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Ginnie McSpadden

Weekly Nest Notes: Living the Eagle Life

Harriet and M15 are adapting to Eagle life after the passing of E14. This is a different journey for Harriet over past nesting seasons that have been observed. In two previous seasons, there was a loss of an Eaglet leaving an Eaglet to be cared for. Since the second Egg did not hatch, Harriet and M15 have to adjust to a nesting season with no babies to raise.  They are hard-wired to perpetuate their species and this is new territory in fulfilling their purpose. Will Harriet and M15 try again… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Living the Eagle Life

Special Edition Nest Notes: E14 Soaring the Heavens

The Bald Eagle has long been celebrated by humankind for their strength, wisdom, hope, courage, and loyalty.  They have been held in reverence by many religions and cultures as an integral part of their traditions and spirituality. Magnificent flights take the Eagle to the highest heights among and above the clouds. This ability has been believed to create balance in their lives, allowing powerful vision while keeping a strong connection to the earth. Their survival commands them to live life in the moment and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. They fearlessly… Read More »Special Edition Nest Notes: E14 Soaring the Heavens

Weekly Nest Notes: Heading Upward (Jan. 14, 2020)

Harriet and M15 continue nurturing E14 on their fast track of growing strong and tall. Close to 4 weeks old, E14’s wingspan is nearly 2 feet and their little tail wiggles at almost 2 inches long. Upward and outward is the direction of E14’s stature as they are over a foot tall, weighing 5 to 6 pounds with a beak and feet that are almost fully grown. E14 is now able to be viewed from the ground with head and wings at times above the nest rails. Sleep and nourishing… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Heading Upward (Jan. 14, 2020)

Weekly Nest Notes: Growing & Learning (Jan. 7, 2020)

Harriet and M15 have watched E14 growing before their eyes over the last 2 weeks.  At hatching time E14 weighed about 2 ounces and was 3 inches tall. Now approaching 3 weeks, E14 is about a foot tall and weighs close to 3 pounds. E14 is mostly covered with darker grey thermal down feathers to help regulate their body temperature. E14 is alert and strong in between long naps that produce more growing spurts. Feet are bumping out quickly and little wings are developing pin feathers. E14 preens those sprouting… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Growing & Learning (Jan. 7, 2020)

Weekly Nest Notes: Growing Strong (Jan. 1)

Harriet and M15 provided a wide variety of food for growing E14 over the first week in the big new adventure. Fish, fowl, and mammals were stacked in the nest pantry as Mom and Dad took turns feeding E14 and feasting on the “nestovers” themselves. Harriet likes to lead at Family dinner time taking the items offered from M15 and then feeding E14. All the attention and good eats equal rapid growth as E14 approaches 2 weeks old. Little bobbling head E14 now sits upright tall and strong, peeping for… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Growing Strong (Jan. 1)

Special Nest Notes: E14 is Here!

Harriet and M15 spent countless hours protecting and incubating their cherished Eggs. They each took long breaks away from their nest duties possibly knowing that hatch time was approaching. They may also have sensed their workload will ramp up once eaglets arrive. Feeding and tending to their growing babies requires a lot of energy. M15 made sure the pantry was stocked with fish in anticipation of the new arrivals. Harriet and M15 have realized their reward as E14 began the hatching process and completely emerged from the shell on December… Read More »Special Nest Notes: E14 is Here!

Weekly Nest Notes: Countdown to Hatch (Dec. 10)

Harriet and M15 have been an efficient and unstoppable incubating team keeping their cherished Eggs in optimal condition. Soon it will be time for their new generation of Eaglets to break into the world. Mom and Dad welcome their rolls of nurturing and encouraging their new boisterous babies. They will then turn their focus to around the clock feeding and brooding of their hatchlings keeping them well fed, warm and protected. Harriet and M15 may appear to be looking and listening and may feel movement and peeps from the chick… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Countdown to Hatch (Dec. 10)

Weekly Nest Notes: Perfecting the Timing (Dec. 3)

Harriet and M15 have perfected the timing of their nest duty exchanges. One flies in with grass, sticks or a prey item and the other is ready to leave without missing a beat. They spend countless hours carefully rolling and incubating their treasured Eggs. Watching the skies and territory, preening and pulling grasses closer are done while protecting the Eggs which are about halfway to the hatching their precious Eaglets. Harriet and M15 engage in self-care during their free time, keeping themselves clean, strong, and nourished. Their chosen home territory… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Perfecting the Timing (Dec. 3)

Weekly Nest Notes: Patience & Dedication (Nov. 26)

Harriet and M15 provided continuous care and incubation of their prized packages over the week.  Around the clock, well-timed exchanges assure the Eggs will be warm and positioned just right. Harriet and M15 each take time away from nest duties to engage in soaring the skies, taking a refreshing bath in their pond and hunting prey for themselves. There have not been many food deliveries to the nest possibly to not attract others looking for a meal. Harriet and M15 continued bringing grasses and a stick or two keeping the… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Patience & Dedication (Nov. 26)

Weekly Nest Notes: Presenting the New Arrivals (Nov 19.)

Harriet and M15 began the week placing more materials in the nest for the arrival of their greatly anticipated Eggs. Additional sticks and grasses were brought as the nest becomes a secure and comfy nursery. Everything looked to be on schedule since Harriet has been known to lay their Eggs closer to the middle or end of November. Nature follows a path that adheres to principles unknown to humans. Instincts and inherent behaviors guide Harriet and M15 in their daily lives. Harriet laid the first Egg of the Season on… Read More »Weekly Nest Notes: Presenting the New Arrivals (Nov 19.)