Stephen Barnard has sent photos over the last week days, so I’m stringing them together in sequence for a single post. If you sent photos earlier, don’t worry; I have them all and will start posting them when I return after Sunday.
We have some worries about the pair of bald eagles, Desi and Lucy (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), who nest yearly on Stephen’s property.
First, Lucy from March, 27:
With developing eggs, probably. Things are going as usual. She’s hanging out in the nesting area during the day.
Like Mallards and Robins, Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) are underappreciated because they’re so common, at least compared to other raptors. I’m guilty of that, but I think this photo shows off the beauty of their underwing plumage. This is an especially healthy specimen, I think. They’re nearly swarming here now, after a tough winter weather compensated for by an abundance of voles.
Here’s another of the same bird. Different pose.
Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus). I get hairies and downies, about 50/50. They’re very similar, but you can tell the difference by the length of the bill and the size.
And now, some possible trouble. . .
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). I’m a little worried about the eagles. I haven’t seen Desi in several days, and this osprey shouldn’t be hanging around so insolently. They’re deadly enemies.
Start worrying.
If we are taking sides, I am for the ospreys! Nature does not care…
Tough one, given that Desi and Lucy have nested there for years! I’m not so objective…. I’d try to scare the osprey off with my drone, without hurting it. However, it might be a done deal for future Arnazes, if Desi has already met a sad demise. Won’t panic! (Where’s my f—– towel?!):(
I’m hoping there’s plenty of fish for both families. Not that that would completely stop the territorial instinct, but it might mitigate it somewhat.
Sounds like a bad deal all around. Hope for the best…
We have Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers as well. Yes: Bill length (proportion relative to the head and body) and overall size. I find the bill length easiest to discern, unless the bird is very close.
We too have eagles and ospreys. Wonderful beasts. I hope Desi is OK …
I’ve seen a few Red Tails recently here in NY. They normally take over the field in the back of the house and call out when ever I arrive. They are certainly a handsome bird.
We can hope for Desi to return, but what happens will be only natural. الطبيعة هي كبيرة
(nature is great).
A couple weeks ago I was driving further north than usual and a bald eagle swooped low over the highway. I could see the gold in its eye. For me that was a big thrill.
a little off topic but as you are a squirrel god:
http://vanderbilt.edu/info/cornelia/
;D
If something has happened to Desi, is there any hope Lucy can hatch her eggs/raise her chicks on her own?
My guess would be no since the male eagle does almost all the hunting in the first few weeks after the eaglets hatch. Maybe if there is a plethora of food that is close by?
Hope Desi is alright. A few days seems a long time to be away from the nest.
I hope so too.
Impossible.
I thought that might be the case. 🙁
Even if the female could catch fish, the eggs and the eaglets would be killed by any one of a number of predators in her absence — herons, raccoons, hawks, etc.
Ah, so no home delivery of fresh fish is allowed then, I gather…. 🙁 Pity.