26 January 2022
Good Evening,
I am sending this out because of the breaking news. I will be back with you either Monday later in the day or Tuesday morning.
Sunday late update: It appears that one of the Es on the SW Florida Eagle nest has died after struggling to breathe.
So sad for F23 and M15. Times from Heidi from observations: 18.39 struggling to breathe 18.39.55 flipped over backwards.
I will not post its poor little body. Beyond sad.
The sky is a blue-grey and it is nice and warm on the Canadian Prairies. The birds are singing and for the first time in several weeks, all four grey squirrels were in the garden. I had begun to worry that something had happened to them and then it just seemed that they had decided to hibernate til the frigid weather dissipated. It was so nice to see them.
The Girls and I have just finished Tony Putnam’s Bob the Robin. A Love Letter to Britain’s Favourite Bird. This lovely volume clad in bright red is a hidden gem in the publications coming out in 2024 that has its origins during the pandemic. Tony Putnam is not a professional writer. The story unfolds from the depths of his heart in a way that I found very touching. The author is a gardener, and several Robins befriend him causing him to set up social media accounts. Sadly, many of the early birds arrive, raise a family, and disappear, not to return until Bob comes. Their friendship endures. They know the quirks of one another. Scattered throughout are tidbits about Robin’s behaviour that you might not know. Bob was more than a friend to Tony – he became a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people. You will fall in love with this little bird that greets Tony and shares his day. Calico gives it her ‘Golden Paw Award’ and puts it right up there with H is for Hare. $24.99 CDN at on-line retailers. Beautiful coloured photos of Bob taken by Tony in the centre of the volume.
Jackie and Shadow are no strangers to snow but a windy storm kept Jackie on her talons protecting those precious eggs Saturday night and early Sunday morning. https://youtu.be/CLmoWiu83e0?
The pantry is full at NE Florida. Layers of fish and other critters! 31 is growing before our eyes. Many of you have written to say that you thought Dasher and Dancer could not be beaten for cuteness til you saw NE31. S/he sure is a darling.
Nest cam highlights for Gabby and Beau: https://youtu.be/a_S5_3s-dJQ?
Dasher and Dancer are still ‘darlings’. They are just changing and who isn’t captivated by a tiny little hatchling?
Dad has been filling up the pantry excitedly at John Bunker Sands. Now, will Mum step up and make sure that both eaglets get their fair share? Let’s hope so! They are sure little cutie pies.
Some are concerned about the drop off in prey deliveries at the WRDC nest of Ron and Rose. You might recall there was a similar issue last breeding season.
Jolene and Boone have their second egg of the season. 1751 is the time! Congratulations.
At Achieva, Jack sits proudly on his perch. What a fine nest he has made. Incredible. He should get some ‘Golden Nest Award’ for his tenaciousness.
There have been owl attacks at Eagle Country. Times according to the moderator: “Bayhead cam – 03:41:35 Owl attack Blaze. 03.42.08 Blaze returns to the branch. 05:13:26 Owl knocks Blaze into the nest; 6:49:33 Blaze to nest; 6:52:44 Skye joins; 6:56 Blaze off; 6:59:52 Skye”.
Bella and Scout were at the NCTC nest on Sunday. And to those who continue to ask that question: Yes, it was Scout that didn’t recognize his chicks and ate them last year. We know he is going to do better this year. Trust Bella.
Scout defended the nest against a juvenile intruder. Geez. I am wondering if this is ‘his’ year to be a great dad, too? https://youtu.be/o6zTYn2JCSI?
There is a possible pip for the new couple, Alex II and Andria II at the E3 nest in the Kisatchie National Forest near Alexandria, Louisiana today. https://youtu.be/G_k7B8RS14U?
Just look at how big the Es are!!!!!!!!! They sure got a head start on everyone.
Sharon Pollock posted this – adorable.
Thinking of you, Akecheta.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care! See you soon.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘H, J, MP, SP’. Tony Putnam and Bob the Robin, NEFL-AEF, American Eagle Foundation, Window to Wildlife, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Tonya in NO, Eagle Country, Deb Stecyk, NCTC Bald Eagle Cam, Achieva Credit Union, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, SW Florida Eagle Cam, IWS/Explore.org
