raptors

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By JL Eagle Nest report: First Nest, 1 photo, 1 video 04/09/2017
HC is in the nest and Coffee is way UPSTAIRS, almost at the top of the photo.
Both chicks are branching: jumping, climbing and wing wapping from branch to branch above the nest.
They keep the nest below them or just to the side as a safety net
as they build up stength and coordination for their upcoming first flight.
I watch for their yellow feet: sometimes this is the only way I can find them!

By JL Eagle Nest Report: First Nest needed help, 6 photos, 04/03/2017

I want to thank the Army Corps of Engineers for helping First Nest today.
Some materials had been left on the shore very close to the nest and needed to be moved before the rains of the coming week.
Jon Bannerman and Blake Johnson of ACE called me and we talked through a quiet, slow approach and pickup.
The eagle chick HC had begun branching today and this is a very critical time for a chick.
If a branching chick gets startled he thinks he can fly, but the chick doesn’t yet have the needed wing strength.
At this point the chick has only been hopping from branch to branch and if he spooks and tries to fly he will often fall instead.
As you can see in the 1st photo, Coffee on the left and H C on the right, watched ACE approach, 2nd photo.
The chicks stayed attentive and inquisitive, but because ACE was quiet and slow, the chicks stayed in the nest.
As ACE left, H C went back to branching, photos 3-6. Watch for his orange feet to follow his movements.

 

By JL First Nest report photo and video link 3/24/2017

 

I am celebrating: several decades ago, on March 24, my parents gave life and breath to me. They taught me to care for the Creator and creation. The joy I have in sharing my work with all of you comes from them. I miss my parents Hubert and Lucille Tinsley, but hopefully they live on in my efforts to bring a sampling of the vibrant life around me to each of you.

Today at the First Nest I took this photo and captured the two chicks on a video as they worked to strengthen wings and bodies for their coming first flight. The chicks bounced everywhere!  Video is here https://youtu.be/tCCROQ4ksYw

By Jordan Lake Neighborhood, 6 photos, 03/23/2017
A proper bald eagle scowl.  
 
Usually I am the watcher.  Today I found myself being the observed species by this osprey.
 
The tiny fluffs of feathers on each side of this double-crested cormorant’s head are his “crests”.
Only the mature double-crested cormorant has the crests.  
There are none on the immature bird at the lower right.
This is a first for me and my camera – a great horned owl.
Truly a mouthful…for this great blue heron.