Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019-2024 Seasons

This area is for recording observations and photos of eagle nests in BC with Ground Observers.

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sassyk
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Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019-2024 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Thu Sep 26, 2019 12:18 pm

Welcome to the Swan Lake Eagles thread for the 2019-2024 seasons.

The eagles had a nest near Swan Lake for many years but that nest fell down a few years ago. They have recently built a new nest in a tree on private property near their old nest but have not produced any eaglets in this new nest. Hopefully they will have better luck next spring.

Please feel free to post your observations and photos here if you visit their nest area.

Observations and photos from previous seasons can be viewed here.

2017/2018 Seasons here.

Link to the opening post for the 2021-2022 nesting season here

Link to the opening post for the 2022-2023 nesting season here

Link to the opening post for the 2023-2024 nesting season here
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If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Mon Nov 04, 2019 8:44 pm

One of the eagles was perched in their old nest tree on 22 Oct. I stopped to take a few photos before going to Swan Lake. The first 2 photos were taken from the end of the dead end lane behind the old nest tree.
Swan Lake Eagle(1) 22 Oct. 2019.JPG
Swan Lake Eagle(2) 22 Oct. 2019.JPG

This photo was taken from Saanich Rd. by Swan Lake.
Swan Lake Eagle(3) 22 Oct. 2019.JPG
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Volunteer Nest Monitor for Wildlife Tree Stewardship Program (WiTS)
If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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sassyk
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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Mon Nov 04, 2019 8:46 pm

One of the eagles was perched in the tree by the nature house on 23 Oct.
Swan Lake Eagle(1) 23 Oct. 2019.JPG
Swan Lake Eagle(2) 23 Oct. 2019.JPG

Their nest is intact but I haven't seen either of the eagles nestorating.
Swan Lake Eagle Nest 22 Oct. 2019.JPG
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If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Mon Nov 04, 2019 8:50 pm

One of the eagles was perched in the old nest tree on 2 Nov. but I didn't stop to take a photo. This photo was taken from the floating boardwalk at Swan Lake. The eagle was still on the same branch preening when I drove by on my way home.
Swan Lake Eagle 2 Nov. 2019.JPG
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If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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gemini
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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by gemini » Thu Nov 14, 2019 9:37 pm

Don't forget the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival is this Weekend!

Experience this Natural Phenomenon in 2019

The 24 Annual Festival - November 16-17, 2019

Download a map HERE! And just follow the Scenic 7 Highway - 30 minutes east of Mission, BC to the Harrison River/Harrison Mills, BC
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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Sun Nov 24, 2019 10:23 am

One of the eagles was perched in a tall tree near their nest tree. I photographed it from the boardwalk over Swan Lake on Nov. 22nd. Poor quality photo; it was a long ways away and the sun was glaring.
Swan Lake Eagle 22 Nov.JPG
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If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020s Seasons

Post by sassyk » Tue Feb 11, 2020 8:53 pm

I visited the Swan Lake eagles nest yesterday. There were no eagles in the area and their nest looks very neglected.
IMG_6456 - Copy.JPG
IMG_6457 - Copy.JPG

While standing on the dock at Swan Lake one of the eagles flew into their old nest tree.
IMG_6466 - Copy.JPG
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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Tue Feb 11, 2020 8:59 pm

Went to Swan Lake again today and saw the male sitting at the top of a tree near the nature house. He was watching all the ducks in the marsh area which was flooded with all the rain.
IMG_6520 - Copy.JPG

The female was perched in a tree near the Municipal Hall.
IMG_6532 - Copy.JPG
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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Sat Feb 15, 2020 1:26 pm

I went to Swan Lake yesterday and spotted one of the eagles perched at the top of their
old nest tree. These first 2 photos were taken from the lane behind the old nest tree.
IMG_6563 - Copy.JPG
IMG_6564 - Copy.JPG

This photo was taken from the street in front of the nest tree.
IMG_6573 - Copy.JPG
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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Sat Feb 15, 2020 1:32 pm

These first 2 photos were taken from the road across from the old nest tree.
IMG_6568 - Copy.JPG
IMG_6572 - Copy.JPG

While I was on the floating boardwalk one of the eagles swooped down, circled around the area a few times, then landed on a log at the side of the lake. I thought the eagle was going to snatch a duck for dinner :ohmy: The other eagle was still perched at the top of the old nest tree.
IMG_6591 - Copy.JPG
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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Sat Feb 15, 2020 1:34 pm

The eagle was still sitting on the log at the side of the lake when I left 20 minutes later.
It had changed positions a few times, perhaps looking a fish to grab.
IMG_6594 - Copy.JPG
IMG_6601 - Copy.JPG
IMG_6606 - Copy.JPG
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If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by JudyB » Fri Mar 27, 2020 4:03 pm

Fund Drive for Hard Drives

Good afternoon, everyone! I have just learned that we do not have the hard drives we need to record our cams as we approach little chick time - and we do not have the funds necessary to buy them.

These are the high resolution drives that are connected directly to the cams at the site, making it possible to record high quality videos of events at the nests - and we usually have them up and running before the eggs are laid. As you know, we already have eggs at three of our four nests, and they are likely any day now at the fourth nest - so time is of the essence.

Our tech person Ken is estimating that it will cost about $7000 to buy the high quality, high capacity drives needed for our 9 cams, and while we are keeping up with our regular monthly expenses, we don't have the extra money needed to buy and install the hard drives.

I know this is a hard time financially for many of us, with many businesses closed - but it may also be a time when some of us are staying home and watching the eagles after cancelling planned trips or dinners out - and I'd like to ask those who can to contribute towards these hard drives.
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Details about How to Donate

If you have questions, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Thank You!

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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:35 pm

I visited the Swan Lake nest on June 17th. For the first time since I can remember them having this new nest these eagles have an eaglet :woohoo: An adult was perched above the nest and the eaglet was active hopping up and down and flapping its wings.
Swan Lake Adult 17 June.JPG
Swan Lake Eagles 17 June.JPG
Swan Lake Eaglet(1) 17 June.JPG
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If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:37 pm

June 17th cont'd.

Eaglet was busy exercising its wings.
Swan Lake Eaglet(2) 17 June.JPG
Swan Lake Eaglet(3) 17 June.JPG
Swan Lake Eaglet(6) 17 June.JPG
Member since 21 June 2006
Volunteer Nest Monitor for Wildlife Tree Stewardship Program (WiTS)
If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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Re: Swan Lake Eagles, Saanich BC - 2019/2020 Seasons

Post by sassyk » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:40 pm

June 17th cont'd.

Eaglet exercising its wings.
Swan Lake Eaglet(4) 17 June.JPG
Swan Lake Eaglet(5) 17 June.JPG
Member since 21 June 2006
Volunteer Nest Monitor for Wildlife Tree Stewardship Program (WiTS)
If you find a new nest, please contact me so it can be added to the WiTS mapping program.

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