Glad to see you here, eaglet - I'm afraid I need to leave for a while.

Sending good thoughts to all the eagles and people involved.

Hi Judy! I'll be here for a while more.

From the chat:

7:00
Shoebutton:
Almost everyone is assuming this is an Intruder...and why isn't the male attacking?

PLEASE wait for confirmation from Reese. I can't comment to all the comments/questions coming in - From Reese's post above this eagle is a female.

7:02 Trying to get a view of the tail feathers maybe?



ETA
7:22 No confirmation on who the other eagle is yet.

From the chat:

7:26
Reese:
Their reaction a few minutes ago indicates another eagle may be in the area.

7:27
Reese:
Female on branch has not given us a good look at her tail. Their is a questions as to how she is.

7:28
Reese:
There not their

7:28
Reese:
Rain is adding to the tension

7:28

8:07

Reese:
I believe the female that was on the branch this morning is the intruder eagle. She has a much more yellow beak, a much wider spot of dark feathers in top of her head. What little we could see of the tail showed just a couple black spots which is what photos from Cary Lynch and Mike Inman show. Female #3 has a much darker tail. Conclusion intruder eagle. Also helps to explain why she did not go into the nest.


Dad still in the nest.



8:23

Shoebutton:
Female #3 may not becoming back to the nest because she is trying to avoid another physical confrontation with the intruder and perhaps injuries for each eagle.

Dad is still on the nest.

I'll be out for a while.

8:35 Dad remains on the nest. It is not raining as hard.



Speculation by Shoebutton and Reese is that the dark spots on the back of dad's head may be from one of the altercations with the intruder.

8:48 Dad moves to the love branch and continues to be watchful.


Message from Reese: To our viewers,
You are extraordinarily fortunate to be able to observe something that is very, very rare-the possible replacement by yet a fourth 5 year old female at the NBG nest. NO ONE has ever seen this happen before. The moderators and I are trying our very best to provide you with accurate information and data about what you are seeing. No guesses or rumor but FACTS. No one of us knows just what is going to happen next. Stay tuned.

9:19 Dad continues to perch on the love branch. The intruder has not returned that has been mentioned by moderators or Reese. #3 has not come to the nest either.

9:24 same as above.

I hope DT is ok out there where ever she is

9:35 am

Reese's note really helped. This is truly not something we could have ever envisioned watching. What strikes me is that it is happening in a Botanical Park where there are lots of people coming in and out daily. That does not daunt the eagle seeking a home. I too hope DT is out there safe, if watchful and careful.

carolyn