Eagle Nest Update 1/4/25

I was thinking I wasn’t going to see an eagle near the nest this morning because surely the very high river must be unfishable and the birds are likely elsewhere looking for sustenance. The morning was drippy and gray and hardly any birds of any kind were around except for a couple Ravens and a few Acorn Woodpeckers. When I was about to give up and go home, the unmistakable shape and bright white head and tail of a Bald Eagle appeared far across the river, cruising along at about nest level. I was surprised to see it fly right past the nest tree and land near the crown of another tree just a bit downstream.

*The eagle briefly perched in a tree not far from the nest.*

She (I think it was the female) didn’t stay perched for long, and soon took off lunging feet first toward another branch in the same tree, breaking off a small dead limb, and then deftly wheeling back toward the nest to deliver the new decor.

*Just after tearing the branch off the tree with her powerful legs you can see debris flying everywhere to the left of the Eagle who is gripping the prize tightly in her talons.*

*Here she is making her approach toward the nest, still holding the branch with her feet. Sometimes, incoming sticks are held in the beak*.

*You can see her gripping the stick as she prepares to land at the back of the nest.*

*Landing at the back of the nest, wings drawn up and back to soften her landing*.

*She prepares to carefully place the new material*

*She tries out a couple spots before tucking the stick in just the right place. (see the video below.)*

She spent a couple minutes arranging it, a mysterious process involving trial and error that can get a bit contentious when both birds are working on it. When she was satisfied she stepped to the edge of the nest and flew off downstream. I never saw her again over the next hour I waited; neither did the mate appear.

It’s been almost a month since I visited the nest and saw both birds in the vicinity but no action around the nest itself. I’m hopeful today’s refurbishment means the pair will mate and raise a family here again. It’s been two years since an eaglet has successfully fledged. In comparing the appearance of the nest a month ago vs. today, it does look like preparations are happening.

*The nest after her addition*. *If you closely compare this image with the one below taken last month, you can see a few new sticks toward the top front of the structure.*

*The nest a month ago. Feeling hopeful that an eaglet will reside here in a few months.*

5 responses to “Eagle Nest Update 1/4/25”

latskojerry

January 4, 2025

Thanks for your patient work on a dreary morning. Hoping it is a sign of of a new eaglet coming.

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Susan Nolan

January 4, 2025

It’s interesting that the bird breaks branches off trees rather than gathering them off the ground (the way songbirds presumably gather nest material).

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1. Ann Constantino
  
  January 4, 2025
  
  Good point. I’ve seen ospreys do it this way, too.
  
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Jane Ann

January 6, 2025

Thank you Ann for your posting of nature in action.
your pictures and writings are so informative and enjoyed.

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1. Ann Constantino
  
  January 6, 2025
  
  Thanks so much! It makes my day to know you’re enjoying it.
  
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