The Loser

Waking up to several inches of snow this morning, Katniss and I found ourselves glued to the windows.  Initially it was out the slider as we watched them search for breakfast under the feeders.  Staying about a half hour, they then vanished into the woods taking cover beneath the barberry.    

And then before sunrise, as I washed my coffee cup at the kitchen sink, I spotted "The Loser."  Well, that's what I call him.  The tom, apparently several years old (judging by the length of his beard, according to the Pres), paced back and forth in front of the fence.  I first saw him about 6:30 AM and at 8:10 AM he was still out there pacing.  Hearing the rest of his flock, he would stop, listen and look in their direction and then resume pacing.

After I walked down the gravel road to get the paper for the still sleeping Pres, he was gone.  My guess is that the garage door startled him, forcing him to use it's wings to sail over the fence.

And then I thought...

Back in the day (1784) in a letter to his daughter, Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the turkey our national bird saying that the Bald Eagle was "a bird of bad moral character" that "does not get it's living honestly" because it steals from the fish hawk and "is too lazy to fish for himself".  However, I am glad that the turkey was not chosen as a symbol of our country...a symbol of strength, power, and freedom. 

Capturing the human imagination for centuries and regarded as "king of the skies", the Bald Eagle was used as a messenger for Zeus, King of the Ancient Gods, and as a symbol of military superiority for the Romans.  Respect for the Eagle's strength and vision has carried forward to modern times.  When the first man on the moon landed, the control deck reported 'the Eagle has landed'.  It's power and keen vision are universal, timeless symbols of leadership and success."

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

The Loser

(in more ways than one)

with you and those at

Camera Critters

Saturday Critters

Winter Confusion

"Thank goodness for Spring," I've been saying to myself.

Wait...

Hearing the forecast, they said POSSIBLE SNOW Friday night.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Winter Confusion

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Black and White Weekend

Spring Warmth

Participating in what was supposed to be a 4 mile hike celebrating the Spring Equinox turned out to be 7 miles on solid ice trails through the heavily shaded forest.  It was GREAT!  

Yes, and when I got home I wanted to take a nice hot shower...:)

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Spring Warmth

with you and those at

Weekend Reflections

Your Thoughts?

 What do think this cloud look like to you?

Honestly I was quite content observing Eagles in that tall pine, until this big, beautiful, robust, cloud appeared.

Is it only me, or does anyone else see a shark?

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Your Thoughts

with you and those at

Our World Tuesday

Image-In-Ing

Two Minutes

Getting to the nest early last Wednesday, I was hoping to witness the adults swapping incubation duty and the turning of the eggs.  I didn't.  During the time frame I was there, I witnessed neither.  However, while driving home, my mind began doing some basic Math.  Hoping that my calculations and previous years of observations would help me determine the rotation schedule, I knew I had to return that morning.  I did just that.

The adult's posture was low (as it should be) with head barely visible for several hours,  Yet, it was when I saw a change in it's behavior that I knew "the swap" was about to happen.   Sitting in silence, it remained focused on the horizon.

Then Boom!  The incoming adult appeared out of nowhere.

Landing on the rim of the nest, the outgoing adult stood up, leaned down, turned the egg (s), and stepped onto the East side of the rim. 

The incoming adult balled up it's talons, walked toward the eggs, placed it's brood patch over the eggs and then rocked sideways five or six times.  The entire process took two minutes.

Driving home, I couldn't help but think:  What can I accomplish in just two minutes?  

Answering my own question were there words:  Nothing quite as awe inspiring as what I'd just witnessed.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Two Minutes 

with you and those at

Natures Notes

Wild Bird Wednesday

The Bird D'Pot

Typically Eagles turn their eggs every 40-50 minutes and swap incubation every few hours.  Their eggs must be kept warm, yet protected from the harsh sun and although the female, whose brood patch is larger, does most of the work, the male knows his duties well.

The Boot

Giving housework and Winter "the boot", I have been devoting most of my spare time to observing the Eagles.  With temps in the 40's, the air is crisp and oh so refreshing.  When that Spring-like sun hits you, it makes it all worth it.  Yesterday, I not only picked up a broken stick in my bootlace, and my first tick of the season.  However, sticks and ticks are signs of Spring...:).  With a couple of hikes planned this week, I'll be enjoying the fresh air even more.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

THE BOOT

with you and those at

 Shadow Shot Sunday 2 

Non-Event

You were all right.  So again, I thank you for your reassurance.  

Removing Katniss' cone on day 11 has turned out to be a non-event...unless, of course, you consider that now she can literally fit anywhere she's not supposed to be.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Non-Event

with you and those at

Weekend Reflection

Little Things Matter

It seems that everywhere I turn, I'm getting reports of (and seeing) Eagles.  Adding the pertinent info of the sighting to my list, I then prioritize, follow-up by visiting periodically and then draw my conclusions as to whether or not it/they are worth further observations.  As you can imagine, I am loving every minute.

