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Live cams. Not cam 2 was brushed by F 23 wing so angle moved.
https://dickpritchettrealestate.com/southwest-florida-eagle-cam/?cam=1
Over the past week, Jackie and Shadow have visited the nest a few times in the evening before heading to their roost tree…and each visit has been calm and quiet, simply doing a bit of housekeeping before day’s end.
Last Saturday, Jackie arrived first with a stick shortly before Shadow joined her with his own stick contribution. They each moved little sticks to their proper location…then they both needed to grapple with a very long one before they tamed it into place. They each even moved the pine cone—recently winning the naming contest to be called Coneilia—to try to get it to settle in.
At one point, Shadow went on the back porch, ready to leave, but apparently from that higher viewpoint, he could see that the work was not anywhere near complete. He hopped back down to dive in and finish. And with so much gentle stick moving, wee bits of beaky kissy was needed to keep things in perspective.
Monday brought another, but shorter, evening nest visit. Jackie was first to arrive again and Shadow showed off a bit with a swoopy fly-by before landing in the front door. This time, after a few redecorative stick movements, Shadow was complete and headed out the back door. Jackie soon followed, and they spent the night in their favorite nearby roost tree.
Wednesday evening they showed off their stellar coordination as Jackie landed in the front door at the same moment as Shadow landed in the back—perfect bonded harmony. Since it was already after sunset, Shadow got right to work to reposition some smaller sticks that had obviously gotten disruptively out of place. But they both spent most of their nest time observing the happenings in the neighborhood to make sure everything out there was in order…then it was off to roost.
Sadly, yesterday, Coneilia went over the edge when Jackie accidentally caught it on her back talon as she headed out the back door. The end of an era…and we will move on to see what nature, Jackie and Shadow have in store for us next.
Sandy
We have a PIP, day 35. Official time is 9:40:26 when M rose up from the egg the PIP was there.
ck this page for pictures:
https://forum.hancockwildlife.org/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=755&sid=9278f4553dbc194063b10761ea13019c&start=2685
😳😄
HATCH IN PROCESS
E24: 02d 16h 19m 23s
Egg 2: in process
Remember that across the hwy is a large shopping center with a chain grocery store. The bone may have been discarded. Last year M brought a steak, most likely appropriated from someone's BBQ.
We have seen,in years past, a goat head, varieties for fish, turtles , even one who managed to escape,snake, and even a stuffed squirrel toy. Unidentified roadkill.
Fish:
Jackie and Shadow seemed to be playing guessing games with us—a week ago they both spent hours in the nest—Shadow almost 2 and Jackie over 3-1/2…and then were back for an evening visit. The next day they visited nearby perch trees and made a short nest appearance in the evening. They seemed hyped up and ready for nesting…
…but, then, no nest visits for 5 days! – only a couple fly-bys.
Or, there may have been another explanation--other eagles visiting the area—a sub-adult (under 5 years old) and a juvenile (1st year eagle). They were hanging out in Jackie and Shadow’s perch trees!
Jackie and Shadow were heard in the area every day, so, very possibly were busy keeping the junior eagles away from their nest or chasing them out of their territory.
Then Jackie brought a stick to the nest on Sunday and stayed for 1-1/2 hours—and that seemed to restart nesting enthusiasm. Monday, after Shadow brought a stick and left to fetch another one, Jackie brought her own stick. When Shadow came back with a thick branch, Jackie assisted with the proper placement of that hefty dude. Of course, after that one was settled, Shadow had to rearrange several others to make it all work.
Jackie let Shadow do most of the work, but a couple times gave him some sweet thank you nibbles on the head. And, Shadow got a bit mischievous, biting Jackie’s tail to make her whip around on him. Shadow does like his mischief.
After Shadow left, Jackie climbed back into the nest from the back porch and settled in to try out the nest bowl. And she sat for over an hour! A new record for this season, and definitely a sign of getting ready.
Then, Tuesday, Jackie showed off how amazing she is!
…she first used the nest tree canopy as the perfect neighborhood observation spot…
…then she hovered in mid-air for several seconds, gently lowering herself down to a perfect landing on the nest’s front porch. Who knew Jackie was part hummingbird?! After arranging a giant stick as if it was nothing, Jackie left by gracefully soaring off the front of the nest and into the breeze.
We’ll keep watching to see what other awesome feats and fun adventures might be in store next!
Sandy
It’s that time of the year…on Sunday Jackie and Shadow celebrated the season with a little ‘nooky’ on the Lookout Snag! – They didn’t actually make a full connection, so it was only a ‘mating attempt,’ but that didn’t stop either of them from singing out an announcement to the neighborhood about it.
Later that afternoon, Jackie flew in to check on the nest and was soon joined by Shadow with a small stick. Jackie took the stick to put it where it belonged…and then Shadow moved it to where it really belonged…and then a few more sticks moved back and forth as Jackie and Shadow each had their own ideas about where they should be.
Both Jackie and Shadow had such big crops full of dinner they had a little trouble moving around the nest. So, finally, they just stood shoulder-to-shoulder, each watching out over the neighborhood.
Before bedtime, Shadow settled into the nest bowl, making sure it was right for him, too, and not just Jackie. Jackie gave her approval with a little nibble on his forehead. She headed out first and they met up again at their favorite roost tree for the night.
