Berry College Eagle 2019

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Your welcome Sally!! Scanning the DVR, Pa quit brooding @ 2:03. He had to as Ma came flying in with a humongous stick causing him to duck as she flew over his head with it! He went to a branch and eventually left. He has not brooded since today. They have been in and out eating, aerating, nestorations, etc. Ma brought some fresh pine greenery and placed beside the bole. They are usually arriving within 2-3 minutes of each other, but are beginning to stay off the nest and @ the same time increasing those intervals both are off the nest from 30 minutes to over an hour. Both returned @ dusk, Pa first, then Ma. Pa left shortly after Ma's arrival for the night and she remains on duty standing @ bole side as I leave!! But wait, as I was leaving I heard a wing flap and went back in and Ma has flown to the branch on the left and she is facing the nest as I leave now! Good night Ma and Pa ... our hearts are with you!!: :15heartbeat:

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 12:41 am

awe, mom is standing guard on left branch. been watching this wonderful pair today, I really di d not think, my heart could hurt as it does. But I love this nest . never has there been a season without an eaglet or two. this is always my warm place for the winter, and will always be.
night Ma and Pa. . tomorrow begins a new chapter for you. Write it well. I will be there with you

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Ferenz · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 2:15 am

Though it was heartbreaking for me to see that bad outcome and the death of two lovely eaglets
I will thank all forum members & Berry affectionados for their s'caps and brave comments
expressing their hope that B 12 and B 13 shall survive I share your grieve
but humble to learn the essence: nature does it's course
and man has little chance to intervene...because we are guests only watching the wild.

gigi · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 9:48 am

From FB: "We've received many questions about the recent heartbreaking deaths of our two eaglets. At 3 p.m. EST Wednesday, February 27th, we will live stream a Q&A at https://www.berry.edu/eaglecam/ with Berry Associate Professor of Biology Renee Carleton and Berry College Elementary School teacher Lewis Byrne. The session will be recorded and posted later for those who cannot tune in live. Please comment with your question on this post only. We will get to as many as we can, but will not be able to answer all. Thank you."
:sorrow:

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Ma spent the night on the branch, only going to the nest (spending almost 2 hours) once in the middle of the night. She left @ 6:23 and Pa came to the nest about 40 minutes later with a stick and worked on nestorations before leaving. Later Pa returns and Ma shortly after with a stick that Pa wrangles from her and places on the rail. She left @ 8:26 and I have not seen her since. Pa has been in and out and one of those times with another stick that he works into the railing. Other than eating once, his primary activity has been the railing and clearing the floor of the nest of smaller sticks, etc. He even placed the greens brought in yesterday to the rail. He left @ 9:30 and @ this time (11:46) the nest has been empty since.

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 3:48 pm

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Thanks Bev! Pa returned to the nest before noon with a wad of fluff that he placed over a hole in the nest bole that had developed earlier today! He stayed about 8 minutes leaving @ 1203 and he has not been back since. The only visit Ma has made to the nest today since she left from her overnight stay was the 3 minute visit with her stick delivery that I spoke of above. So, she has not been seen since since 8:29 this morning.

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 3:55 pm

dad covering baby12 with hay . he came in with fresh hay and covered the gap over B12

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Dr. Carlton's report is over. I'm a big baby, I took notes and when I get a hold of myself, I will share some in awhile ...

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 4:50 pm

that was an excellent broadcast. :16val:

one o f the reasons I never posted during any of this, as I never want anyone to think I know it all. adn I just wanted to be in my own thoughts .

I was just happy to hear her say, she did not feel the parents caused this at all. as she said , in any nest, eagles have to land hard, and there is always a possibility for a parent to land on an egg or baby but sh e did not feel that was the case here.
I always felt it was long incubation and weather, as I talked to my biologist. and of course bacteria due to weather. so to hear her reiterate that , brought me peace. But as she said , we will never really know

So I am at peace now, :5val:

after listening to this kind well spoken lady. I will donate to Berry eagles in memory of B12 and B13.

I was also pleased to hear her talk about how formidable Ma Berry is, and how sh e has been able to defend against other females, and she really feel s, she will continue to do so. I really believe in a future fo her here. she does not show her leg injury. this I get from the ground people and their photos.

I will try and find where they will place taped edition and post it here. so I hop e to still see them from time to time

so rest in peace my sweet eaglets and we will move on. :7val:

gigi · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 4:56 pm

Thank you for the summary, Bev. :sorrow:

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 5:11 pm

here is a link. not sure for how long
https://www.berry.edu/eaglecam/eagleQA/

and I believe SWINK took some notes .

Sally · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 6:29 pm

Thank you everyone for your reporting!