However, yesterday, while observing behaviors for several hours at a nest I monitor, this little guy flew in.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Little Things Matter

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Thankful Thursday

Wednesday Around the World

Wild Bird Wednesday

Anything Chocolate

Sometimes a girl (yes, even at my age) has to have her chocolate.  So, when my granddaughter suggested that I try this stuff while we were out shopping, I did.  I will, however, admit that when she said, "Nana, get chocolate hummus...it's so yummy", I cringed.  

Yet dipping broken bits of sugar cone in it totally worked for my chocolate craving!!  

just seeing, saying, sharing...

Anything Chocolate

with you and those at 

Our World Tuesday

Observing Prospects

Here in CT, Bald Eagles mate and lay eggs between mid-February and the end of March.  The pair at the nest I monitored last year is on eggs, with a approximate hatch of April 1st.  However, that doesn't mean my observation skills cannot be used elsewhere.  So, when we got a tip about an Eagles "hanging out," I had to volunteer.

Although the first few trips there revealed nothing, I felt compelled to follow my instincts and return.

This lovely couple entertained me for several hours the other afternoon after I left the gym.  They've been hanging out at this location for a while now as have I, but it wasn't until this past Friday that I was able to come to some definitive conclusions. 

When I arrived and rolled down my window, I was able to record some typical chatter between the pair, although I saw neither bird.  Scanning the trees, I saw nothing until something on the ice moved.  Focusing on the movement, I was able to watch an immature (assumed to be last year's chick) taking in the warm, late morning sun.  Minutes later there were two immatures circling the small, partially frozen pond, swooping down occasionally to snag a snack before retreating to the trees.  Each time an immature was in flight and in close proximity to the trees, I heard the adult's high pitched alert.

Based on observed behaviors: 

they are definitely strong prospects for mating/egg laying;

based on behaviors observed, I would speculate that mating will be soon (educated guess before month end);

they had chicks last year (based on behaviors seen that afternoon);

once they are on eggs, they will not tolerate the immature (s) in their territory

Now all I have to do is FIND THE NEST!

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Observing Prospects

with you and those at

The Bird D'Pot

Natures Notes

14-3

This past Friday was day 14...day 14 of Katniss wearing her cone post surgery, that is.  Day 14 was the day we were going to celebrate.  Day 14 was the day the cone was supposed to come off.  However, it didn't quite work out that way though.  Katniss apparently had other plans...plans that I knew nothing about.

On Tuesday, I had gone to check the status of the nesting pair of Eagles and another pair that we strongly believe will be on eggs soon.  The Pres was not home when I walked into the house and shut off the alarm.

Trotting toward me from the DR slider, where she had been sunning herself, was Katniss.  Wearing her cone, she trotted hurriedly to me to give me her normal greeting.  It's been "a thing" (since I captured her) whenever I walk into the house.  She stands on her hind legs and as I lean down toward her, she extends her front paws up to touch my nose.

While all of that may sound totally normal (and adorable) to you, out of my mouth came, "How did you get upstairs?  Did you knock down the barrier or climb it?"  Looking down the staircase, I saw the barrier the Pres had built...the barrier that we have been climbing over.  It was still in tact.  Apparently, Katniss figured out how to scale the barrier too...cone and all even though the surgeon said NO STAIRS WHILE SHE'S WEARING THE CONE.  






Before I took off my coat, I was on the phone with my Vet.  Telling her it was only Day 11 and what I'd found when I got home, my Vet chuckled.  Then she said, "I think Katniss is telling you she's ready to be cone- less.  Remove the cone and keep a close eye on her that she doesn't open the incision."

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

14-3=11

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Shadow Shot Sunday

Surprise

This pic is the outcome of an idea I had in my head to take a pic of the reflection of my DR in the slider window.  So, outside, you can see the deck, the railing, the grill cover and ground with a light dusting of the white stuff.  On the inside is my DR.  However, the surprise was ME, bundled up, ready to go fill the bird feeders.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Surprise

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Weekend Reflections  

Skiing Anyone?

 I don't ski, this little guy does.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Skiing Anyone?

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Black and White Weekend 

Mood Lighting (aka Time Change)

Knowing that Spring is right around the corner, my body apparently is self-adjusting on it's own.  Waking up an hour earlier for the past few weeks has given me the chance to see things differently. 

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Mood Lighting

(aka Time Change)

with you and those at

Thankful Thursday

(NOTE: Speaking of seeing things differently, same camera, same settings, time was the only variable....6:46 AM & 7:49 AM)

Sitting Low

On 02/22/19, the pair was doing nest work.  Five days later on 02/27/19, I returned to check that the recent high winds hadn't damaged the supporting branches or the nest.  Not only were the limbs and the nest in tact, it appears that we may have begun incubation!