Jackie was first to arrive on Christmas Eve and had already settled onto the front side porch by the time Shadow showed up. She soon hopped back into the nest to join him…and a lot of bumping and grinding ensued as they made their way around each other, moving sticks and aerating the nest bowl. Then…
…Jackie did a slow, sneaky, back of the head attack to get some little beaky kissing going! And it worked! Jackie looked quite proud of herself for that clever maneuver. Who knew she was as mischievous as Shadow!?
When it started sprinkling with a bit of hail, Shadow took off for better shelter. Jackie spent another hour at the nest, perhaps thinking it was time to build up her tolerance for sitting through bad weather.
As Jackie and Shadow continue preparing for nesting season, we wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Sandy
PS. Even though the Bald Eagle has been on the Great Seal of the US, it was not officially our National Bird until Dec 24, 2024. Jackie and Shadow are now official!
Saturday was a busy day with both Jackie & Shadow arriving at the nest early. They brought in 8 new sticks & worked together on nestorations. Jackie laid down briefly a few times to test the bowl & also spent time perched on an upper branch of the front porch.
Shadow looked handsome as ever & was a very welcome sight, as he was out handling some eagle business the last two days. After their busy nest day, which also included some beaky kisses, they decided to meet on the Stick Depot Snag for a date night.
Jackie let Shadow know she was in the mood to mate & he was ready so he hopped to it! Before they headed off to roost after a long day, they cuddled up together side-by-side. All in all, a lovely way to end the day!
Eagle Note: We are aware that Jackie has kept her right eye closed since Sat morning. We don't know why but it has not prevented her from doing any regular activities, including flying, stick delivery, beaky kisses, or mating.
Jackie and Shadow also visited this morning. Even though she rested her eye again by keeping it closed, it looked like she kept it open for longer periods of time, using it for tracking. Another positive note… she is able to open her eyelid and given a little time, we are crossing our talons and hoping it heals soon!
It's January everybirdy & we're on “Egg Watch!” so stay tuned for more eggciting adventures!
BKind22
Pin feathers coming in
Mid-morning on Friday, Jackie laid down briefly in the nest as she waited for Shadow. When she saw him off in the distance, she began to squeeee…. very loudly! Now we all know what that means… Shadow had food and Jackie knew it! Fish is their main diet, but on occasion they may switch it up and bring water fowl or small prey. She happily claimed Shadow's “gift” of what looked like small prey, gobbling it down without hesitation. Later in the day, Jackie made two more “test the nest” visits.
Saturday morning, Jackie hauled in a nice big pile of dried leaves and grass used to soften the bowl. Since he will be helping Jackie incubate the eggs, Shadow decided he should also test the bowl so he laid down a couple of times… so sweet! Jackie arrived later with a headless fish meal for herself, even though her crop looked pretty full already. Laying eggs is exhausting so she needs to be prepared and well fed!
Shadow's been helping Jackie get the nest in tip-top shape but both seem to agree there's always time to share love nips and beaky kiss breaks while fluffing up the nest. It was great to see them back in the Roost Tree on Saturday night, the first time in 17 days. Oh and Fiona heard there may be eggs on the way, so she's been in the nest nightly squirreling around, hunting and gathering up treasures while she still can.
Early Sunday morning, after a quick visit to the nest, a frisky Jackie headed to the Lookout Snag where Shadow was waiting and soon sweet mating vocals filled the air! For Sunday brunch, Shadow surprised his love with a fish gift and while she ate, Shadow stuck around and did some light housekeeping... what a great mate! They spent the afternoon tree hopping and perching, then later met at the nest to tidy up. After they left for the night, they were heard mating once again.
Over the past three days, Jackie has spent close to 9 hours in the nest and about 1.5 hours laying down. Stay tuned eagle family… things are heating up!
BKind22
Congrats to Jackie and Shadow
January 25, 2025 - Jackie keeps it all organized…
Jackie spent the morning on egg-duty. When she flew off for a break shortly after dawn, she had a long, instructional discussion with Shadow nearby. He arrived to keep an eye on things while she was out. But, he soon let Jackie take over again because he had important business…
…catching a fish for Jackie’s lunch! When she sensed a fish being delivered, Jackie immediately made it clear to everyone that the arriving fish was hers. She has an egg in the nest now, so has full rightful claim on any fish lunches that show up. Shadow knows the rules. Now that there is an official egg, he turned the fish over to Jackie as soon as she maneuvered her way around the egg to accept it.
While Jackie ate, Shadow kept guard from the side limb. So, when Jackie finished and flew off, he was ready. He climbed down into the nest, stepping carefully to keep the egg safe. And he did nest duties for an hour to give Jackie a nice break.
Shadow gave Jackie another free hour in the mid-afternoon. Then, shortly before sundown, Jackie started squeaking that she needed a break again. As she moved out to the front porch, she did a full call out for a replacement egg guard. Answering his call to duty, Shadow arrived on the front balcony and Jackie filled him in on the status of everything…but, she apparently forgot a few instructions and shouted back twice from a distance to make sure Shadow got them all.
As Shadow settled in on the egg, he made sure every little stick and piece of fluff around the egg was in exactly the right place…and just before Jackie returned half an hour later, Shadow carefully inspected the egg. When she landed on the front balcony, he immediately reported that everything was fine and headed out for the night.
Jackie doubled checked that every twig and bit of fluff around the egg was properly set before she settled down to incubate for the night.
Fiona (the flying squirrel with a nest below Jackie’s nest) got a wing slap from Jackie last night when she came up to check for food. We will watch to see if she is more careful tonight, now that she realizes the big eagles are back home for the season.
Sandy