Friday DEC 13-- 9:30 AM Exchange of incubation duties

Posted by NewMexiKen on
URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/Friday-DEC-13-9-30-AM-Exchange-of-incubation-duties-tp7573273.html

Mary Lou and I arrived at the nest a little after 9:00 AM, parking on the grass next to the turning lane unto 209th Avenue. We found the female incubating deep in the nest. Landscapers were performing maintenance and were parked in front ot the nest, so I photographed the nest from the median. At times she was entirely hidden from view, but usually the top of her head could be seen to the left side of the nest. A couple of times she raised her head.





The male was nowhere in sight, and it was a bit like watching the grass grow, so I crossed back to the north side of the road to pack away my camera. At 9:27 AM the male suddenly flew in from the right (west) carrying a white bird. He appeared to pick at it briefly, but my photos only show him rearranging nest lining material. (Unfortunately, a bus stopped right in front of us and the driver kindly informed us that if we came back around between 12 noon and 1:00 PM it would be a better time to see the eagles, so I missed his landing).



The female stayed low for a minute or so, then stood up and walked to the left rim of the nest, preparing to fly off.





At 9:29 she departed and disappeared to the left rear (SE) side of the nest tree.



The male then took up incubation duties.