Hancock Wildlife Foundation

Welcome to the Ma and Pa Sidney BC - Pat Bay thread for 2017-2018

Ma and Pa Sidney have been a beloved Hancock Wild life pair since 2006 and they have successfully raised many eaglets in the past 10 years we have monitored them. They have built and used 4 nests in that time. 6 of those years we were privileged to see them on live streaming cams.

Ma and Pa Sidney did not raise any young in 2017. There were territorial wars all season and it seems another eagle pair have successfully usurped part of Ma and Pa's property.

Over the years Ma and Pa have also suffered loss of habitat due to human activity; trees topped and felled and 2 subdivisions built within their territory.

The most recent nest is located on a large private property. There is no cam at this location. For security reasons the property owner does not want the location to be divulged on social media. She has also asked for discretion by those who know where the nest is located. Trespassers will be prosecuted.

The Epicure nest is still intact but the 50 acre subdivided parcel that was for sale has now sold and the nest is located on that portion. So the nest is no longer on land owned by Epicure. It remains to be seen what, if anything, will happen on the subdivided land where the nest is located.

Visitors to the Pat Bay area are welcome to share their observations, photos and videos of Ma & Pa Sidney. They are often seen perched in trees along the Pat Bay shore and sometimes even on the beach itself.

We all wish this beloved pair success in the coming year.

Last year's thread for the season 2016-2017 can be viewed HERE


Prior seasons

2015-2016

2014-2015

2013-2014

2012-2013

2011-2012

Ma and Pa Sidney at Jed-Mar Farm on January 18-2018

Reserved

Ma & Pa on the snag on the property north of the Epicure property, taken 15 Jan. 2018.
These next 2 photos are Ma & Pa perched lower down on the same snag as in above photo vocalizing at the intruder in the area. Photos were taken 8 Feb. 2018.

2 adult eagles in the Epicure nest this morning. Presumably Ma and Pa. Thanks M for the report. We plan a visit to the peninsula this afternoon and will check it all out!
This is not particularly surprising news since last year there must have been a tragedy at the most recent nest resulting in no offspring that season.
Good luck Ma and Pa and see you very soon!

I do remember Nora posting somewhere, probably on her blog, that she saw and photographed Ma & Pa at the old nest in the snag the other day.

sassyk: Yup. Just back from a visit. The ( former) Epicure nest is definitely in favour and there may be incubation happening but I am not entirely sure. The whole situation and dynamics there are quite confusing. I have some pictures I will post later but for now both Ian and I think our Pa is still on site and he has a new mate. This is bittersweet. Sad for our loss of Ma and his loss but happy he may have a new mate.
When I post the pictures I think you will see what I mean.

Couple more pictures of the new female. Her vocalisations are very high pitched and she is slender and looks quite young.
Thoughts?

oh my pa Sidney has a new suitor wondered what happened to the old ma Pa Sidney is he liking this new Ma Sidney or is he in mourning for the old Ma Sidney ....can you tell by their actions Elle? When was the last time anyone saw old Ma? and just how long has the new Ma Sidney been around pursuing Pa?
Photos are great of both the eagles and I will be watching through your posts my friend where they nest and whqt is happening in the Sidney dynasty of Eagles

Thanks JudiW. I am quite sure Ma was around last year but I am not sure about this year.

I am glad to hear that there could be life on the nest again. It is always important, to me, to remember we have no control and are just observers of these precious eagles. Thank you so much Lynda and Ian for filling us in on events on the nest.
Everyone thank you for your posts!
carolyn

Thanks Carolyn. And you are so welcome. There was so much upset at Pat Bay last year- it was a constant battle with intruders Some of the pictures I took last fall seemed to indicate it was our Ma and Pa back safe and sound. Other pictures did not. sassyk's pictures support that too and both she and I were
I really do not want to be a bearer of bad news and it breaks my heart to think that we and Pa may have lost Ma but we knew it would happen one day.
I choose to be optimistic for now and think perhaps a new pair have taken residence at the old Epicure nest and Ma and Pa may still be together at the newest Towner Park nest. Talons crossed and time will tell

Yes, hoping along with you. I can understand the perplexed. What is, is, and we will see. Thanks again for all the time spent to try to follow this amazing eagles.
carolyn

Elle Well it was going to happen eventually as most of the nests I do watch have changed either ma or pa....SW Florida nest lost Ozzie two seasons ago to M and Ma Lafarge after succumbing to an electrical wire Pa Lafarge found Lady and who knows who resides at Vanier Parks eagles nest....they fight for Pa Vanier Park and Hornby Island nest lost Mum two seasons ago she just disappeared and Dad replaced her with big eM so now its Pa and Ma Sidney to take extra watching just to see if your right concerning Pa getting a younger female but really hoping there's now 2 nests and 4 eagles