Adult still incubating January 13 (Day # 33)

Posted by NewMexiKen on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/Adult-still-incubating-January-13-Day-33-tp7185587.html

Mary Lou and I checked on the welfare of the eagles on January 11 and today, the 33rd day since the first egg was laid. On the 11th we did not see any eagles on or near the nest, but we assumed that an incubating adult was low in the nest and not visible. The same for today, around 10:15 AM. We watched the nest for about 20 minutes before we saw the incubating adult suddenly stand up and shift its position. It quickly moved back down into the nest, so all I got was a shot of its head before it completely disappeared.

This is the first year when there were no recorded observations of both eagles at or near the nest at the same time during the incubation period. Usually that are several records of seeing one of the pair roosting nearby while the other is on the nest, and watchers have also reported the exchange of incubation duties between members of the pair. In past nesting seasons there has never been an instance of prey exchange during migration, though the male was seen bringing in fresh nest materials on one occasion. The major factor this year may be the small number of observers and recorded observations.

I hope readers get out to see if there is a change in behavior on the part of the birds during the next few days that may indicate that the first egg has hatched-- examples are both adults peering down into the nest, the brooding bird starts sitting a bit higher, and the onset of delivery of prey to the nest.