Field Rd Bald Eagles, Sunshine Coast BC - 2018/2019 season

[heatherj]

I saw Ma and Pa much more regularly in March including a few confrontations with the local Ravens. All pics from Mar 21

[heatherj]

On Mar 23 I saw Ma and Pa mating - they look a little ruffled in the first pic

And then on Mar 28, Ma sitting in the nest, perhaps brooding?

[stim]

Great shot of someone in the nest. I never knew about that strange talon you got a picture of Heather! I'd love to see them all splayed out to see how it sits. Congrats on probably eggs!

[heatherj]

Thanks Sandra! I have some more recent photos that I'm still going through so I will definitely look out for that strange talon. Hopefully it has improved.

[heatherj]

On April 7 I got just a glimpse of a head in the nest in this long distance pic taken just before sunset.

[heatherj]

On April 14, Ma and Pa spent some time together just after sunset. They looked pretty relaxed about everything

[heatherj]

Ma and Pa were perched on a tree on the opposite side of the territory on April 20. They were there for quite some time and eventually decided to swoop down just the other side of the trees. I couldn't see what they were after but soon after both flew back towards the nest. The first eagle had something on the outside of his/her beak so perhaps they had spotted some possible food?

The first eagle that flew over me has that same elongated talon, see extreme crop in the last pic. If it is an injury s/he seems to be managing OK

[heatherj]

On April 22 I saw one adult carrying a grassy clump into the nest.....perhaps cleaning up after some youngsters? I do wonder about those dark tipped tail feathers - is this perhaps a new adult?

A few days earlier I had seen an adult swoop down for some grass about 10 feet away from me. S/he had flown right past me which was particularly thrilling. The main thing I remember is the incredible whooshing sound as s/he flew past me - the speed of the flight and the power of those wings.

[heatherj]

Our local Ravens were dive bombing one of the adults on Apr 26. We also had a visit from a couple of juveniles and one also got hassled by a Raven.

One adult, I think Ma, spent some time preening on a tree near the nest

[stim]

Great updates and shots Heather. Looks like things are going well here. I love your silhouette shots of Ma and Pa! As for the tail feathers, could be a new adult as the tail looks well rimmed with brown. Hard to say as the heads on both appear fully white. I was also wondering if the strange talon is part of a new adult with a birth defect or if it is an injury. You always find something to particularly watch for on this nest.

[heatherj]

Thanks Sandra! Usually something interesting happening here!

I saw Ma and Pa several times during May. They were always just perched around the area either next to each other or separately . They ddn't seem particularly busy and I didn't see any feeding going on. I am wondering if perhaps there there are no surviving eaglets this year? If one of the adults is new they may not have been successful this time. However its easy to be fooled by this nest as its so large and they may just be feeding any eaglets from the Field Rd side where I wouldn't be able to see it.
I have seen them hunting the Raven chicks though I haven't seen them bringing any Raven chicks back to the nest. But I have heard lots of fledged Raven chicks around so I think at least the Ravens have had a good year

[heatherj]

And an early morning pic from June 1. Ma and Pa on the western edge of their territory I think watching the Ravens nest that is somewhere over in that direction. Or perhaps the neighbours chickens

I've been watching the nest and have seen no movement..... but I'll keep watching!

[stim]

Hmmmm, not hearing any calling from the nest either? If this is a new adult you could be right about missing the nesting season.

[gemini]

David Hancock is pleased to invite all Hancock Wildlife Foundation volunteers and friends to celebrate

Fledgefest 2019

Sunday, August 18
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

RSVP REQUIRED BY BY AUGUST 1ST TO:
Rosana Inacio: [email protected]
or
Sharon (gemini): [email protected]

See details HERE

[heatherj]

Sadly I haven't seen or heard any nesting activity for the last few weeks. Ma and Pa haven't been around very much during that period. They have stopped by occasionally but not enough to be caring for any eaglets. So I think I have to assume ... no eaglets this year

Fingers crossed for a successful season next year.