wild bird

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By Big Pine Bald Eagle Nest

Jordan Lake. This morning I found Mom Loblolly on alert. As I was watching her, she suddenly jerked her head around to her right and leapt off the branch. I quickly lost Loblolly as she went below the tree line. I have no idea what caused her sudden flight. I was not where I could see the parking lot in the shelter area so it may have been a natural intruder such as another bald eagle or a human. Please continue reaching out to every contact you can about the problem at Big Pine Nest and the gate that needs to be closed.

By Big Pine Nest Update

Jordan Lake: I want to share with you a chart that is used by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to help people understand how human impacts can effect breeding bald eagles. The Big Pine nest is currently going from Phase I to Phase II. Please take a moment and study this chart and then let your mind dwell on the fact that the gate to the shelter is open and allowing human disruption. The parents are trying to lay eggs at a point in the chart where the US FWS says that “human activity of even limited duration may cause nest desertion and abandonment of territory for the breeding season”. Please, continue to let your voices be heard daily. Call, email or visit those who are refusing to shut the gate. We want the Big Pine couple to succeed in having a family while we can work on the possibility of a web cam that we can all watch.

By First Nest has been Raided

Jordan Lake. Bald Eagle First Nest update. The nest has been RAIDED. An immature bald eagle managed to invade First Nest on Friday and consumed its newly laid eggs. In the photo you can see the head to the left and the left shoulder and some of the tail of the immature bald eagle. I did not get to see the actual intrusion so I can’t tell you how it unfolded. Yes, bald eagles will raid other bald eagles’ nests of eggs and chicks. Please remember, nature is not cruel, she is harsh. Both parents seem to be OK. I checked again this morning just to be sure so I could let y’all know at least that small bit of good news. I will continue to watch the nest.

By Brrrrrrrrrrr! Cold Baths!

Jordan Lake. The air temperature was 40°F. Birds are meticulous about staying clean. I would not want to jump in the lake with the air that cold and water temperature of 50°F, but both the eastern bluebirds and the cedar waxwing (to the right) did just that! They enjoyed their baths. Brrr!

By Bald Eagle Nest Report: Captain’s Nest

Jordan Lake: Captain Doug and I had just checked the nest and there wasn’t anybody at home. When all of a sudden high through the trees came Captain Dad. He was in a big hurry and he was headed upstairs, so to speak. As you can see he caught up with his lady. That’s Captain Mom in the lead in the photos of the pair in flight. They went up in the air, circling higher and higher and higher and finally got totally out of our sight. Eagles like doing that kind of flying! Especially together as a pair.