First Nest. Kate is carrying a large bundle of reeds and grasses. She and Bard will use these reeds to weave between the branches that have been added to the nest. This kind of nesting material keeps the eggs from falling through the gaps in between the newly repaired areas. Next step will be the addition of soft grasses to the floor of the nest to provide a soft place for Kate to make an egg cup that will cradle the eggs.
Jordan Lake. First Nest. Oh, oops! Dad Bard is persistent! Bald eagles and ospreys both tend to snatch limbs for their nests right off of a standing tree. Bard did that trick and you can see why his choice of branch got him into trouble this time.
First Nest Update. Mom Kate was a half mile away from me when she realized a 3-year-old bald eagle was too close to her nest. Watch what happens. A wild beginning to the 2023 – 2024 bald eagle breeding season at Jordan Lake.
Jordan Lake. Birds molt – lose old feathers and gain new ones. Bald eagles molt about every two years. Kate is definitely shedding feathers. 1) some of the old downy body feathers are floating below her 2) see the ragged trailing edge of her wing where flight feathers are being exchanged. I think she looks like it’s an annoying process.
Jordan Lake. First Nest. First FLEDGLING of the triplets! Oh my!!! Watch the new flier tasting the winds.
Jordan Lake. First Nest Victory Duet. Bard is worried because Kate has gone to chase an intruder out of the cove and he also has a fish under his foot he needs to get to his chicks. When a bald eagle couple vanquishes an intruder they often sing a Victory Duet. Bard and Kate sing when Kate returns to the branch. These pairs often throw their heads back, pointing beak straight up and tell the heavens about the victory. Watch Kate literally shake with her song.
doc ellen's journey 