American bald eagle

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By Jordan Lake, Ranger Nest Update 02-25-2020

The 12-year-old heart of me wants to say that Mom Ranger will return.  The veterinarian mind of me says she will not.  There were some very unusual happenings at Ranger Nest today.  Both a 3-year-old bald eagle and a 4-year-old bald eagle actually visited the nest and stayed within the nest for a while.  Dad Ranger chased the 3-year-old off.  Then Dad Ranger went to a favorite nearby perch tree and was soon joined there by the 4-year-old bald eagle, who is a female.  Dad Ranger allowed the 4-year-old to perch with him.  Then Ranger Dad went to the nest, followed by the 4 year-old eagle. Both eagles very intently studied the inside of the nest.  I believe that they were looking at Mom Ranger who had passed away within the nest.  I have no facts, just observations, to support my assumptions, but I think they are probably close to the truth.  We will probably never know what happened to Ranger Mom.  I do wonder if there will develop a relationship between Ranger Dad and the 4-year-old female bald eagle who will be mature enough this coming fall to be looking for a mate.  I will continue to watch Ranger Cove and let you if anything develops.  I miss Ranger Mom, a lot.

 

By Jordan Lake: Ranger Cove, Ranger Dad Waits

Still no Mom Ranger.  Dad Ranger spent the morning waiting, calling and occasionally chasing off immature eagles.  I know all of us are worried about both parents.  Ranger Dad will continue to guard the nest – bald eagles are very territorial and visit their nests all year around, even when they don’t have a family of young in the nest. Bald eagles use the same nest each season. For that reason eagle nests and eagle nest trees are as highly protected as the bird itself.  We will continue to wait and see what happens over the next few days.

By Jordan Lake: Ranger Nest Lost Mate

Ranger Mom has not been seen at Ranger Cove in 4 days. Ranger Dad is looking for her and at the same time protecting their nest. The eggs are no longer viable but that doesn’t stop the father bald eagle’s vigilence. My heart ached as I watched his loyalty and bravery as other bald eagles tried to take advantage of the situation. It is doubtful that Ranger Mom will return but we are all watching and waiting along with Ranger Dad.

By Jordan Lake Dam Map to View Bald Eagles

I have put together a map of the riprap at the dam so each of you can get the best chance of seeing the bald eagles. The red arrow is at the Half-Way point. If you pass this point, all the eagles are going to go down river because you have passed their 330 foot personal space parameter. The 330 foot distance is according to the Federal regulations involving bald eagles. Take your chair and sit no further down river than the red arrow and you should see an eagle! Do remember that if you should find yourself near a bald eagle nest the viewing distance doubles to 660 ft. Good Luck!!!!!