eagle families of Jordan Lake

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By Jordan Lake: 3 Bald Eagle Nest reports, 5 photos
Captain Doug and I went cruising the lake in his boat, looking for the fledglings and parents.
All the nests have now fledged their chicks and so its hard to find the families.
The two fledglings at the H&G Nest of Godiva and Hershey.
One fledgling is just to the left of the nest, at nest brim height.
The other fledgling is way to the left in the photo and near the top – it is small so look carefully.
At First Nest we could see the nest was in good shape, but didn’t see the fledglings.
We rounded the corner to find Mom Kate looking at something way up high and ignoring us.
At Captain’s Nest we hit the jackpot and found the family at home.
This photo has both fledglings in it.
One up high over the nest and the other fledgling you can just see the roundness of the top of its head at the nest brim.
Captain Nest Dad coming in for a landing.
Captain Nest Mom, being imperious and a joy to see.

By Jordan Lake: Lady Lake

We started this month on Monday with an eagle – which was grand because we hadn’t had one in a long time. This morning, at 06:14 AM, Lady Lake appeared out of the rising sun and soared past me. My oh my. Two neat bald eagles for me to share with you in one week! I haven’t seen Lady Lake of the LL&H nest since the beginning of the year.

By Jordan Lake: Bald Eagle Captain’s Nest, Thirsty Bald Eagle

Raptors usually get all the fluids their bodies need through the moist food they eat. But sometimes a good drink of water is needed. Did you know that most birds cannot swallow water like you or I or a cat or dog can? Nope, their anatomy allows them to lap the water into their beaks but they don’t have the ability to swallow the liquid like a horse would do. So, they lap up the water, tilt their heads skyward and let gravity take the liquid into their digestive tract. Watch the birds at your waterers at home and you will notice the same behavior that Captain Mom is showing us here. I made this series of photos on 03/18/2020.

By Jordan Lake: Bald Eagle First Nest Unusual Event

Bald eagles are not usually sociable. They tolerate a mate and their chicks. Sometimes in winter, bald eagles will congregate around a food source, but argue about it. Once a chick has fledged, the parents will provide it some food and protection into the fall, but then the fledgling is on its own. I have watched, once or twice a year, an eaglet (starting its first or second year of life) make a trip back to its home nest and be briefly tolerated by the parents. On March 26, 2020, I finally got to record one of these encounters. Kate and one of her chicks are visited by the 2019 male fledgling from First Nest. Eventually Petruchio took exception to the visitor and chased it away. I sure am glad I could show you this uncommon bald eagle event!