Blackwater NWR Eagle Cam

The camera has frequently updating still shots, and uses infrared technology to provide "night vision." During last year's nest season, the cam was turned off from 11 pm - 3 am to reduce bandwidth expenses. We expect the same for the cam this year. The cam website (link above) currently states:

The nest is located in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This is one of the first nests to have a cam, and has been online since 2005. The pair has successfully raised three chicks in 2005, and two each from 2006 through 2010. The pair successfully raised three chicks in 2011.


Screen capture by golden1


Screen capture by judyb

Based on past experience, look for eggs in mid to late January, chicks in mid February to early March, and fledging in mid to late May.

2011-2012 Season:

• adults in area: December 21, 2011 (Reported by Blackwater NWR)
  
• cam on: January 3, 2012
  
• eggs laid: January 11, 2:44 pm - #1; January 14, 4:09 pm - #2
  
• hatched: February 18, 2012 – about 12:22 p.m. - #1 and February 18, 2012 – evening. - #2 (per Blackwater Refuge Website)
  
• first time out of nestbowl: February 24 (6 days old)
  
• One chick perished: February 26, 2012 - Blackwater posted that intruder eagle killed the eaglet.
  
• Second chick succumbed to injuries by intruder: February 26, 2012

The 2012 Blackwater Family


(Information from Friends of Blackwater)

LInk to the thread for the previous nesting season

A very warm welcome to all who visit here.

In just about six weeks or so, we will be welcoming Mom and Dad Blackwater back to the nest. They will be busy working to build up the nest for the new wee ones that will arrive in the Spring. Mom and Dad Blackwater are great parents. Food is ample and Dad keeps the pantry full of fish for his family. It has been a pleasure watching the Blackwater eagle family over the past years. So, what's in store for this year? Hmmmm. Will there be one egg? Two eggs? Three eggs? I just can't wait to see. The cam refreshes about every 20 seconds during hatch time. We get to witness every step from the laying of the eggs to the hatching of the eggs, to the feedings, and to the fledges.

I hope you all will have a great time here.

On behalf of all of the members and administrators of the Hancock Wildlife Forums, WELCOME!!!

This was posted on the Friends of Blackwater Facebook page:

Friends of Blackwater NWR
If you're driving around Blackwater Refuge and you see a large brown bird in a tree, don't assume it's a turkey vulture. It could be an immature bald eagle, like the one in this photo, which was taken along the Wildlife Drive on Sunday. The bird appeared to be very young -- likely a first-year eagle -- which means there's at least a slight chance it was from the Eagle Cam brood.

This could be CC, Clip or Cam from the 2011 season!

Thanks for posting that, Lonette - and wonderful to think it might be one of them stopping back to say hello.

I'm glad you found that picture, Lonette!! We can certainly say that in OUR minds it is one of our babies!!!

Hi everyone.. Wonderful picture Lonette.. and to think it may be one of the fledgings...

Here is an update on the cam.. this is so exciting... am so looking forward to a live cam here...

Lonette.. I am particularly thrilled for you..

Wow

That is a beautiful picture. I am reading about some of the transmitter juvies and they are also close to home. The NOrfolk sub adults have been back at the Gardens in the last few weeks. The Decorah first year chick with transmitter is about 60 miles from home. Looks like we are learning more and more all the time.

I can't wait to see this pair again this year....its coming soon.....