Sitting low and hardly noticeable against the horizon, it wasn't until I zoomed and cropped a few images that I saw her.  So, unless it's a case of pseudo-incubation, in abut 35 days, we'll have a chick (s).

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Sitting Low

with you and those at

Wild Bird Wednesday

Wednesday Around The World

Natures Notes

Yum

Walking into the den, there was Katniss sitting on top of my desk.  Fur bristled, and with a steady stare, she didn't even flinch when I said "Kat, what are you doing up there?"

Then I knew.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Yum

Image-In-Ing

Our World Tuesday

Extra Toes=Extra Strokes

Did I ever tell you about the time that Katniss killed my laptop?  Well, actually she didn't "kill" it, she just, shall we say, knocked it unconscious.

Shortly after Katniss moved in, she realized that when the laptop is on my lap, she can't curl up and lie down.  She also figured out that with all those extra toes she has, she can hit many keys.  One day, after she walked across the keyboard, the screen literally went totally black.

I tried EVERYTHING and got nothing.  Yes, everything...powering it off, rebooting, you name it, I did i.  It remained on with a black screen and no other sign of life.  Since I don't have a "back-up" laptop, I called my computer guy and yes, it had to be serviced.  To resurrect it, he actually had to remove the back, remove the battery and do something to the mother board.  What he told me was this: "Apparently she somehow put it into hibernation mode with a combination of keystrokes.  Don't worry, if happens again, I can fix it."

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Extra Toes=Extra Strokes

with you and those at 

Shadow Shot Sunday 2

One more thing.  Katniss seems to love walking across the keyboard at the most inopportune times...like when I'm blogging, responding t emails and it always seems to happen when I'm BACKING IT UP!

Spring Cleaning

Feeling worried and anxious about Katniss' surgery, I needed to keep both physically and mentally busy that Friday.  You all know that for me, nothing curtails worrying better than Bald Eagles.  So, off I went hoping to add more behavioral observations to the huge data file in my mind.

When I arrived at my spot, I could see something in the far corner of the nest with the naked eye even before getting out my gear. Then, peering through the binoculars, the 263 yd distance between us became negligible and I could clearly see it was one of the adults.  It was "hunkered down."  

Could it already be on eggs?, I thought.  After all, mid-February to late March is egg laying for Bald Eagles here in CT.  The date was 2/22/19.  The camera came out of the bag and I began rotating between the binoculars and my smaller camera.  (Next time I visit I vowed, no matter what, I'll bring "Zoomer".)  Behavioral observation is so fascinating and such a wonderful teacher,  and opportunity.  Quite honestly, I'm glad it's my passion.

Shortly after arriving, I sent a text to "Boss." Telling him I was at the nest with a "hunkered down" adult, he immediately responded with, "They may already be on eggs, JP."  




Minutes passed...minutes with me watching every move.  My response was...

"No way, Eagle One...too much movement...sitting way too high.  From the material I can see in the bill, I'm guessing nest work on the bowl and/or duff prior to mating.  

Material appears to be soft and pliable.  Over and out...Eagle Two."

Eagle One responded quickly.  Although busy on his day off, he takes Bald Eagles very seriously so his immediate response was no surprise.  We make a good team and work well together, always bouncing facts off of each other.  His answer was, "Good observations Eagle Two.  Sounds like thy're getting the nursery ready for sure."  

It wasn't long before the mate landed as the adult in the nest (assumed female based on size) continued to arrange and rearrange nesting materials.  Then they both worked on the rim.  They were definitely doing "nest work."  

Once a pair of hawks could be heard in the distance, the mate kept a vigilant watch while the adult in the nest continued work on the far corner of the nest.  Bald Eagles' behavior is a great example of teamwork.

When the female was done working, she spread her wings and headed over the distant tree-line, disappearing from my site quickly.  The male arranged a few branches and twigs on the rim, then sat silently...watching for abut 15 minutes before it too spread it's wings, circled the nest vicinity twice and headed in the same direction of it's mate. 

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Spring Cleaning

with you and those at

The Bird D'Pot

Natures Notes

Wild Bird Wednesday

One more thing.  Later that afternoon I picked up Katniss.  The surgery went well.

It's Not Easy

As you can see by the photos, Katniss had her surgery.  She was spayed on Friday, the 22nd.  Yes, the surgery went well.  Yes, she took her meds like a good kitten.  And yes, she seems to be recovering nicely.  Yes, she has to wear her cone for 10-14 days.

One more thing.  Yes, it's not easy to kiss a conehead.

 

 just seeing, saying, and sharing...

It's Not Easy

with you and those at

Camera Critters

Saturday Critters

Quiet Water

Stopping at yet another one of my favorite places recently, I thoroughly enjoyed the various forms of quiet water.

just seeing, saying, and sharing...

Quiet Water

with you and those at

Weekend Reflections