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Bev, it was an excellent report from Dr. Carleton!! It triggered an unexpected emotional response from me @ the end, but those things happen when you are so attached and you have listened to a report from someone as sensitive and knowledgeable as she. While horribly sad @ times, it is a pleasure and deep honor to follow Ma and Pa and their family this season. I am going to post what I took away from this report in the order Dr. Carlton was asked pretty much. She felt B13's death was from the long hatch and long time from the shell. B12 they won't know, but possibly weaker, injury by 1 of parents or something in the nest (She did mention injuries from parents can and have happened in other nests), respiratory infection from wet conditions in nest (mentioned molds, etc,). Does not think toxins or bird flu d/t no signs of neuro symptoms. She mentioned extended incubation can deplete sources available for them. Both had extended incubation periods not normally seen here. Does not believe fishing line was an issue, because B12 could turn 180 degrees @ one point in the nest. She felt B12's "crying" was d/t distress from possible causes such as difficulty breathing, hunger, or weakness from whatever caused it's death. They will not recover the body for necropsy. Eaglet success to fledge here is now 77% (90% prior to this season) while the average for nests is 65%. Reasons she gave for success @ this nest is probably d/t: parents, habitat and protective measures taken and upheld for this nest. At some point she reminded us we are watching wildlife as Ferenz had mentioned above. However they did contact the Georgia DNR and Fish and Wildlife Services, but could not do anything till FWS gave the approval. Later in report she mentioned they did not hear back with an approval from FWS @ the point in time.(crucial - my word) Would have needed Georgia Power's truck, but not available d/t recent rains and trucks necessity elsewhere in community. Hazards were: ground is soft from rains, sink hole could have developed or roots to the tree damaged causing death of the tree, parental stress or possible harm to the eagles or parents may attack. She mentioned B13 was consumed by one parent. (I witnessed all 3 consuming @ some time or another) Stated father buried B12 to keep the nest clean as he had done in past with an egg that did not hatch. She stated the parents are aware of the deaths. Animals do not grieve for a long period ... nature's way of allowing animals to move on quickly. From here ... parents will stay for awhile, no more eggs this season as it is too late and she does not expect them to abandon the nest. She was asked about other eagles seeing Ma's weakness (injury) and did reply that eagles are opportunists, but said that Ma is a "fierce, fierce, defender"! At some point she mentioned Ma and Pa will do anything for the survival of their chicks. She said panting is most likely from the warmer weather they are experiencing here this winter and stress can cause panting, but she does not think that is the case here. When asked about them fostering an egg from another nest, she said the FWS would have to approve and of course there would be the same dangers getting them to the nest as talked about previous. She believes they are in the 12-15 y/o range, live 25 years, can reproduce into their 20's. They have talked about rehab for Ma. My impression is they would do so if she got to the point that was necessary, but she is for now carrying on with and capable of all the activities necessary for an eagle. Capturing a fully-flighted eagle is difficult. Leg nooses on bait would be a hazard to her good leg, also rocket propelled nets could cause injury. She believes Ma has a fracture of a leg bone that would require surgical repair that would also carry the additional risks of anesthesia, infection, rehab, possibility of male accepting another mate in this time period that upon release Ma may battle. Goes on to mention what happened to Ozzie in SWFL in that same situation. This is a summary from my notes taken.

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 8:28 pm

SWINK

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2019 8:58 pm

i think they are still in their pattern of when to com e in and out adn bring fresh materials

ma brings in nesting material

pa in

then ma in

like them I feel a sense of holding on for a bit.
to me a positive i s for Ma Berry to rest that leg. she had to endure so much during the rain. not being able to leave and get enough breaks. But Pa certainly gave her enough when it cleared up.
they are truly the best :7val:

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Thanks, bev! And thanks for your pics and commentary!! Scanning the DVR on the old IE, I found Pa coming in late afternoon and Ma shortly after with the fluff as noted by bev above and in pics. Both got busy and spread that fluff to the floor! Pa left after 5 minutes, but Ma remained standing in the center of the nest looking down @ the bole, then afar, then she preened. Eventually, she pulled up that old squirrel hide and ate and tore @ it till she finally was able to swallow the remaining part whole! It took her 30 minutes. Then she left. I missed seeing Pa @ dusk that bev caught above. She returned (after Pa left) @ dusk looking around, but stayed only 6 minutes before flying out and around landing on a branch of a distant tree behind and to the right of the nest tree. You could just barely see a white spot that was her head through all the branches. I thought I could make out Pa in a distant tree behind and center to the nest that it has taken me till this season to realize he perches there and I have watched them since 2013. Your always learning something new ...

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12717

Ma and Pa renew their vows to each other @ 7:23!! In a back tree on right, upper, screen you can orient yourself to where they are @ 7:23 and see Ma fly in, then @ 7:25 Pa comes in and the mating ritual is completed!! :7val:

bonbon · **Joined:** Thu May 21, 2015 8:04 pm **Posts:** 2210

Wow - thanks for all of the amazing info, comments, pics and videos.

Dr. C. is wonderful (as are all of YOU!). :15heartbeat:

I guess we are spoiled - the disappearance of the easy-going NEFL pair and now seeing this sad outcome.

Thanks again.

:15heartbeat:

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