Manitoba Falcon Cam Forum

News, Videos & Other Webcams => Other Wildlife Cams => Raptor Cams => Topic started by: Alison on December 18, 2009, 19:54

Title: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater
Post by: Alison on December 18, 2009, 19:54

The eagle cam at the Blackwater Refuge in Maryland is active again, and both eagles have been seen at the nest. These pics are from the site:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/eagle_new6.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/eagle_new7.jpg)

Earlier this year, this pair raised two eaglets. The eaglets hatched during a major, ongoing snowstorm, one day apart. The parents were able to keep the tiny eaglets protected, and both survived. The older eaglet bullied his sibling unmercifully, plucking the down from his head, making him stay down in the nest, and trying to keep him from the food. I know eaglets do this at times, but this was the most pronounced bullying I have seen, especially with only one day's difference in their ages. As the eaglets grew, the bullying ceased. The eaglets were named Chesapeake and Choptank after rivers in the area, and both fledged successfully.

I had been thinking about this year's eaglets, and when I went back to the site today, the webmaster, Lisa, had obviously been thinking the same thing: she had posted pics from the snowstorm. She does a great job of keeping the site up to date, and writes an informative blog. There is also an osprey cam at the same link, and the eagles can be seen visiting this nest when the ospreys are gone for the winter.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwater1.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwater2.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwater3.jpg)

http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm2.html

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2009)
Post by: Alison on December 29, 2009, 19:46

Both eagles visited the nest this evening:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterdec291a.jpg)

Yesterday, they worked on the nest (this pic is from the site):

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/eagle_new8.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2009)
Post by: allikat on December 29, 2009, 20:09

I checked the site this afternoon....this is getting exciting!  

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 13, 2010, 20:33

At the nest this evening:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan132a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan133a.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 18, 2010, 21:00

Both eagles are visiting the nest frequently:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan181a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan132a-1.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan134a.jpg)

They came back again later:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan1820a.jpg)

I borrowed this pic from the site:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/eagle_new2.jpg)


link to webcam:  http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm2.html

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 20, 2010, 17:50

It is possible that the first egg might have been laid at this nest. The egg cup has been completed, and the female is staying on the nest. She has been sleeping on the nest for the last little while.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan201a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan202a.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan204a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan209a.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: carly on January 20, 2010, 17:52

Wow..already?  I didn't realize eagles started this early!  

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: allikat on January 20, 2010, 20:34

WOW!!!   :o

I won't assume but if there is an egg, isn't this a little early?   ???

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on January 23, 2010, 17:15

Last year the first egg was laid on January 23. This is usually one of the earliest eagle nests to have eggs.

There was indeed an egg laid on January 20:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/firsteggblackwatereagles.jpg)

The second egg has now been laid:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan2311a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterjan2322a.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on January 23, 2010, 18:57

They certainly get down to business early!  :o

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 01, 2010, 21:37

Incubation continues; the eagles had to deal with a snowstorm:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/eagle_new13ajpg.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/eagle_new3a.jpg)

These pics are from the site.

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 01, 2010, 21:49

This pic of an immature bald eagle is actually from the Blackwater osprey nest:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/osprey_new12.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on February 02, 2010, 13:03

Quote from: Alison on February 01, 2010, 21:37

Incubation continues; the eagles had to deal with a snowstorm:

The pictures with the adults side by side in the nest are amazing!!!  :o

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: eagle63_1999 on February 02, 2010, 14:08

Yes, I thought it was amazing too TPC, you very rarely see that.

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 02, 2010, 17:37

Quote from: Alison on February 01, 2010, 21:37

Incubation continues; the eagles had to deal with a snowstorm:

Quote from: The Peregrine Chick on February 02, 2010, 13:03

The pictures with the adults side by side in the nest are amazing!!!  :o

I really liked these pics too -- Lisa, the webmaster at the site, had posted these. Unfortunately, although I reduced the size of the original to post here, the site reduced it further so that it is hard to see.

Here is a link to the full sized pic: click on "all sizes" - http://www.flickr.com/photos/43115701@N08/4325861953/

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on February 03, 2010, 09:10

Quote from: Alison on February 02, 2010, 17:37

Unfortunately, although I reduced the size of the original to post here, the site reduced it further so that it is hard to see.

