[TN-Bird] Bald Eagles
- From: Tony King <tonykingbird@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:40:39 -0800 (PST)
It is time for an update on the Lenoir City Bald Eagle pair . January 9, 2013
one was recorded sitting in the nest. Incubation had started. So for the eighth
consecutive year, business as usual . Incubation lasts thirty -five days.
Therefore Valentine's Day 2013 there should be eaglets.They seemed unconcerned
by the( atrocious ) winter weather . Record rainfall (>12 inches ) ,a
smattering of snow ,some sleet,some freezing rain,cold winds howling upriver
past the nest and temperatures anywhere between 11 & 62 degrees F.They seemed
to enjoy it! Plus the TN river has been in flood stage since they started
sitting ,meaning that finding fish to eat in the three lakes nearby ( Fort
Loudon , Tellico and Watts Bar ) was more difficult due to the turgid and
turbid water .All seemed well from my point of view . Then just like expectant
parents it was time to find out the results of incubation. How many ? A pair of
photographers looked into the nest and
recorded seeing one egg. This was on Feb .13 . On Valentine's day they
returned .The nest was EMPTY. No egg,no eaglet only an agitated female Bald
Eagle standing on the nest looking into and around the nest, all the while
making chirping noises and occasionally sitting in the nest .How could this
happen? What happened ? The observers departed the scene with tears in their
eyes . Only today could I face writing about the disappointment after seven
times witnessing nesting success. The consensus among those with experience in
these matters is that it is too " late " for this pair to re -nest this
season . The nest and nest tree were devoid of eagles through Feb 17. Stay
tuned . Bird On !
Tony King
Lenoir City
Loudon Co.
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