdens without man adding more. I prefer we assist without being so intrusive. Banding a chick doesn't seem quite so cumbersome.
I love watching the Channel Island family with the two chicks also but feel sad every time I see the large orange color and number on their wings. I'd prefer we try making this earth safer for them.
Bird Goddess expressed quite well how we all feel about these beautiful birds.
I also thank you all at BRI for what you do and hope to hear from all of you bloggers on the loon site!
Pam in Colo.
4/23 EDT
10:30 There are certainly some strange sounds this morning. There has been a high pitched sound which goes down in pitch and it doesn’t sound like a bird. It seems to be moving away from the microphone.
There is a very loud gobbling but that must be some turkey or it is very close to the microphone.
Hello All:
Is anyone else having problems getting their blogs in?? Seems like more than usual are not getting through.
Can't wait for the osprey and loons...thanks for all the hard work done at BRI.
Ward
4-23-08
So sad that we probably won't have any baby eagles to watch, but who knows, as Scarlet said" "Tomorrow is another day."
Looking forward to the loon/osprey cam and, maybe some new ones. Will keep watch the eagle cam, just to get my "fix".
Judy M
04/23 @ 18:25
Anyone else having trouble getting the live feed?
JAM in IL
Is the live feed off? I just saw Dad on the nest from 7:30-7:32PM. I was happy to see him. Thanks for all of the work you do. I, too, enjoyed the Maine Watch Program. My donation is on the way, and bloggers, don't give up.
Alert!!! Dad or Mom IN the nest! 7:39PM!
4/23 9:20pm Eastern time
We all know how hard Mom and Dad tried this year. Please, please, please let next year be better for them. I'm kinda sad.
Thanks Wing and all at BRI once again for a fantastic job. Keep up the good work!
To all the fellow bloggers, you've been wonderful. You all kept me up to date if I had to miss a day or even a couple hours!
My backyard birds are keeping me busy, food and homes for all! Too bad I can't see inside some of my birdhouses! It's always a joy when the babes are learning to fly!
I'm still going to look in on Mom and Dad's nest, I feel so bad for them. I hope Mother Nature knows what she's doing.
Sue in MD
4/24
How nice to see the update, I've been away for a few days.
Thanks to all of BRI; it takes many to do the work and we appreciate you all!
I agree totally with you Pam in CO - let's let them be what they are. I am a firm believer that just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you should. We need to weigh ethics here and it becomes very difficult to decide what's right. Think about earlier days of bird study -John J Audubon killed birds to draw and paint them - was that right? How did it further our knowledge? Tough stuff to reconcile.
Spent the last 2 days on MDI visiting with our adopted Loon. We were lucky enough to spy 4 Loons on Echo Lake when we were there; we were greeted with a fly over & landing one evening, and a 'wail' call the next morning....I'm sure one of the 4 was "ours" and our visit was wonderful although he DID ask for more money......;)
We also saw a peregrine on the cliffs, perhaps defending a nest and roosting for a long morning on a tree near-by. It reminded me of our eagles, defending their nest roosting nearby and enjoying the wonderful spring on lakes & in forests.
Speaking of eagles I was very surprised to see none in the 3 days we were on the road, we do very back roads as often as possible, some coastal roads and all over MDI, but saw none. Many osprey around tho.
Anxious for the Loon cam - hoping you get the Osprey cam working and all aquiver over the possibility of new cams! Thanks so much
J.in S.P. ME
4/24 at 9:20 Michigan time
Is there a problem with the live feed today? All I get is the black screen and then when I click on the "play" arrow, nothing happens. Looking at the still pics, it looks like a beautiful day in Maine today. Hope it stays that way. Our weather is going south in a big way..only in the 40's-50's this weekend.
Ahhhhhhh Michigan...ya gotta love it. LOL.
11:30AM 4/24
Bird on nest! What a GORGEOUS day!
4/24...11:24 AM... No sound. Dad on nest moving twigs. Saw another bird, a wing, fly by high in the upper right corner of my screen. 11:34 AM, goes to Y branch and preens. Windy! Looking to right. 11:42 AM, looking to left and preening. 11:45 AM, Gone!
