Smugglers Slough Nest * 2-18-10

This is the third nest that I am watching. This nest is located on the back corner of Frank's dairy farm, about 2 kilometers South of the Red River nest. He has generously allowed me onto his land to watch this old nest. Frank tells me "I can't remember a time when this nest wasn't here". He has lived his whole life in the area.
Last Thursday was my first visit to the nest. Both adults were home. In and out of the nest. It was a crisp breezy morning. The birds seem to really enjoy the wind, soaring and swooping. After about 30 minutes , they both left, one disappeared, the other perched in a nearby tree and remained there for another 30 minutes or so till I left. Here are a few photos from this visit. * Click photos bigger.

Smugglers Slough Nest * 2-18-10



The nest tree was swaying quite a bit in the wind !! It is very exposed.

Smugglers Slough Nest * 2-22-10

I visited the nest this morning. No one home. Very quiet in the neighborhood.
I stayed and waited for about 45 minutes. No action except for one passing red tail hawk, a killdeer, and a couple harriers.
Here is a view of the Red River nest from the Smugglers Slough nest, as seen through a 300 mm lens.

Great reports on the nests Doug, boy that will keep you hopping this year that’s for sure when all 3 get eggs and you’ll have juvies to watch for. My favorite pic since my last visit is the eagles talking to each other as the one comes in. I love that! That’s really something that Frank doesn’t recall being without the nest, very well established.

You’re doing an awesome job and good luck with the egg watch

Smugglers Slough Nest * 2-24-10 * 3:10-3:40pm local time.
One adult in nest tree. It flies off to join its partner in a tree in the far corner of the field.

Red River Nest * 2-24-10 * 3:55pm
One adult in nest tree when I arrived. It soon flew off.
One adult in nest the entire time I was there. We may have incubation under way !!

Nooksack Nest * 2-24-10

No one home when I stopped by this nest today.
I'm not sure that this nest is active.
I'll keep checking it.

Thanks for the coffee Doug and woohoo to incubation!! Are you packing up your tent and gear?