Here is the info. from the WVa nest.. Debs Posted this..

We contacted David Hancock to let him know we had another intruder intrusion at the NCTC nest located in West Virginia and that this was the second year in a row that we have had an intruder intrusion at this particular nest.

We provided David with a summary of last year’s events just as a refresher as David was well aware of the intrusion here last year as well. We also detailed information on the current situation that included our observations, scaps, collages and video.

We advised David that our overall impression was that the intruder was female and that she was likely just reaching sexual maturity (possibly 5 years old) and that her overall goal was to take over the nest and territory from our resident birds Belle and Smitty.

Here is David's Response:
First happy new year. SEcond, what a fine details story and collection of videos and stills.

I think you got it right. With building populations of eagles there is going to result in constant challenges for territories -- it might well be a good indicator that the population density is reaching maximum. Or at least the best territories are getting filled with breeders. The result is that maturing birds can't readily find unexploited territory and have to challenge residents for a site. This in the long run is what drives evolution -- the strongest wins.

In the first video (intruder is in the nest Smitty had left) it sounds like the off cam calling bird is a female -- protesting the dark headed adult in the nest. The bird in the nest certainly looks female and has a lot of dark head feathers and possibly dark tail tips. When she is driven off at 1 oclock I can't see much of the other bird.
However, the next scene with male (Smitty) and female (Belle) on the nest show two birds that are compatible. The male is not intimidated and them mounts the female - good bonding. This is a different female and probably the resident owner and certainly the male’s regular mate. The male interestingly has several of dark head feathers but in some birds can apparently last 6 to 8 years -- but rarely. Do you think this is the same male as last year or also new (yes we do)?

I think the intruding female has simply made an attempt to take over a nest and in this effort, if the video is sequenced, she has failed. But as I said earlier this testing will become more common as eagle densities increase -- stressful for them and the watchers. We have certainly seen some of this in our area where population levels have been high for quite some time. But as adjacent areas also fill up the contest for territories will be not so much to find an unoccupied territory, which are taken, but to challenge an existing pair. I notice in the snow scenes that the female is the full adult - presumably the regular adult. The general rule is that the existing resident has some psychological advantage and üsually"wins. But not always!



Let Your Spirit Soar 365 days of the year!
Nesting since day one.

Good Morning

It is windy here AGAIN I will have to go walk inside at the Mall again. I really do not like it the air is not "fresh air". But I need to walk as much as I can.

FSV has been very quiet. Eagles incubate, move a few sticks and switch places. I am glad for that. I looked in on Lucy and Larry this morning and there is still only 1 egg there. I am hoping for another soon.

Richmond nests is such fun. I have to love those mods as there are several wheel chair bound vets that chat and they are so respectful of them. They draw out their stories and it is just so kind. One of them said the other day that his days are happier because of the eagle watching he is doing.

Sara, Barb, and JEan I sure hope these storms stop soon. Sounds like there is more stormy weather tomorrow.

Diane take care and keep us posted on how you are doing. I am loving all the flower pics.

Bev that is a really interesting response from DAvid.

Have a wonderful day all. bbl

Bev, here's the pictures you asked for.

Good Afternoon......

Adorable Gorilla Jean!

Bev asked me to post a picture or two of my Steiff Lamb that I have had since I was 10. Here is her story.....

We went to church in another town about 15 minutes away up Route 4 in NJ. Every Sunday almost we stopped on the way home at a restaurant called Holly's to have lunch/dinner. Money was tight as my dad was starting up his engineering firm but this was a big treat. I usually always had Fried Shrimp and Chocolate Pudding with whipped cream for dessert and my brother 2 years older had Fried Chicken. We usually sat at the counter which was kind of fun!

It was Eastertime and I was all dressed up and behind the register sat this lamb that I wanted so badly. My dad reached into his pocket, found the $10 and got it for me. It is a Steiff Lamb with a button in its ear and has bells that jingle. It probably was my proudest possession all my growing up years and stayed with me. I just remember the feeling of joy carrying it home and holding my dad's hand.

Here it is!
carolyn

Cute monkeys and lamb.

This most likely my good night post. I am about to start supper and then the AV's are playing. They have not played very well the last 2 games. .

It was pretty much a day of quiet incubating at the nests.

I went out and since it was 63 degrees I went for a walk despite the wind. It wasn't too bad. And I loved being outside. I saw a hawk and a bald eagle flying around. The hawks have a nest near the park, but the eagle I cannot find where it is located. Watching them soaring was a high point in my day.

So I will check in tomorrow. Have a good evening and Sweet EAgle Dreams.

What a delight to come here and see the pictures..

Jean.. The Gorilla is precious... i also love Chihuahua pup and Serta Sleeper Sheep!Love the pink bow on the little Serta Sleeper..
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Carolyn... The Steiff Lamb is adorable...thank you for sharing the story of you and your Dad.. it is so touching.... i love hearing about our childhood days.... our parents were all so giving and still today their love is reflected in all of us.....

Thanks Jean and Carolyn for posting your treasures here for all of us to enjoy....

Donna... I enjoy reading what the Mods at the Richmond Nest say also....

Diane.... I will be stormin heaven for you tomorrow.... it is not fair to be in so much pain.... good luck my friend .....

Good Night everyone.... see you all tomorrow...

Hugs Bev......

WE HAVE A FLEDGE AT THE PHOEBE ALLEN HUMMINGBIRD NEST..

CONGRATULATIONS SANSA.. FLY FREE ... LIVE A LONG HAPPY LIFE IN A BEAUTIFUL FLOWER GARDEN..

Good Morning Friends... We had freezing rain and snow during the night...

Have a good day everyone.... Diane..we are thinking of you... let us know how you got along with the Dr. when you have time...

Hugs Bev.....