March 28. Catfish on the Menu!

A couple of nice sized catfish were delivered to the eaglets this afternoon. What great providers the parents are! Both eaglets are visible in the second photo.

March 24. First look at the eaglets!

FINALLY! And a little early but I got my first look at chicks in the nest! I saw two!! The photos were taken from about a block away from the nest. They are approximately 2 weeks old.

March 14 Intruding Sub-Adult Eagle

Some action today right at the fairway of the golf course where the nest is located. These photos are from one of two altercations that I witnessed today. The adult eagle was successful in defending the nest and territory.

March 11

The past week has lots of "down time" at the nest as the Eagles are busy providing for and protecting their young. So, they are not always visible to us watching from the ground.  I look forward to seeing the eaglets for the first time!

It's Official!

Chicks in the nest! It's official (per Reese Lukei)!
Parent delivering a large catfish for early evening meal. Plus both parents feeding their chicks.

Behavior Change at the nest!

I am so excited that my good friend and long time eagle spotter companion was the first to see a behavior change at the Honey Bee nest this morning. She saw one of the adults bring in a fish and drop it off in the nest. This behavior is generally an indication that egg hatching has begun. Mr. Reese Lukei, local eagle expert and my mentor will be able to confirm that in the next several days.

Hatch Watch

We are just a few days away from a possible hatch of the eggs at the Honey Bee nest. According to the Center for Conservation Biology (CCB), the average incubation time is about 35 days. I started to see subtle behavior changes on my husband’s birthday, January 28th, continuing on January 29th, then throughout February. The math would put the hatch date on or around Monday, March 4th. The Bald Eagles’ behavior will change again, once hatching begins. The main change will be the adults bringing food to the nest. Typically, the adults will be more visible, has been my experience observing other nests. According to CCB, “the male and female eagles can perform all of the jobs related to chick rearing but for most pairs they do have roles. In the early period after hatching the male does the bulk of the hunting providing prey to the brood. The male also stands guard nearby and is responsible for territory and nest defense. During this early period, the female does most of the direct brooding and most of the feeding of chicks.”

The human attendance at the nest location will also change. This nest is probably one of the most visited nests in Hampton Roads. It is easily seen from a public street in a residential neighborhood, although the nest tree itself is actually on the golf course, which is considered private property. Visits have been on the increase since it was learned that the pair from last year had returned to try nesting again. Their eggs from last year were destroyed in an attack by another adult eagle, an event that I witnessed, about halfway through the incubation period. The pair did not lay a second clutch but remained in the area.

This can be a beautiful opportunity to observe our national bird. Please keep in mind first and foremost, that all wildlife is sensitive to human disturbance. Please maintain a respectful distance (I have heard 330 feet) from the nest so as not to disturb the nesting eagles and their new family. Bald Eagles have special protections in place by the federal government, and I anticipate that the nest area will be checked frequently by wildlife officers. Additionally, this is a residential area and the golf course and neighboring residents’ yards should not be trespassed upon. Please park according to local ordinances, do not block driveways or fire hydrants, and please do not block sidewalks with chairs, coolers, etc. (also a local ordinance). I hope to see you there and share in the excitement of urban Bald Eagles!