'Fraid there is a max size on images here on this site simply because it can take forever to scroll through the threads if the photos are much larger.  Adding the link is never a bad idea, especially when the photos are so very cool!!

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: bev. on February 03, 2010, 12:44

I love this site and have followed this nest for 3 years

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 05, 2010, 17:40

Quote from: bev. on February 03, 2010, 12:44

I love this site and have followed this nest for 3 years

I really like this site too. I've followed it for quite a few years.

The eagles are now having to deal with another snowstorm, and conditions are getting worse very quickly; I hope the eagles will be able to protect their eggs.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterfeb51a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterfeb52a.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterfeb54a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterfeb59a.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterfeb510a.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: bcbird on February 06, 2010, 22:06

Oh, my goodness, that poor Mama all covered in snow!

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on February 11, 2010, 12:12

Allikat said:

I have been watching some eagle cams...some of them are not doing well.  
Mother Nature has decided to be nasty and dump "A LOT" of snow.  
Think happy thoughts for these early egg laying raptors....  here are some links:


http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm2.html

The same goes for this nest.  They also had a massive snow storm but managed protect their two eggs.  However, Mother Nature decided to test their parenting skills and give them another snow storm.


From TPC: Moved to a new thread - Thanks Allikat!

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 11, 2010, 20:11

Despite the storms and huge amounts of snow, it would seem that the eagles have managed to protect their eggs. The cam has been down since yesterday.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4350392726_91f6f43039_o.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4349650269_f50acefe10_o.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: allikat on February 11, 2010, 20:33

Yes, unfortunately, the cam is down due to power outages in the area.  The cam has been frozen and they hope to get out there to fix but some of the roads are terrible.

The second pic that Alison posted was actually from the first snowstorm which the eagles managed to protect their eggs...however, we have yet to see if this experienced pair of eagles managed to protect their eggs from a record setting snowfall.  Fingers crossed!!!

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: allikat on February 12, 2010, 10:55

Nest Update

02/12/10 - Looks like our amazing eagle parents weathered the storm and kept the eggs clear of snow

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 12, 2010, 18:39

They are amazing parents -- they really have protected those eggs through all the storms and snow.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4351884745_5ed2a6f08d_o.jpg)

At the same time as the pic above, an eagle was at the Blackwater osprey nest:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4351884725_2a59de5bd3_o.jpg)

Watching over the eggs:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4352631136_0f0176a280_o.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4351884769_ef20ac9236_o.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: allikat on February 25, 2010, 12:53

Nest Update

02/25/10 - Weather Note  The big snow is going to miss us, but we will have strong winds on Thursday and Friday, which might cause power problems.  As of this afternoon, neither egg showed clear signs of hatching

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 25, 2010, 18:21

The male dropped off a fish for the incubating female, and according to Lisa, "in past seasons that action often meant a chick was coming."

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwaterfeb254a.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: allikat on February 26, 2010, 12:10

Nest Update

02/26/10 - Egg Alert  The chick is hatching slowly, as expected. But we've definitely had a look at a hole developing on the egg.

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 26, 2010, 16:47

The first eaglet has hatched! Of course I missed it . . .

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on February 26, 2010, 18:07

The brand new eaglet; pic from the site.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/eagle_new1.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: allikat on February 28, 2010, 15:54

Nest Update

02/28/10 - Chick Alert! For those just joining us, the 1st eaglet hatched Feb. 26 and the 2nd hatched Feb. 28

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: allikat on March 04, 2010, 20:44

Nest Update

03/04/10 - Our older eaglet is already mobile enough to crawl out of the nest cup. In our Eagle Cam Web Log we posted four video clips of our two eaglets. You can also view the clips on our YouTube Channel.

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: bev. on March 11, 2010, 08:13

And from blackwater

slideshow of a feeding a few days after they were born  (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev35/?action=view&current=393b7467.pbw)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on March 17, 2010, 23:24

The two eaglets are being well cared for:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermar1713a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermar1715a.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermar1716a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermar1717a.jpg)

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermar1719a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermar1722a.jpg)

Title: Re: Bald Eagle - Maryland / Blackwater (2010)
Post by: Alison on May 19, 2010, 14:51

Both eaglets are branching now; one visited the nest a little while ago.

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermay194a.jpg)

The male eaglet has been named Aquila, and the female has been named Avis:

(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/blackwatermay191.jpg)