Hello from Illinois

Posted by NewMexiKen on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/Hello-from-Illinois-tp2734689.html

It's great reading all your posts. It appears that the eaglets are following their instincts and are learning to feed and fend for themselves. It will be interesting (and a contribution to the fund of knowledge about urban Bald Eagles) to try to pinpoint several milestones: the day that adults are last observed bringing food to the nest, the last time the eaglets are seen returning to the nest at night, and the final sighting of adult and young eagles at or near the nest tree. The adults may depart earlier or later than the young, though I have read that they young may tend to hang around after the parents disappear. Yet, I believe that the young birds are known to wander farther north than the adults. What we learn will be specific to this nest, and may differ from what is known about eagles nesting further to the north and south.

Computer access has been a bit of a problem, but I think all is finally OK. I updated my Blog this morning, and have embedded Mike Fossler's great slide show at the top of the page.

Enjoying the change in seasons-- it is so different to see people out in short sleeves when the temperature climbs to 55 degrees!

I apologize for the calls that have gone unanswered and my tardy attention to the many e-mails (interspersed with spam that is now missing the filters in my laptop). Many people want to know what they can do to promote and assure that the Pembroke Pines eagle sanctuary becomes a reality. The most important thing will be to support Mayor Ortis's commitment to preservation. While funds may be scarce or even unavailable, he wishes to devote any available resources to the project. As a remote member of the Mayor's steering committee, I will try to keep abreast of events and issues, and keep everyone informed.

Up here, we are hearing about the big fire in the Everglades that closed down Alligator Alley. The very worst thing that could happen to our local eagle habitat would be to see it evaporate in flames. Fire danger must be a primary concern, and hopefully something will be done to mitigate the threat of fire to the primary nest tree as well as other large Australian Pines that serve as roosting sites and potential secondary nest locations. If they are destroyed, the only way to keep the eagles in Pembroke Pines would be to construct an artificial nesting platform.  

Be sure to visit the Hancock Wildlife Channel Eagle Nest Discussion group. When I get a chance, I will try to upload photos showing the development of the chicks from the day that Hope first poked her head above the nest rim, to my final views of them flying freely. So many of you have great photos to share with other eagle watchers from all over North America. It is interesting to see how the Florida breeding season is so far ahead of the others!

Best wishes to all!