4:40 PST, California time and there is an eagle in the nest! Gosh it's been a long time since I've seen one there. He/she looks very comfortable.
04/24 @ 19:48
19:46 - How wonderful to find an eagle nesting. Don't know when it arrived.
Lying there, facing left, looking around.
19:50 - Up, slightly adjusting position towards 8:00, down again. Female?
19:52/19:53 - Fully standing, looking around towards camera and then over water. Flew off to the left, water side.
JAM in IL
4/24/08 7:50pm ET An Eagle at the nest. Night camera is on B&W picture & no sound. Eagle flew off the back way & a couple of seconds later I saw a fly by.
Anne, NJ
Thanks for all you do. I did see one on the nest from ~ 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM today 04/24. First sighting for me in several days. Have been watching the chicks on Channel Islands Cam and West End Nest. Fascinating to see changing the pairs commnuicate, change duty, and feed.
4/25
Wing I have a weird question for you - thinking of contaminent loads as it travels up the food chain....if my 9 yr.old cat was a fair birder and had his share of songbirds, would you expect him to show poisons in his blood? He died last yr. of what would be juvenile diabetes and I sometimes wonder if contaminents from his 'outdoor life' had a hand in his demise. Would it be similar to fish being contaminated with poisons and the warnings of too much of a good thing being hazardous to your health? I'm just curious.
Thanks for the eagle cam this season - even when they don't nest, it's still incredible to peek thru the keyhole and marvel at their mundane life up close and oh so personal.
J. in S.P.ME
4-25-2008 6:10AM
There isn't a bit of sound at the eagle cam. Or is it just my computer?
7:05 PM EDT
Good news! The loons are back on the lake, and the live loon cam is up! Lee Attix has posted his first comments of the season. This should pick up our spirits as we look forward to a happy summer for "our" loons. I'll "see" you all there.
Diana in Fairfield, Conn.
4/25 at 8:14 Michigan time
To anonymous....there was no sound yesterday either. I am glad there is somebody else besides me that doesn't have any sound. I thought it was my imagination and that the batteries in my headphones had died. LOL.
I just checked on the live feed and there is no sound yet.
It looks like it is going to be a nice day in Maine....at least at the nest site anyway.
Carol.....75 and rainy today....low 50's to high 60's for the weekend. How about your weather??
, Hello 3: 15 est and eagle is on the nest.....wish we had sound and closeup...... never know maybe something will happen,,,,,,anyone else thinks something can still happen?.
Just got home from work and one of the eagles is sitting on the nest, probably just visiting or waiting for dinner. 3:40 PM, I still just love to look at them and think how magnificent they are.
Eagle has been on the nest for over 2 hours! Anyone care to speculate what the white " head like looking object is?"!!
Eagle Finally flew off nest after a LONG time...seems like it was over 2 hours. There is still "something" white in the nest. Could be food, or something but sure looks round like a head!
The eagle cam with that majestic old pine and the water rippling in the background, in and of itself, is a beautiful site to see year round as the weather changes over the downeast area. I just wonder if other eagles will use this nest if our pair has retired.
May 5
The flyovers checking out the nests must have been done by now. Is there any place that we could go to read about the findings of nest that have eggs or eaglets? Very interested in what has been recorded. It would also be really nice to see if by any chance that there might be another nest in the area. Reports of any visuals of this area would greatly appreciated.
Been very exciting week seeing dad at the nest so much. Thank you for the closeups we sometimes get. It's is tatolly worth the wait just to get a sight of him or mom. Just love this pair so much.
The Eagles have been camped out on the nest for several hours now, the time is 6:07 p.m. central time 05/10/08 The pair does not look real happy. The wind has been blowing really bad for most of the day.
Monique
Chicago, IL
7:10 pm.
5.10.08
I have certainly enjoyed watching
the eagles today. The female was on and off the nest, and the male has been with her for hours. Now they are huddled together on the nest because the wind is so fierce! It is truly a wonderful sight. I am still hoping for wee ones!! Thank you!
Becky
Virginia~~
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