First Nest 2026 — Incubation has started.  Father Bard is settled deep into the nest bowl at First Nest. If you look closely in the center of the nest you can just see his head in that low steady posture that tells me the season has truly begun. You may also notice a bright white patch way out on the far right edge of the nest. Those are bird feathers, most likely from a gull. Either Bard brought in his own breakfast before settling to incubate or he delivered a meal to Kate earlier in the day. Eagles leave us plenty of clues if we slow down long enough to read the nest. A new season at Jordan Lake has begun. 

More images in my shop —https://docellenimages.etsy.com