Deep Cove Winery Eagles, North Saanich BC - 2017/2018 Season

[sassyk]

Welcome to the Deep Cove Winery Eagles thread, formerly known as the Muse Winery Eagles, for the 2017/2018 season. This nest is on private property adjacent to the winery property near Deep Cove, within the Municipality of North Saanich, BC. The winery was previously the Muse Winery and the eagles have produced many eaglets over the past years, successfully fledging one eaglet this past season.

The nest tree is on the adjacent private property and the owners have asked that members of the public do not trespass on their property when visiting the nest area. The nest is very visible from the area outside the Deep Cove Winery gate as well as from their parking lot and the terrace Bistro. Please feel welcome to post your observations, photos, videos and discussion of these eagles if you visit their nest area.

The last year the Hancock Fledgefest was held here on Vancouver Island was in 2011. We gathered at the winery for a delicious lunch after viewing Ma & Pa Sidney at the Epicure nest. The previous owners of the winery, Jane and Peter Ellmann, were very gracious hosts and have welcomed visitors to view the eagles when visiting the winery.

Link to the first part of the current season from Sept. to present time:
2017/2018 Season

Links to previous seasons:

2016/2017 Season
2015/2016 Season
2014/2015 Season
2013/2014 Season
2012/2013 Season
2010-2012 Season

The Deep Cove Winery is situated in a beautiful, serene, rural environment and the beach is easily accessible at the end of Tatlow Road. Link to their website, which appears to be under development at this time Deep Cove Winery

[sassyk]

Photo of the nest tree, taken 16 May 2014.

Photo of the adults, taken 4 Mar. 2013.

Photo of an adult in the nest, taken 23 May 2014.

[sassyk]

Eaglet stretching a wing while being fed by Mom. Photo taken 2 June 2015.

Adult feeding an eaglet. Photo taken 3 Aug. 2016.

Fledgling eaglet returning to the nest for a feeding. Photo taken 31 July 2017.

[elle]

Did a quick drive by yesterday and did not see any activity in or around the nest.

[sassyk]

I've heard from Elyse at the winery on the activities of the eagles. They have been very active and very loud in recent weeks, but they have not noticed them staying in the nest consistently. She said she would be very surprised if there were eggs in the nest. These eagles have been later than most in the area to lay their eggs, but I think if there is not an eagle in the nest most of the time then they don't have eggs. I could be wrong and they could surprise us

[elle]

Another weird year upon us it seems at the nests we monitor.

[elle]

Did a drive by today and did not see any activity in or around the nest.

[elle]

Adult flew into the nest and was feeding.

[sassyk]

I visited the winery with a birding friend yesterday and met Elyse. We had a nice chat about the eagles and enjoyed a free wine tasting too!! Their Ortega is my favourite. Elyse has made some changes to the wine tasting room and I love it!

One of the adult eagles flew into the nest and the 2nd one got up and flew off. We didn't realize there was one in the nest until the 2nd one arrived because the nest is so deep. There was a feeding going on but no eaglets were visible. We are hoping for a successful nesting season this year

So happy to finally meet you Elyse!

Here's the adult flying into the nest.

Adult sat on the side of the nest for a few minutes.

Adult's head seen through the nest sticks on the left side.

[sassyk]

I visited the winery nest area yesterday and did not see any eaglets. However, it was in the middle of the afternoon, just after 2pm, and the eaglet was probably napping.

The new owners have done a lot of renos around the property and their front entrance is beautiful. There is another sign exactly the same as this one on the other side of the entrance.

Just before we left we spotted one of the adults perched in the tree overlooking the beach, spreading its wings to keep cool.

[sassyk]

Stopped at the winery on Wed. to see if we could see any chicks yet. Mom was lying down in the nest but we didn't see any fuzzy heads. Dad was out at the beach chasing and being chased by vultures and gulls

[sassyk]

I went by the winery tonight and did not see or hear any eagles. No sign of any eaglets in the nest. After my last visit I sent an email to Elyse but have not heard from her. I have sent her another email. I'm quite sure this nest has failed this season Very disappointing for Elyse and her family

ETA: I have heard back from Elyse. They have not seen any eaglets and the parents haven't been in the nest much this past week.

[sassyk]

A new thread for the 2018/2019 season has been opened. Please post your observations and photos here.

This thread is now locked.